Robert Downey Jr. is making ready to make his triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe within the position of Physician Doom, a personality he’ll play within the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. In fact, the beloved actor will all the time be well-known for his profitable efficiency as Tony Stark a.okay.a. Iron Man within the large franchise. Simply this weekend, Downey truly referenced the fictional hero’s legacy in a candy approach whereas hoping to advertise some contemporary sights headed to Disneyland.
This 12 months’s South by Southwest (or SXSW) is at present in impact, and the Austin, Texas-based occasion has welcomed a slew of stars to this point. Throughout a panel, RDJ made a particular look alongside Disney Leisure co-chairman Alan Bergman and Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro. Whereas discussing expertise for theme park sights, the Oscar winner (through THR) defined how Tony Stark’s scientific prowess continues to impression his personal life:
It’s been 17 years of being related to an iconic superhero, however it’s the message he represents that I’m grateful for. Tony opened my eyes wider to the facility expertise has to impression the world for good, and that’s one thing I’ll carry with me for the remainder of my days.
In relation to the MCU, Tony Stark firmly represents the world of expertise and the way it may be utilized in optimistic – and generally destructive – methods. Stark is all the time somebody who seems forward, and that tendency helps form the world round him. As he mentions to Pepper Potts within the unique Iron Man film (which could be streamed with a Disney+ subscription), he’s referred to as many issues and “nostalgic” isn’t considered one of them. That forward-facing ultimate is commendable, and I can perceive why RDJ appreciates it a lot.
Actually, it’s nonetheless arduous to imagine that it’s been practically 20 years since Robert Downey Jr. first appeared because the droll and pushed Tony Stark. The star, together with a number of writers, administrators and producers – helped give Stark a multi-faceted journey that noticed him do battle with demons (each inner and exterior). Again in 2024, Downey mirrored on enjoying Iron Man for thus lengthy, saying it’s nice to be linked to such a personality however joking that the novelty wore off a bit as time went on.
The acclaimed actor will definitely be taking up a brand new kind of problem when he steps into the metallic footwear of Victor Von Doom. Nonetheless, it will appear that he’s already all in on the half and goes to nice lengths to arrange. Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars administrators Joe and Anthony Russo revealed that the star has even been serving to to craft Doom’s backstory and extra for the upcoming Marvel motion pictures.
However relaxation assured, fellow followers, as Robert Downey Jr. has completely forsaken Tony Stark. In reality, he’s truly reprising the position for Stark Flight Lab — a brand new attraction that’s set to open at Disneyland’s Avengers Campus. Additionally being added to the park is Avengers: Infinity Protection, a brand new darkish experience that’s been described as a multi-world journey. It goes with out saying that superhero and theme parks fanatics received’t be left wanting relating to Marvel choices.
I can’t assist however smile over the truth that RDJ nonetheless feels a closeness to Tony Stark and hope that he does certainly “carry” the character’s appreciation of tech with him for years to return. The actor will make his big-screen debut as Physician Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, which opens in theaters on Could 1, 2026. Within the meantime, monitor Stark’s journey by streaming the assorted Marvel motion pictures so as on Disney+.