Marvel Studios broke the Web in the summertime of 2024 when it was revealed that Robert Downey Jr. would play Physician Doom within the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Since then, the previous Tony Stark portrayer’s tackle the enduring unhealthy man has been teased on a number of events. A few of Downey’s former collaborators – together with quite a few actors – have since reacted to the Oscar winner’s newest superhero film gig. Iron Man 3 director Shane Black is among the newest to weigh in on the Doom information, and he made an enormous declare as nicely.
Shane Black likes to subvert expectations relating to sure genres, and he actually does that with Iron Man 3, which places extra emphasis on Tony Stark versus his armored alter ego. Greater than a decade after the discharge of that 2013 threequel, Black and RDJ have teamed up for the motion thriller Play Soiled. Whereas selling the movie, Black spoke to ComicBook and was requested for his tackle Downey taking part in Doom. Not solely does Black suppose it’s good for Marvel, however he thinks superhero motion pictures as a complete will profit:
I feel he’s going to singlehandedly reinvigorate your entire comedian ebook film trade with that. I imply, it appeared like at first a cynical thought, you realize, ‘Oh, let’s simply return to the nicely of the one man that appears to all the time save us.’ But it surely’s going to work. It’s actually going to work. And he’s dropped at it… I’m not at liberty to say something, not that I do know. I’m thrilled as a result of I’m first in line to see that. I haven’t seen all of the Marvel motion pictures. I’ll see that one first.
That’s a serious declaration the Predator helmer makes, to say the least. I imply, it’s honest to say Robert Downey Jr.’s flip as Doom might actually shake up dynamics inside the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nevertheless, the notion of it having ramifications on upcoming superhero motion pictures is sort of a notion. I’m not saying I disagree with Shane Black right here and, in truth, I like his confidence and optimism. Additionally, to be honest, if any actor has the potential to “singlehandedly invigorate” a style, it’s Downey.
Over the previous yr or so, there have been a bevy of enjoyable Physician Doom casting reactions from varied MCU alums. Captain America icon Chris Evans responded positively to his longtime co-star’s new position, even utilizing a humorous pizza analogy to explain his emotions. Loki star Tom Hiddleston was stunned by RDJ’s casting, as he realized about it when the world at massive did. Nonetheless, Hiddleston discovered the casting to be “outstanding” and “completely extraordinary.” Late Doom actor Julian McMahon additionally expressed approval forward of his loss of life earlier this yr.
As for Robert Downey Jr. himself, he’s revealed the story behind being solid as Doom. Downey defined that his casting started in earnest with a dialog with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige, throughout which the actor was asking about how he might help with Disney’s “location-based” leisure. After Feige pitched the notion of him taking part in Victor von Doom, Downey requested if they might meet with Disney CEO Bob Iger, who authorized of the thought.
Particulars on Physician Doom’s MCU debut stay scarce, although it feels like Downey is bringing his A-game. Doomsday administrators Joe and Anthony Russo revealed that crafting the MCU villain had been a “very intense” course of, although in addition they mentioned Downey had been completely “dialed in” to getting it proper. Ought to the star knock the character out of the park, perhaps it might elevate the movie, and it’ll have the ripple results Shane Black believes it’s going to.
Try Robert Downey Jr. as Physician Doom when Avengers: Doomsday opens in theaters on December 18, 2026. Within the meantime, stream Downey’s earlier MCU performances by streaming them with a Disney+ subscription.