Robert Downey Jr. is Doctor Doom! Marvel SDCC Panel Breakdown!

Spot on feedback. This feels desperate. Marvel has been relying on wayy too many gimmicks versus good stories and characters. Even some of the best movies lately have relied more on fan service/gimmicks (no way home, Deadpool&wolverine)

I really hope they can nail the next few movies but even then they just don’t have near the likeable characters they had in the infinity saga.

Hope they can have some coherency from here to secret wars, marvel needs that finale to be a home run

What a difference 5 years makes. Time really flies no cap

I dont think this is desperate at all. I think it’s a stroke of genius and the stories they could tell is very intriguing. And they have tried the traditional doctor doom route before more or less. Why not try something different? The storyline of the person that was the greatest hero we’ve ever saw, is now the biggest villain the heroes will have to fight. It’s a very intriguing storyline. It could be bad but it could be amazing

Since Dr Doom is facially deformed and also constantly in a mask, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the case that Victor von Doom is a Tony Stark from another universe, it could be the case that Tony Stark and Victor von Doom existed concurrently in the same universe and to the characters they’re totally different

Honestly, this is probably the worst decision that Marvel has ever made, and that’s saying a lot!!
If it were me I would’ve stuck with the Kang storyline and just recast the character with a great Actor after firing Jonathan Majors. If i were to bring back RDJ back to the MCU, I’d probably cast him as an evil Iron Man variant, Superior Iron Man.
If I were to bring Doctor Doom into the MCU, I’d cast either Cillian Murphy or Brian Cranston! More importantly, I’d probably save Doctor Doom for another Saga to build him up better!

it makes no logical sense.

Everyone in the comments: But they specifically said he was playing "Victor Von Doom".

Okay, BUT--

Their referring to Robert Downey Jr. as, "Victor Von Doom" rather than simply, "Dr. Doom"-- could just be a semantic misdirect in order to keep fans guessing, and prevent us from knowing that he's actually a Tony Stark variant too soon/ before the studio wants us to.

Now, is Dr. Doom being a Tony Stark variant the best move they could have made? Well, where the MCU is concerned-- yes. I believe it is.

Firstly, it's poetic in that they're ending what is now a twenty-year long franchise with the same actor/ character.

Not only that, but the potential to deconstruct, and expand on the character relationships that've been steadily established over that time (what will be two decades) is as surreal, as it is unprecedented. Especially since it will have been nearly ten years since we'd last seen him in the MCU proper. And that's following what is still the most potent, poignent moment in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe TO THIS DAY.

Having Robert Downey Jr.'s interpretation of Dr. Doom being a variant of Tony Stark would open the door to many, many deeply-impactful character interactions that Dr. Doom would otherwise not have access to. Or even, the audiance, for that matter.

Does it appear "convenient", or even "lazy"? Sure. But, the positives far outweigh the negatives. And once the MCU is properly rebooted with immediate access to all of the characters, and storylines that it couldn't utilize the first time around-- A more comic-accurate Dr. Doom will be just around the corner, waiting to be explored.

The mcu is a soap opera now. Stories need finality. Let it rest, guys.

the russos are very good Tv directors, and the mcu is just one high budgeted tv series.

i love RDJ, i liked the MCU very much up to endgame plus GOTGv3.

even with RDJ back i don’t feel excited. it feels like a move made to stop the bleeding.

i trust RDJ to bring it. i don’t trust the writers. i don’t trust feige… he turned out to be a stooge and allowed his vision to be hijacked by others.

i’ll probably watch marvel on streaming.

I'm mixed on the idea... On the one hand there's a lot of story potential here on having Dr. Doom come in with the face of a familiar hero, and how that can psychologically mess with some characters. Tom Holland's Peter in particular I think would need to be in big focus for both films, especially while he has the black suit, as I feel it would make it so Doom could have an easy time manipulating him given his relationship with Tony.

At the same time... Man this just feels so needlessly risky and desperate. Like, yeah if they brought him back as Iron Man it would still be desperate, but given they brought Hugh Jackman back and that worked out well for Deadpool and Wolverine, I don't think people would mind much. And seeing as Secret Wars is likely going to be a celebration of all of Marvel on film, just go all the way with the idea and have him play Iron Man for that last time. It's an especially desperate play because everyone knows that this wasn't planned at all.

But who knows, the fact they revealed something that big this soon might mean there's more to this, but at this point I have my doubts.

Wow this guy is really invested in this thing lol. It’s not that deep man. It’s just a movie.

I wish they could put off the avengers movies for a few more years and take the time to build up their stars. Let us spend more time with Shang-Chi, Moon Knight, Ms Marvel, etc so that we care about them when the next big things happens. We could us an Ultron level Avengers film before we go right back into Infinity War/Endgame territory again

This is such a disservice to the character of Doom. Doom might literally be the greatest character in all of marvel comics. Doom has been deeply integrated into the supernatural world of marvel (foil of dr strange and enemy of mephisto). Doom has been at the pinnacle of the technological world of marvel. Doom has been the absolute monarch of an entire nation, and therefore an untouchable international figure with diplomatic immunity. Doom has been the champion of his nation's subjects...number one in his citizen's hearts. Doom has been that villain we love to hate. He's similar to magneto in the aspect that it has been difficult, even for heroes sometimes...to call him a villain. He's literally the villain that we cheer for instead of the hero. Doom literally snatched the cosmic cookie out of both galactus and the beyonder's mouths...by himself. A character like this absolutely deserves some build up, back story, gradual introductions. He's more than just a disposable villain. The marvel universe has actually needed Doom for survival...repeatedly. You don't put a character like this, in another character's shadow.

Marvel Studios is course-correcting. Nothing except for “No Way Home” and “Deadpool 3,” both of which were not tainted by woke Disney, worked for Marvel (Although I have a soft spot for Sam Raimi’s Dr. Strange 3)

Congratulations Kevin Feige for rehiring the Russos and Robert Downey Jr. Old School is the best, and not this pc shlock that we have had to suffer through since “Endgame.” I am exited for RDJ’s return, he’s a terrific actor and will do a great job.

I think RDJ will bring a great performance as Doom, and I can't wait to see what he and the Russo's cook up for us in the next two Avengers movies. I think seeing Holland's Spiderman and Doom interacting would be something to see and definitely a cool moment. That being said out of all the announcements, I'm more excited for Fantastic Four than any other the announcements at this point and time.

Also there is the question of if it will work, if they persure the Sue Storm love trianage with Reed Richards and Dr Droom, Vanessa Kirby is 23 younger than RDJ, This risks going in to the same territory of the later Roger Moore Bond movies, where he was older than the love interest's mothers!

Perfect, because RDJ is so well known for playing evil antagonist characters.

I bet it works out really well

Since stan lee is gone i think itd be funny and a smart move to make Deadpool that cameo in every movie short though like stan lees. His first one could be a wall break claiming he cant fill the shoes or something

I guarantee disneys sales pitch to RDJ was you're already the biggest hero in the MCU. Now you could be the biggest villain in the MCU. As i think Dr Doom is a better and more layered villain in the comics compared to Thanos. The buildup for Thanos was almost great but just good. Buildup is how you make a villain matter, marvel movies often feel like the villain of the week. Zero buildup for Dr Doom, even if its good wont have the lasting impact as Thanos.

The only way I’ll be interested if they approach Dr Doom as Todd Phillips 2019 Joker. Marvel will not be able to do Dr Doom justice in a quick succession Avengers action movie. Previous Fantastic Four movies failed to really reach the depth of the character.

If it ain't broke, don't fucking fix it!!

Pretty sure this announcement is a big deke. The Russos are smart enough not to play their big hand at Comic Con. RDJ may be the Infamous Iron Man variant of Dr Doom, but he won't be THE Doctor Doom. We've gotta give the Russos credit for the their past Marvel successes and ability to take stories and moments from the comics and do something different with them. Is this their way to resurrect Tony Stark/Iron Man? Maybe. But one thing I'm pretty sure of is that RDJ's Doom won't be the Thanos of these two films and that the true Dr. Doom will come into play.

And I am ..... now Doom!

If they cast Toby Maguire as Thanos everyone would understand why this is weird

u know the brand is going to shi* when they have to get Robert and the russos back so they can have the same fire they once had.but no it just came off as desperate

It’s Doctor Doomlittle!

It feels like they're slowly transforming into the new DCEU, although that franchise at least took risks (largely stupid risks, but risks nonetheless).

I feel like he said new mask same task bc he’s in a similar position as his first movie the MCU needs a new foundation

I think that’s a mistake they coulda kept kang and recasted him. Kang of Loki was good I think they didn’t let it build yet lol forget about a 10 year foundation many of the original characters had not all the movies weee well received

I’m glad RDJ is back and is playing my 2nd or 1st favourite Marvel Villain…Victor Von Doom aka Dr.Doom…I’m happy…I can tell RDJ is gonna do great as Dr.Doom…and I trust in the Russo Brothers and the others involved!!!
(I’m also glad it’s not a Tony Stark Variant and is in fact…Victor Von Doom)

🤩Spider-Man🤟Vs💚DrIronManDOOM💚Spidey Will Be Heart Breaking For My Spidey🤟😍Praying for SpiderMan Found A New Home & Family😁

Totally agree about RDJ as Doom and I'm so disappointed that we will have never gotten to see a true adaptation of the comic book character. It's one thing to have discarded Crossbones in Civil War, Surtur in Thor: Ragnarok, or even the one-and-done with Hela in Ragnarok, but this is Dr. Doom and as a likely Stark variant, he will be another one-and-done villain.

I was excited about Kang as “The Boss” of Phase 6 in part because it meant that Dr. Doom was still a card in the deck that had not yet been played. He had the potential to be a recurring figure in the MCU similar to Loki (or Magneto in the Fox movies). Phase 6 could have set him up as an overarching villain steadily developed to be "The Boss" of Phase 9. Not only is it cheap and a gimmick, but it's the ruination of so much potential with this character...So we’re not only tossing Kang in the trash bin, but now we’re tossing Doom in there along with him.

When I first started collecting Captain America comics in the early 90s, the Serpent Society was the big overarching monolithic villain group that the Steve Rogers CA was spending most of his time going up against while Red Skull operated mostly in the background, popping up upon occasion, so I’m mildly excited about this. I’m also excited to see Tim Blake Nelson return as The Leader, though something tells me that he will be quickly discarded, similar to Crossbones in Civil War…I'm keeping my expectations as low as can be here.

Not sure if you will see this because it is so late of a comment but I was just curious on who you think a good actor for Dr. Doom would be

Dude is talking about “develop new talent” like it’s the Dodgers or some sports team. Russo’s the best choice they could’ve made

Ffs people wanted Rdj to return now that he is people don’t like it make up your mind

I don't think is much of a problem. Too early to criticize.
They were hitting rock bottom, of course, they are desperate, but it might work.

Somebody told me a story about Tony stark and victor von doom switching minds and it seems like this might be what they are doing. This could be just a bait and switch. If they play their cards right it could work. It’s gotta start with the fantastic four movie. This could play a big plot point for Spider-Man especially if he is wearing the black suit. Thats what I’m hoping for in the secret wars and I can’t imagine anything else making Peter go very dark than finding out his old mentor who he had to watch die is now the villain. And since they have said now that Spider-Man 4 is going to be coming out in between doomsday and secret wars a few things need to happen. 1) Spider-Man 4 needs to be like Ant-Man and the wasp. Stay away completely from the multiverse and give us a street level Spider-Man with daredevil. Let us still have the illusion that everybody has forgotten about him and keep him out of doomsday. And 2) just like ant-man rope him into the multiverse story at the end credits scene and also with that scene is when he encounters the symbiote. Thats just what I have worked up in my head that I think could work. Is it desperate? Sure but I think there’s a path and it all needs to lead up to the void as the setting for the final battle.

I couldn't agree more, I have a lot mix feelings and this. With all due respect to marvel studios and Kevin feige, but I can't help but feel to think their being reactionary and this does feel a desperate and questionable choice, and this announcement feels like lazy stunt casting and lazy fan service. I hate the idea of Doom being a variant of Tony Stark, I think it's a stupid and nonsensical idea and that it's gonna undermine and contradict things. I also think it's a very disappointing and a questionable choice that their not continuing with Kang.

I hate to say this but this concept is just terrible
We don’t need a variant of Ironman who gone wrong or maybe stark actually funded Mr fantastic stuff

I'm definitely a bit worried but I'm still really looking forward to it. Remember, these are MCU veterans working on this movie who have a great track record, and they know avengers 5 and 6 need to live up to the hype. Plus, rdj is a phenomenal actor and they can absolutely make this work without making it feel too awkward

I am so with you about Robert Downey Jr's triumphant return to The MCU AS Dr. Doom 👎!!" It's Cheap ,Desperate & Pathetic!! Apologizing WITHOUT Apologizing for killing off Ironman , Firing Johnathan Majors, & a bunch of other GOOF UP The MCU had done

RDJ'S Return Is As Cheap & Pathetic as that Dr. Doom costume he weared on that stage!! The MCU can't STOP Shooting Themselves In The 🦶

I agree. The first few death stars were great, the 3rd and 4th were wtf!

This sound familiar, “Somehow he just returned”.

My Only Problem Is We'll Never See Some Amazing Actors Get The Chance At Playing Doom

Mads Mikkelsen would have been a much better choice. He was wasted in Dr.Strange and can be so much more menacing and vile.
Just watch him In Hannibal.