Robert Downey Jr. recently shared how his decision to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) came to fruition.
In a surprising announcement in July, the former Iron Man actor revealed at San Diego Comic-Con that he would be making his MCU comeback as Doctor Doom, the iconic Fantastic Four villain.
Downey is set to portray the character in two upcoming films: Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).
On Wednesday, August 20, the Oppenheimer star elaborated on his conversations with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and Disney CEO Bob Iger about returning to the franchise, and what ultimately convinced him to take the role.
Downey mentioned that he and Feige have remained close since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, which marked the conclusion of Tony Stark/Iron Man’s journey in the MCU.
“I had this instinct to approach Bob Iger with an idea that extended beyond the cinematic universe, particularly in relation to the theme parks,” Downey explained.
He recounted a meeting with Feige where his wife, Susan, was also present. Feige hinted at the possibility of Downey making a return, prompting Susan to ask, “Wait. Wait. Come back as what?”
Describing Feige as a “very sophisticated, creative thinker,” Downey, 59, shared how the Marvel boss introduced the idea of him taking on the role of Doctor Doom.
“[Feige said] ‘How do we move forward without revisiting the past? How do we exceed expectations?’ And then he mentioned Victor Von Doom,” the Oscar-winning actor recalled.
“After researching the character, I thought, ‘Wow.’ Later, Feige said, ‘Let’s make sure we get Victor Von Doom right.’”
Following this conversation, Downey met with Iger, who expressed enthusiasm for Downey playing Doom.
Iger then arranged a visit to Walt Disney Imagineering, the company’s research and development hub in Glendale, California. Downey was impressed by the innovative projects Disney was working on.
“You’re talking about two guys who are hard to impress, let alone at the same time… I can’t reveal much, but what’s happening there is beyond anything I thought possible,” he said.
After the visit, Downey decided to return to Marvel as Doctor Doom. He explained, “It’s the only way I felt I could offer a certain audience the experience they crave while continuing to look into my interest in the future of entertainment. Where else could I do that?”
