Robert Downey Jr. is set to make a highly anticipated return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but not in the way fans might have expected. The actor, best known for his portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man, is confirmed to take on the role of Victor Von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, in the upcoming Avengers films. While this casting decision has sparked excitement, it has also stirred up some mixed feelings among fans who envisioned a different path for the beloved actor’s return to the MCU.

Downey Jr.’s tenure as Iron Man, spanning from the inception of the MCU in 2008 to the conclusion of the Infinity Saga with Avengers: Endgame, is widely regarded as one of the greatest casting choices in cinema history. His portrayal of the genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist Tony Stark left an indelible mark on the franchise and its fans. It is hard to imagine anyone else embodying the character as effectively as he did. This deep association between Downey Jr. and Tony Stark has made fans long for his return, especially in the context of the ongoing multiverse saga.

Robert Downey Jr. Cast as Doctor Doom

The news of Downey Jr. playing Doctor Doom was met with both excitement and skepticism. Doctor Doom is a vastly different character from Tony Stark—he is a complex and formidable villain, steeped in sorcery and science, who often poses a threat not just to the Fantastic Four but to the entire Marvel Universe. The idea of Downey Jr. stepping into the shoes of such a nuanced antagonist has piqued curiosity, but it has also left some fans yearning for an alternative route.

Many fans had hoped that Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU would see him portray a darker version of Tony Stark—a variant known as Superior Iron Man. This character, a twisted version of Iron Man from another universe, retains Stark’s brilliance but is driven by a more sinister and egotistical ideology. The potential of seeing Downey Jr. play a villainous Iron Man, essentially the antithesis of the hero he once was, had fans excited about the possibilities of a new, yet familiar, performance.

Fans React to Doctor Doom Casting

The casting of Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom has certainly been divisive. While there is little doubt that the Oscar-winning actor will deliver a compelling performance as the infamous villain, some fans feel that casting him as Doom may overshadow his legacy as Iron Man. Many believe that the MCU could have brought back Downey Jr. in a way that would have retained the essence of Tony Stark while exploring a darker, alternate version of the character.

Several fans took to social media to voice their opinions on the casting choice, with some suggesting that Robert Downey Jr. would have been better suited for the role of Superior Iron Man. One fan tweeted, “This would’ve been such a more cool idea than RDJ being Doom.” The idea of seeing Downey Jr. embody a morally compromised Tony Stark variant, who embodies both Stark’s genius and his arrogance without the moral compass, seemed like an intriguing twist that would have added a fresh dynamic to the multiverse storyline.

The Potential of Superior Iron Man

Casting Downey Jr. as Superior Iron Man would have allowed fans to experience a dramatic role reversal—taking everything they loved about Tony Stark and turning it on its head. Superior Iron Man is a version of Stark who, while still charismatic and brilliant, is also deeply flawed, selfish, and even ruthless. This variant would have been a perfect fit for the multiverse exploration, giving Downey Jr. a chance to delve into the darker aspects of the character that he helped define.

However, some argue that bringing back Robert Downey Jr. as Superior Iron Man might have felt too repetitive, merely retreading the same territory with a slight twist. By casting him as Doctor Doom, the MCU can introduce a completely new character for Downey Jr. to explore, offering him a fresh challenge and the opportunity to create another iconic role that stands apart from Tony Stark.

Jeremy Renner Reacts to Downey Jr.’s Return as Doctor Doom

Not only have fans been vocal about their thoughts on Downey Jr.’s return, but even his co-stars have expressed their excitement. Jeremy Renner, who plays Hawkeye in the MCU, was particularly surprised by the news of Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom. In a recent interview with US Weekly, Renner shared that Downey Jr. kept his new role under wraps, even from their close-knit “Avengers family” group chat, which includes the original six Avengers actors.

“No! I had no idea. The son of a bitch didn’t say anything to me,” Renner joked. “We’re good friends. There’s the Avengers family chat. The original six. He said not a peep. I got online and started blowing up his phone like, ‘What’s going on? You’ve been hiding this from us the whole time?’ It’s exciting news. I’m really, really excited about it.” Renner also hinted at the challenges of coordinating such a massive ensemble cast for the upcoming Avengers films, teasing that the studio has its work cut out for it.

A New Chapter for Robert Downey Jr. in the MCU

While some fans may still wish to see Robert Downey Jr. return as a Tony Stark variant, his upcoming portrayal of Doctor Doom offers a unique opportunity for the actor to redefine his legacy within the MCU. Known for his ability to bring depth and charisma to his roles, Downey Jr. is well-equipped to tackle the complexities of Victor Von Doom, who is not just a villain but a character driven by his own twisted sense of righteousness and ambition.

In recent roles, such as his performance in Oppenheimer and the upcoming The Sympathizer, Downey Jr. has already shown a penchant for playing morally gray characters with a deep psychological edge. His portrayal of Doctor Doom could very well be the next great performance in his already illustrious career, providing fans with a new, multi-dimensional character to root for—or against.

While fans debate the merits of Superior Iron Man versus Doctor Doom, one thing is certain: Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU is bound to be a major event, one that will be watched closely by fans and critics alike. Whether as the suave and sinister Victor Von Doom or any other character, Downey Jr. has proven time and again that he can bring nuance, wit, and intensity to any role. His upcoming portrayal of Doctor Doom may not be the return everyone expected, but it might just be the one that surprises them the most.