The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has always been a place of surprises, twists, and turns. Just when you think you have it all figured out, a new theory or announcement flips the script, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and speculation. One of the latest and most intriguing theories centers around the possible return of Robert Downey Jr. to the MCU—not as the beloved Tony Stark, but as the formidable Doctor Doom.

This theory, which emerged after the conclusion of Loki Season 1, suggests that Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom might replace Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror as the MCU’s next big villain. As wild as it may sound, this theory has gained traction, and it just might be the solution to a significant problem facing the MCU.

The Rise and Fall of Kang the Conqueror

Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror was introduced as the next major antagonist in the MCU, following in the footsteps of Josh Brolin’s Thanos. Kang’s first appearance as He Who Remains in Loki Season 1 was met with widespread acclaim. Majors delivered a captivating performance, and fans were eager to see how this character would develop into the multiversal threat that Kang is known to be in the comics.

Kang’s character was set to be the linchpin of the MCU’s next phase, with his variants appearing across various films and series. However, as the MCU has expanded its storytelling into the multiverse, introducing numerous timelines and characters, it has also faced challenges in maintaining narrative cohesion. The sprawling nature of the multiverse arc, combined with the complexities of Kang’s character, has led some fans to question whether the MCU might need a more streamlined approach.

Enter Doctor Doom. A character with a rich history in the Marvel Comics, Doctor Doom is one of the most iconic villains ever created. His presence in the MCU has been long-awaited, and with the announcement of Fantastic Four coming to the big screen, speculation about his introduction has been rife. But what if the MCU isn’t just planning to introduce Doctor Doom—what if they are planning to make him the primary antagonist, replacing Kang?

Doctor Doom: The Ultimate MCU Villain?

The theory that Robert Downey Jr. could return as Doctor Doom is rooted in the idea that the MCU needs a villain with a more personal and grounded threat than the omnipotent, time-manipulating Kang. While Kang’s multiversal dominance is a compelling concept, Doctor Doom offers something different—an antagonist with a mix of intelligence, power, and a personal vendetta that could make for a more intense and focused narrative.

Doctor Doom, also known as Victor Von Doom, is not just a villain with a desire for conquest; he is a character driven by ego, intellect, and a deep sense of superiority. His motivations are often tied to his belief that he alone can save the world, but only if it’s under his rule. This complexity makes him a fascinating character and a potential foil for the Avengers.

In this theory, Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom could emerge as a consequence of the multiversal chaos unleashed by Kang and his variants. This would align with the end of Loki Season 1, where He Who Remains hints at the devastation that could follow if the multiverse is allowed to spiral out of control. Doom, with his mastery of science and sorcery, could be positioned as a character who takes advantage of this chaos to further his own agenda.

Replacing Kang: The Practical Considerations

Replacing Kang with Doctor Doom would not only shift the narrative focus but could also address some of the logistical challenges facing the MCU. Jonathan Majors’ future in the MCU has been the subject of speculation due to various off-screen controversies. If the MCU’s creative team decides to move away from Kang, Doctor Doom provides an alternative that could be equally, if not more, compelling.

Moreover, bringing back Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom would be a masterstroke in terms of fan engagement. Downey Jr. is synonymous with the MCU, and his return, even in a villainous role, would generate enormous excitement. It would also be a bold narrative choice, subverting expectations and allowing Downey Jr. to explore a completely different side of his acting range.

Loki’s Influence on the Future of the MCU

The conclusion of Loki Season 1 left the MCU on the precipice of a multiversal war, with the Sacred Timeline shattered and endless possibilities opened up. He Who Remains warned of the dangers that lay ahead, and his death unleashed a multitude of Kang variants into the MCU. But what if his warnings were not just about Kang? What if the true threat he foresaw was Doctor Doom?

This theory posits that He Who Remains was aware of Doctor Doom’s potential to conquer the multiverse, which is why he created the Sacred Timeline—to prevent Doom from rising to power. With the timeline now fractured, Doom could see this as his opportunity to assert his dominance, leading to the events of Avengers: Doomsday.

In this scenario, Loki’s actions inadvertently set the stage for Doom’s rise. The multiversal chaos that ensues could be the perfect breeding ground for Doom to manipulate events to his advantage, ultimately positioning himself as the ruler of Battleworld—a concept from the comics where Doom becomes a god-like figure controlling a patchwork planet formed from the remnants of various realities.

Fan Reactions and Speculations

The idea of Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom has sparked a flurry of fan theories and discussions. Some fans are thrilled at the prospect, seeing it as a way to bring back a beloved actor in a fresh and exciting role. Others are more skeptical, concerned that it might feel too much like fan service or a desperate attempt to keep Downey Jr. in the MCU after Tony Stark’s death in Avengers: Endgame.

There are also debates about how the MCU would handle the transition from Kang to Doom. Would Kang simply be written out, or could the two characters coexist as major threats, each with their own agenda? Some fans have suggested that Kang’s downfall could be orchestrated by Doom himself, positioning Doom as the mastermind behind the multiversal conflicts.

Another theory is that the Fantastic Four, who are confirmed to be joining the MCU, could play a key role in this transition. In the comics, Doctor Doom is a longtime adversary of the Fantastic Four, and their introduction could coincide with Doom’s rise to power. This could also explain why the Fantastic Four have not been part of the MCU until now—they may have been in a different universe, only to be drawn into the main MCU timeline as a result of the multiversal collapse.

The Future of the MCU: A Multiversal Battle for Power

As the MCU continues to expand into the multiverse, the possibilities for its future storylines are virtually limitless. Whether or not the theory of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom replacing Kang comes to fruition, it is clear that the MCU is heading towards a showdown of epic proportions.

The introduction of characters like Doctor Doom and the Fantastic Four opens up new avenues for storytelling, allowing the MCU to explore darker, more complex themes. The idea of a multiversal war, with different versions of familiar characters battling for control, is an exciting prospect that could redefine the MCU for years to come.

For now, fans can only speculate about what the future holds. But one thing is certain—whether through Kang, Doctor Doom, or another villain entirely, the MCU is building towards something monumental. And with Robert Downey Jr. potentially at the center of it all, the stakes have never been higher.

A New Chapter in the MCU

The theory that Robert Downey Jr. could return as Doctor Doom and replace Kang the Conqueror as the MCU’s main villain is a tantalizing possibility. It speaks to the MCU’s willingness to take risks and reinvent itself, even after more than a decade of success. As the multiverse continues to unfold, fans can look forward to more surprises, twists, and game-changing moments that will keep the MCU at the forefront of pop culture.

Whether or not this theory becomes reality, it highlights the enduring appeal of the MCU and its ability to keep fans engaged with its ever-evolving narrative. As we await the release of Avengers: Doomsday and the introduction of the Fantastic Four, one thing is clear—the future of the MCU is as unpredictable as it is exciting. And with characters like Doctor Doom waiting in the wings, the next phase of the MCU promises to be its most thrilling yet.