Why is RDJ playing Doctor Doom? There was talk of Robert Downey Jr. returning to Marvel – as Iron Man, of course – but it never quite worked out as expected. It’s a question that has plagued Marvel fans since the unexpected announcement at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. Robert Downey Jr, the actor who gave life to Iron Man for years, will be in Avengers 5: DoomsDay, but as a villain and as Victor von Doom, aka Doctor Doom.
This twist has everyone curious. Why is RDJ playing Doctor Doom? Could Doctor Doom be an evil variant of Tony Stark? Is there more to this casting choice than meets the eye? To understand the reasoning behind this bold move, we need to delve into the rich history between Doctor Doom and Iron Man in Marvel’s comic book universe.
“New mask, same task.”
Robert Downey Jr. surprises Hall H to announce his return to the MCU as Doctor Doom. pic.twitter.com/j1SEjzse3p
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 28, 2024
Why is RDJ playing Doctor Doom?
The casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom is indeed a fascinating turn of events. Known for his brilliant portrayal of Tony Stark, Downey’s new role as Doctor Doom has sparked endless discussions. Marvel’s biggest villain finally entering the MCU and being played by the same actor who defined Iron Man? It’s a bold choice that may have deep roots in the comics.
Doctor Doom and Iron Man have a complicated history. Victor von Doom, aka Doctor Doom, is primarily known as the archenemy of the Fantastic Four, especially Mr. Fantastic. However, his interactions with Tony Stark have also been important. From epic battles to unlikely alliances, the dynamic between these two geniuses is rich in intrigue and rivalry. Having reclaimed the heroes from Fox, Marvel has both this great villain and a future planned for the Fantastic Four.
Iron Man and Doctor Doom’s shared history
- 1st: Why is RDJ playing Doctor Doom? To fully grasp this, we must explore the intertwined stories of Iron Man and Doctor Doom. Initially driven by a desire to communicate with his deceased mother, Doom was crippled by a tragic accident involving one of his inventions. This led to his transformation into Doctor Doom, the powerful ruler of Latveria and a formidable opponent in the Marvel universe. This is briefly featured in Doom’s backstory.
In the 1981 storyline “Doomquest,” Iron Man and Doctor Doom are transported back to the time of King Arthur. This adventure showcased their clashing ideologies, with Doom attempting to ally with Morgan le Fay against the combined might of Iron Man and Arthur’s knights. This storyline cemented their rivalry, highlighting the stark contrast between Tony’s reliance on technology and Doom’s willingness to embrace the supernatural.
Another key encounter took place following the Civil War crossover, when Tony Stark, then Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., led Doom’s invasion of the kingdom of Latveria. This story highlights the ongoing tension between them due to their contrasting approaches to power and control.
- 2nd: But why is RDJ playing Doctor Doom? Interestingly enough, the relationship between Doctor Doom and Iron Man has not always been entirely antagonistic. Following 2015’s Secret Wars, in which Doom redeemed himself, he became a supporting character in “Invincible Iron Man.” Doom even disguised himself as Iron Man for a time in the “Infamous Iron Man” series, stepping in as a hero while Tony Stark was in a coma.
This series allowed readers to see Doom in a new light, as he tried to carry on Tony’s legacy despite the skepticism of others. This narrative shift could provide a compelling basis for Downey to portray Doom in the MCU. The idea of Doom as an anti-hero or a complex villain adds depth to his character and opens up new storytelling possibilities.
- 3rd: So, Why is RDJ playing Doctor Doom? One possibility is that the MCU is taking a unique approach to the character. Given that Doom is famous for refusing to take off his mask, it’s conceivable that Downey could focus on the character’s voice and mannerisms rather than his physical appearance. This strategy allows Marvel to capitalize on Downey’s star power and acting skills while allowing Doom to retain his mysterious and imposing presence.
It’s also not unprecedented for MCU actors to take on multiple roles. Michelle Yeoh, David Dastmalchian, and Gemma Chan have all played different characters in the MCU. Downey’s return as Doctor Doom could follow this trend and add an intriguing layer to the MCU’s storytelling.
Another theory is that Doctor Doom could be reimagined as a variant of Tony Stark. With the MCU exploring multiverses, this concept is not too far-fetched. An alternate universe Tony Stark turned Doctor Doom could blur the lines between hero and villain, offering a new and exciting narrative.
Why is RDJ playing Doctor Doom? Let us answer that
(4th) So what can happen, I think they’re going to combine a lot of different comics, like they did in Captain America Civil War, especially Secret Invasion and Secret War. The Skrulls are already running rampant in the Marvel universe. If you don’t know, Skrulls can change shape. So a Skrull could be disguised as Iron-Man and follow a villainous path and turn into Dr. Doom. This could be a simple answer to the question of why RDJ is playing Doctor Doom.
If you haven’t read these two comics, let me talk about them briefly without spoilers. In Secret Invasion, the Skrulls take the place of all the Marvel characters we know. On one occasion, our real characters appear and it looks like they are fighting each other. But the real story here is about a psychological war in which no one trusts anyone and the minds are very confused.
In Secret War, the Multiverse is at war with each other. But Doctor Doom realizes that this war is meaningless and that all Multiverses are fighting. In this universe where all universes overlap and all heroes fight each other, Doom manages to make a single universe from the ruins of the multiverse and saves lives. But there’s only one problem: Doctor Doom is a god here, so much so that he separates Thanos from his spine with a single move.
The future of RDJ as Doctor Doom
Why is RDJ playing Doctor Doom? Whether Downey’s Doctor Doom is an alternate version of Tony Stark or a completely separate character, this casting decision opens up numerous possibilities for the MCU. Doom’s blend of advanced technology and dark magic makes him a unique and formidable antagonist, capable of challenging the heroes in ways we haven’t seen before.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set in an alternate universe, will likely introduce Downey’s Doctor Doom, laying the groundwork for his role in Avengers: Doomsday and Beyond. As the MCU continues to expand its multiverse narrative, Doom’s character could become a pivotal figure, bridging different dimensions and storylines.
Also, after all, we live in a real-world and everyone unfortunately gets older. The Secret War storyline has great potential to end the Multiverse and start a new arc. Why is RDJ playing Doctor Doom? The answer lies in the rich, complex history between Iron Man and Doctor Doom, both in the comics and the MCU. This casting choice not only honors that history but also offers new and exciting directions for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Featured image credit: Marvel
