In July 2024, on the San Diego Comic-Con stage, Marvel wants to create a surprise. Kevin Feige multiplies the announcements and offers many new images of the films that will continue his cinematic franchise. Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts* and Captain America 4, the actors follow one another on stage with the sole objective of creating a surge of enthusiasm among the long-time fans. The head of Marvel Studios is on conquered territory, the audience is already won over to his cause.
While the induction of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn in the roles of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm seems to be the highlight of the show, the most attentive notice the presence of the Fantastic Four logo on Feige's cap. As is the tradition, the producer's headgear is linked to the grand finale of the presentation. Nevertheless, Marvel had one last surprise... and not the least.
The fatal blow?
Avengers 5 and 6 will be mentioned as a finale. Quickly, the involvement of the Russo brothers was made official, the rumor had been circulating for several months. The two directors have given Marvel the biggest successes in their history, it's nothing unusual for the company to put all the chances on its side to reproduce this miracle.
But the real surprise will come a few minutes later, when the arrival of Victor Von Fatalis, or Doctor Doom in the original version, is announced. His actor will be revealed shortly after. While Cillian Murphy is the big favorite, it is finally Robert Downey Jr. who appears under the mask of the iconic antagonist. The actor, however, seemed to have drawn a line under superheroes. He wants to save the Marvel Universe, which has been losing momentum since the disappearance of Iron Man and the other original Avengers. For ordinary people, it's a rescue mission, a decision made in a hurry. Recent statements from the Russo brothers put this idea into context. Downey Jr. as Doom, the idea is not new.
“A while ago”
Asked about this choice, Joe Russo explains to Omelete that it was Kevin Feige who came up with the idea. He adds that the conversation took place earlier than it seems. “What's interesting is that it took place a while ago.” While he doesn't elaborate, he explains that it was screenwriter Steve McFeely who broke the deadlock. “He said, ‘I have an idea.’ And we thought, ‘We have a story and we absolutely have to tell it. It’s a really powerful story.’”
He adds: “The one thing I can say about the film is that we love villains who think they’re heroes in their own stories. That’s where they really come into their own and become more interesting. And with an actor like Robert Downey, you have to create a well-developed, three-dimensional character for the audience.” More than just a villain, Downey Jr.’s Doom will have the face of Peter Parker’s former mentor, Bruce Banner’s lab buddy, and the hero of an entire universe.
Before Iron Man
Before playing Tony Stark in Jon Favreau’s first Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. was already gravitating toward Marvel comic book adaptations. In the early 2000s, he was in the running to play Doom in Fox's Fantastic Four. He was set to star opposite Jessica Alba in Tim Story's film. In a conversation with Deadline in 2023, the director recalled with Kevin Feige: "I remember you all met with Downey before for a project around Doctor Doom or something like that. He had already tested for Fantastic Four, so everyone knew him." It remains to be seen whether Marvel will follow through on the attempt, whether the return of the prodigal son will live up to audience expectations. The date is set for April 29, 2026 on the occasion of the release of Avengers: Doomsday. We can also hope to see him in the last seconds of Fantastic Four, in a post-credits scene.
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