Avengers Doomsday Update: Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but fans shouldn’t expect to see him as Iron Man this time. The actor, who became one of the biggest faces of the franchise as Tony Stark, is taking on a completely different role in Avengers: Doomsday. He will play Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s most powerful and dangerous villains.
The announcement of RDJ’s casting took fans by surprise, especially after his character Iron Man sacrificed himself in Avengers: Endgame. His return after seven years has raised several questions about the new villain and his connection with the Avengers. So, before Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theatres, here’s what you need to know about Doctor Doom.
Who Is Doctor Doom? When Did The Marvel Villain First Appear?
Doctor Doom’s real name is Victor von Doom. The character first appeared in Marvel Comics in The Fantastic Four #5, where he came face-to-face with Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic.
The two have a complicated past. Victor and Reed were college classmates, but their relationship was never friendly. Both were highly intelligent and competitive, which eventually turned their equation bitter. One of Victor’s experiments went wrong, and he held Reed responsible for the failure. This incident became an important part of their rivalry.
Doctor Doom is not just another villain looking to fight superheroes. His intelligence, ego and obsession with power make him a dangerous opponent. His history with Reed Richards could also play an important role in the upcoming Marvel film.
Doctor Doom And Reed Richards: What Is Their History?
The rivalry between Doctor Doom and Reed Richards is one of the most interesting aspects of Marvel’s comic-book universe. While the Russo Brothers have not revealed how much of this backstory will feature in Avengers: Doomsday, Pedro Pascal, who plays Reed Richards, has offered some insight into their relationship.
Speaking about Doom and Reed’s equation at Comic-Con earlier this year, Pascal said, “Intellectuals understand that we’re all responsible for ourselves.”
He further explained how Reed’s understanding of the world shapes his relationship with Doom. The actor also spoke about how the film brings different characters and teams together, including the X-Men. Fans will have to wait for the movie to see how this complicated history unfolds on screen.
What Are Doctor Doom’s Superpowers? Why Did Marvel Cast Robert Downey Jr?
Doctor Doom’s biggest strength is not limited to his physical abilities. In Marvel Comics, Victor von Doom is known for his exceptional intelligence, magical abilities and superhuman strength. His knowledge of science and technology, combined with his command over magic, makes him a formidable opponent.
However, Marvel Studios has kept details about the character’s powers in Avengers: Doomsday under wraps. It remains to be seen how closely the film follows the comics and what kind of threat Doom poses to the Avengers.
Interestingly, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige reportedly played a key role in bringing Robert Downey Jr. on board as Doctor Doom. Joe Russo revealed last year that Feige was the mastermind behind the casting decision. It was also revealed that RDJ convinced the Russo Brothers to return to the MCU for Avengers: Doomsday.
With RDJ stepping into the shoes of one of Marvel’s most iconic villains, the film promises a very different chapter for the actor and the franchise.
Avengers Doomsday India Release Date Update
The film is scheduled to release in Indian cinemas on December 17, a day before its US release, in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.