For a while there, the next big bad in Marvel Cinematic Universe It was shrouded in mystery — until this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego. Not only was Doctor Doom named as the next major antagonist in the MCU, but Robert Downey Jr. would take on the role — “new mask, same mission,” he said when describing his involvement with the role. The most interesting point of the interview, however, came when he recalled the conversation he and Kevin Feige had in the buildup to this crucial decision. Before explicitly bringing up Victor Von Doom, RDJ recalls the Marvel Studios boss wondering what kind of cinematic move it would take to blow fans’ minds.
“How do we not back down? How do we not disappoint expectations? How do we continue to beat expectations?“Obviously some of this frenzied wonder must come from the empty space where Jonathan Major, Kang the Conqueror, once stood. But ever since the actor was fired from his position at the comic book entertainment company, there has been a mad rush to help MCU fans forget all about that unfortunate time. So, Avengers: Judgment Day Now replaces Avengers: Kang DynastyWhile the title (in itself) is enough to get any comic book enthusiast excited, will the controversial casting pay off by the time the movie is filmed in 2026?
Rewriting Robert Downey Jr.'s Legacy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Although the initial mood seems to be calming down somewhat now, Videos posted online days after the comic book convention revealed a crucial line in the sand.While some have declared it a cheap ploy and a stupid decision, others say they’re open to the possibility as long as it goes well. The two sides seem so clear that for every negative response, there seems to be a devil’s advocate looking at some aspect of his portrayal of Doctor Doom. One thing’s for sure: Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU wasn’t a step backwards, but some expectations didn’t materialize — and here’s why.
Bringing back an actor (or actress) who evokes feelings of nostalgia or sympathy is something that can be done—and should be done—in appropriate situations. It certainly worked in Deadpool and Wolverine When it comes to Hugh Jackman, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Garner, and Chris Evans (among others), DC has managed to do it to a lesser extent with Michael Keaton as Batman again in 2023. FlashIn this case, emotional cinematic memory – that is, Iron Man's legacy (this is the character who started the MCU, after all) is being opened up and rewritten. – Just for the emotional attraction and excitement.
Fiction (Iron Man/Tony Stark) and reality (Robert Downey Jr.) are clearly two different things, but Robert Downey Jr. is remembered in modern times for his superhero alter ego. No one can change that. There are rumors that he will always wear a mask on screen, but what was the point of casting Downey Jr. or announcing the Army of Death with a face revealed? We can easily assume that Marvel Studios already has some plots that will rely on the similarity dilemma. But in all honesty, Feige, Iger, and Disney still have to learn one thing: reaching a high level of fan expectations doesn’t always have to matter. In other words, we would have been fine with a new face in the MCU. The MCU is now streaming on Disney+.
