Marvel and Robert Downey Jr. shook the entire fandom when they presented at San Diego Comic-Con. RDJ is officially returning to the MCU in a new Avengers film titled, Avengers: Doomsday directed by the famous Russo Brothers, Joe and Anthony. Just last week, it was reported that the brothers are currently in talks to direct two new Avengers films and now, Marvel has confirmed that the brothers will also make their return to the MCU with Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
RDJ surprised the crowd when he walked out in the villainous Victor von Doom costume. Taking to the stage, he rips off the mask, revealing himself as the Victor von Doom. The crowd in Hall H on Saturday bursts out in a collective gasp of surprise as Downey Jr. announces to the crowd, “New mask, same task.” He later adds, “What’d I tell ya, I like playing complicated characters.” He also revealed that he will see everyone again in two years, as Doomsday is expected to release May 2026. While his announcement brought excitement to the MCU fandom, it also left fans with questions of how this storyline may work. No one was given a clear idea as to whether or not this storyline connects with Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. It is unclear at the moment if RDJ plays a different character or a continuation of his Tony Stark character in a potentially different timeline.
In the past, RDJ had expressed an interest in returning to the MCU. He told Esquire after his Oscar win that he would happily return to Marvel, “Happily. Its too integral a part of my DNA. That role chose me. And look, I always say, ‘Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige.’ It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.” Watch the announcement below.
Just announced in Hall H:
The Russo Brothers return to direct Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. Only in theaters May 2026. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/oqnSwWKnYn
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 28, 2024
“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
Here’s the exact moment when Robert Downey Jr. announced his #Marvel return for AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY: pic.twitter.com/XpE3Ie399D
— MCU – The Direct (@MCU_Direct) July 28, 2024
The Russo Brothers explain why they’re returning to the #MCU with AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY & SECRET WARS:
“Through a very special story, Joe and I have come to potentially see a road forward…” Watch: pic.twitter.com/gHagvyQWww
— MCU – The Direct (@MCU_Direct) July 28, 2024
