AceShowbiz - Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom, the renowned Fantastic Four antagonist, has sent ripples through the fandom. The actor, who previously portrayed Tony Stark/Iron Man, will take on the iconic role in the upcoming films "Avengers: Doomsday" (2026) and "Avengers: Secret Wars" (2027).

Jeff Goldblum, who played Grandmaster in "Thor: Ragnarok", expressed his excitement for Downey's comeback: "Excellent news," he stated. Goldblum went on to elaborate on the allure of the "Victor von Doom" moniker, speculating on how a name of that caliber could elevate his own career.

Robert Downey Jr. revealed that the idea of his return as Doctor Doom originated from conversations with Marvel Studios executive Kevin Feige, likely sparked by Downey's desire to explore opportunities beyond the cinematic universe.

While Marvel fans eagerly await Downey's portrayal of Doctor Doom, questions remain about the details of his character. Will he be a Tony Stark variant or an entirely separate entity? Will he first appear in a post-credits scene of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" (2025)?

Despite these uncertainties, Doctor Doom's impending arrival as the antagonist for "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Avengers: Secret Wars" promises to be a significant event in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The casting of Robert Downey Jr. in this role adds intrigue to the storyline and sparks speculation about the future of the franchise.