Avengers: Doomsday – The MCU’s Past Shows That Doctor Doom Can Be Tony Stark

When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios likes to draw inspiration from the comics while still making the stories their own. It’s entirely common for the studio to change character origins, something we’ve seen with Spider-Man, and even alter storylines to fit within the overarching story being told. Which is why, albeit surprising, Robert Downey Jr.’s role as Doctor Doom isn’t necessarily impossible as Tony Stark.

Downey Jr. helped to launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Stark, aka Iron Man, with 2008’s Iron Man film. He continued to play the role for over a decade, with the character making the ultimate sacrifice play in 2019’s The Avengers: Endgame. While it’s thought that the actor is playing Victor von Doom for Marvel Studios, it’s entirely possible he could be playing Tony Stark as Doctor Doom.

How Downey Jr. Set His MCU Return as Doctor Doom

Rumors of Doctor Doom’s debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been ongoing for some time now. Many expected the notorious villain to make his debut in Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four reboot. However, the studio opted to go with Galactus for the movie. It was later rumored that the studio would finally introduce the villain in a post credits scene for the movie. While the latter has yet to be confirmed, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige surprised fans everywhere when he revealed the Marvel Cinematic Universe was moving away from Kang the Destroyer in favor of Doom. Instead of The Avengers: Kang Dynasty, the studio decided to change up its villain plan by putting the brakes on Kang and, instead, bringing in one of Marvel Comics’ most iconic villains with Doctor Doom in The Avengers: Doomsday. The announcement came during the studio’s Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con in July. After it was revealed Marvel Studios had brought back Joe and Anthony Russo to direct the next two Avengers installments, the brothers teased bringing in one of the best actors to tackle the role of Doom before introducing Robert Downey Jr., who sported a green suit and Doom’s famous mask.

For Downey Jr., returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe was an easy decision. The actor recalled his time within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, explaining that it was embedded within his DNA, and that he was thankful for the role. At the time of the announcement, it was unclear if he would be playing a Tony Stark variant of Doom, or if he would simply be playing Victor von Doom. The latest reports suggest that the actor is playing Victor von Doom, but there is always the chance that his Doom could still be a Tony Stark variant.

How Tony Stark Can be the MCU’s Doctor Doom

Marvel Studios has always been open to tweaking bits when introducing characters into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sometimes the characters have their names changed for various reasons, including Man Ape who was changed to M’Baku, and Cull Obsidian, whose name was changed from Black Dwarf. They’re also known for giving characters and storylines an overhaul in their live-action introductions. This has been the case with Jane Foster’s Thor, Adrian “Vulture” Toomes, Nebula, The Mandarin, and even Bucky Barnes. Marvel Studios has found a way to honor the source material, while still making these iterations of the characters and the stories their own. So, could it be that Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark is playing a version of Doctor Doom? It does seem like a possibility, given Marvel’s history with adapting characters and storylines for the big screen. Reports have stated that the actor is playing Victor von Doom, which would suggest his time as Tony Stark has no impact on his new role. However, Marvel Studios doesn’t necessarily follow the comics to a tee, which leaves wiggle room for an alternate origin story. After all, this isn’t the first time Doom is being adapted for the big screen. Marvel is going to want to make the villain notable, much like Thanos, while also ensuring this version of Doom is separate from those in prior films in the Fox Marvel Universe.

Does Downey Jr.’s Doom need to be tied to Tony Stark? Absolutely not. Of course, there is an arc in the comics where Stark and Doom essentially switch places, causing Doom to try and ruin Stark’s name as Stark sets out to a develop a rival company to Stark Industries in Latveria. The What If…? storyline from “Demon in Armor” would be an interesting storyline that offers a new way to introduce Doom to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Of course, while Marvel Studios has shown through its past that the studio is willing to take risks with characters and their origins, that doesn’t mean it’s going to drastically change Doom’s origins for film. For now, fans will have to wait and see how the Marvel Cinematic Universe decides to introduce Doctor Doom with The Avengers: Doomsday.

The Avengers: Doomsday will hit theaters on May 1st, 2026.

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