Fans react with jokes as The Russo Brothers reveal Kevin Feige wanted Robert Downey Jr. back—as Doctor Doom

Robert Downey Jr. will be reprising his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this time as the iconic villain Doctor Doom. The film will be called "Avengers: Doomsday". Doomsday is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026.

Although the full cast’s confirmed list has not yet been officially released. Cillian Murphy, and Henry Cavill are rumored to be playing roles in the film.

Downey's career took off as Iron Man in 2008's Iron Man. He gained worldwide recognition in the MCU and Downey's departure in Avengers: Endgame marked a fitting end for the character. Now, the same man is returning in a different guise for another story.

If you want to know about the Doctor Doom plot, let me clarify that one of Marvel's most iconic and complex villains is the ruler of Latveria and a brilliant inventor who has a deep rivalry with the Fantastic Four and especially Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic). Unlike Tony Stark, Doctor Doom is driven by a darker, more authoritarian outlook, he believes the world will be better under his rule and is willing to do anything to impose his will.

Netizens react as The Russo Brothers reveal Kevin Feige wanted Robert Downey Jr. back as Doctor Doom

Kevin Feige playing 5D chess (via debayo_xx/ X)

The way Marvel is mixing iconic characters, realities, and twists makes a fan feel like Feige has the whole universe mapped out.

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A netizen opined that Kevin Feige seems to be shifting gears, focusing on making smart, profitable moves instead of just throwing money around.

"Feige decided he wants to try to make money instead of burn it"

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With the focus shifting toward introducing new characters and storylines in the multiverse, a fan felt like the emotional weight and direction that made the earlier phases so captivating were missing.

"Not surprising, since Feige butchered that last two phases of the MCU. Hopefully, RDJ can clean up the mess he left behind."

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A netizen commented on the decision.

"Terrible idea. Confusing to general audiences"

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Many think that Marvel should have cast someone else who could bring a fresh take on the character.

"Very Very lazy casting. This will come back to haunt him"

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Another X-user remarked.

"Cool, now we know marvel is entirely creatively bankrupt from the top down, inside and out"

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Hey, Kevin (via Chrimson48/ X)

If Kevin Feige were sitting in front of us right now, that would be a question on a lot of people's minds!

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Not only that, it has been reported that Avengers: Secret Wars will also be released right after Doomsday. This film is expected to continue the story of Doctor Doom.