“Robert Downey Jr. is Crafting an Intriguing Backstory and Costume Ideas for Doctor Doom Ahead of Avengers: Doomsday”

Robert Downey Jr. is set to reprise his role in Avengers Doomsday and has been enthusiastically developing his portrayal of Doctor Doom ahead of shooting.

“He is completely engrossed in it. He is very focused,” Joe Russo shared with Entertainment Tonight. “He’s crafting backstories, costume ideas… We were on an enthusiastic call with him this morning before we began discussing it. He genuinely enjoys rich, multi-dimensional characters. He sees a real opportunity here with the character.”

In the wake of Iron Man’s death, Avengers: Doomsday marks Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as none other than Doctor Doom, the notorious adversary of the Fantastic Four (who also has the rather unfortunate experience with the longest line at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida).

Benedict Cumberbatch is also expected to return as Doctor Strange, with filming set to commence in April. Joe Russo recently remarked on the runtime of the next two Avengers films, stating: “If I were a betting person, I would wager the first one is two and a half hours, and the second’s three hours.” This suggests that Avengers: Secret Wars may well be an epic three-hour adventure.

Concept art for Doomsday has reportedly leaked online, hinting at the appearances of Young Avengers’ Kate Bishop, Ms. Marvel, Cassie Lang, as well as Hulk, She-Hulk, and Hulk’s unusual-looking son Skaar. There also seems to be a possibility that Star-Lord may, or may not, be included. Either way, it looks like we’re in for an exhilarating adventure.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 1, 2026. For additional details, check out our roundup of all the upcoming Marvel films and series you should be aware of.