Avengers: Doomsday - Robert Downey Jr. Wouldn't Return Unless the Story Was Perfect

Back in 2008, Marvel teamed up with Paramount Pictures to release a film starring one of its then lesser known characters, Iron Man. The movie would be the start of a planned shared universe that would later become known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, led by Iron Man actor, Robert Downey Jr. It was a risk for Marvel and Paramount, but one that ultimately paid off and led to the start of The Avengers franchise as we know it.

After playing Tony Stark for over a decade, fans said goodbye to the character near the end of The Avengers: Endgame. It was meant to serve as the final appearance by Downey Jr., while also serving as an important ending for the original Avengers franchise. Now, five years later, the legendary actor is set to make his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe - and The Avengers franchise - but this time with a twist as Victor von Doom. So, what led the actor to return to Marvel, and what were his stipulations prior to signing on as a bad guy this time around?

Robert Downey Jr. Returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Following the release of The Avengers: Endgame, it was made abundantly clear by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige that the studio had no plans to bring Downey Jr. Back for fear it would undo the importance of Tony's death. That, of course, didn't mean the actor was entirely against it. In fact, Downey Jr. Previously noted that the role was a huge part of who he was, and that he would definitely be on board to return. However, when it was announced that the actor's return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe would actually be as Doctor Doom, fans were utterly confused and shocked. The former hero was set to become one of the franchise's biggest villains. While the move is a surprising one, it's important to note that Downey Jr. Has always been positive regarding his experience with Marvel and has always been keen on telling a strong story. While the news of the actor's casting as Doom might be surprising, it has apparently been in the works for some time. Reports have suggested that Marvel Studios sought to bring Downey Jr. In as Doom for months, apparently approaching the actor a while ago regarding the role. It was said that the actor only agreed to sign on if the studio brought back the Russo brothers to direct the next two Avengers installments, which will star Downey Jr. As Victor von Doom.

It has recently been revealed that as part of his new deal with Marvel Studios, Downey Jr. Will receive "significantly more" than the $80 million the Russo brothers will receive to direct the next two Avengers films. Although some fans are hesitant to accept the actor's new role as Doom, the actor's return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is certainly exciting.

Why Downey Jr.'s Return to Marvel is Exciting

When news first hit that Downey Jr. Had been cast as Doctor Doom, many fans wondered if the move was inspired by a What If...? Storyline from Marvel Comics. The 2010 story, "Demon in Armor," saw Tony Stark switch bodies with Victor von Doom. It's a fascinating story, one that sees Stark building a rival company to Stark Industries in Latveria, while Doom seeks to destroy Stark's name after taking control of his wealth and company. In the end, Stark ultimately decides to return to his body after everything Doom did, and seeks to use Doom's name going forward. With Stark dead, it does seem unlikely this storyline will play out on the big screen, especially as Marvel Studios is known for putting its own twists on comic storylines. However, the What If...? Comic could have served as the inspiration for bringing Downey Jr. Back. If that is the case, it shows that the studio is willing to take inspiration from the comics and work them into other stories, such as Secret Wars. Since it was revealed that Marvel Studios was working on Secret Wars, rumors have continued to surface suggesting that most - if not all - of the main Avengers will return at some point or another. Prior to Downey Jr. Being cast as Doom, reports stated he would return as Iron Man, which we now know isn't the case. However, with the report being half-correct, it does lend more credence to the reports that the others could return, too.

More importantly, though, it feels like a return to taking risks for the studio. Marvel Studios began the Marvel Cinematic Universe by taking risks, and while some films might've been considered "safer" in recent years, it's clear the studio is eager to return to what made it successful in the first place. Bringing back the actor who helped, effectively, kick start the Marvel Cinematic Universe to essentially help soft reboot it with Secret Wars is an exciting move - one that is both risky and out there. Yet, it is a decision that could pay off.

Fans can catch Downey Jr. As Victor von Doom in The Avengers: Doomsday on May 1st, 2026.