Comic-Con 2024 climaxed with the big news that the “Oppenheimer” Oscar winner is returning to the superhero franchise, this time as a villain.
Logline:
At Comic-Con 2024, Marvel dropped a bombshell: Robert Downey Jr. is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but not as Tony Stark. Instead, he’s taking on the role of the infamous Doctor Doom.
Breakdown:
- Joe and Anthony Russo will once again collaborate with Downey, marking their first reunion since Avengers: Endgame.
- The upcoming fifth Avengers film, previously named Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, has been retitled Avengers: Doomsday.
- The focus will shift to Doom, paving the way for the sixth Avengers installment, Avengers: Secret Wars.
Plot Beats:
Joe Russo emphasized the importance of Secret Wars, stating, “It’s the biggest story that Marvel Comics ever told. It’s the reason Anthony and I are standing up here. It’s world-colliding epic-ness. But we need to make another movie first. There is one very important character that is required to do it justice.”
Cast and Crew:
- Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo
- Writers: Jonathan Hickman (comic), Esad Ribic (art)
Buzz and Highlights:
Secret Wars was a landmark Marvel comic event published in 2015, featuring a narrative where the multiverse faces annihilation. Doctor Doom’s role is crucial, as he saves a select group of characters from different timelines, assembling them on Battleworld.
Production Notes:
- The MCU’s Secret Wars will incorporate multiversal elements, potentially making Downey’s Doom a variant of Tony Stark.
- Historically, Doom is the archenemy of the Fantastic Four, who are also set to debut in the MCU with Ralph Ineson as Galactus.
- Downey’s portrayal of Tony Stark as a quick-witted tech genius contrasts sharply with Doom’s serious and regal demeanor, though his recent Oscar win for Oppenheimer showcases his range.
In Marvel’s 2016 Infamous Iron Man, Doom assumes the Iron Man mantle while Stark is comatose. Although this exact scenario might not fit into Avengers: Doomsday, it highlights the intertwined fates of Stark and Doom in the comics. Downey’s onstage quip, “New mask, same task. What can I say? I like playing complicated characters,” hints at the intriguing complexity he’ll bring to Doom.
Source: Entertainment Weekly.
