Robert Downey Jr. is making a surprise return to Marvel as Doctor Doom in 'Avengers Doomsday.' Here's how that's possible and what else to know about the film.
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- Marvel Studios announced that the next Avengers film will be "Avengers: Doomsday."
- The company also revealed that Robert Downey Jr. is returning to play the villain Doctor Doom.
- A film industry analyst said it's a smart business move.
Marvel Studios announced that Robert Downey Jr. and directors the Russo brothers will return for its next big crossover movie, "Avengers: Doomsday," in what appeared to be an attempt to use nostalgia to win back fans.
For months, fans have been worried about what will happen to the next "Avengers" movie after Marvel Studios faced a series of problems.
Destin Daniel Cretton, the original director of "Avengers 5," dropped out in November 2023. Weeks later, Jonathan Majors, who was set to play the next major villain, Kang, was fired by Marvel after he was convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
This came against a backdrop of audiences losing interest in Marvel TV shows and movies, leading to the company's last release in 2023, "The Marvels," losing $237 million at the box office, according to Deadline's estimates.
Marvel Studios appears to be attempting to revitalize interest in its franchise by bringing back beloved characters and actors.
Marvel Studios announced at the end of their panel at the San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday that "Avengers: Doomsday" and the film that follows it, "Avengers: Secret Wars," will be directed by the Russo brothers.
Joe and Anthony Russo directed the last two "Avengers" movies, which made over $4 billion in total and are the current second and sixth-highest-grossing movies of all time.
It also announced that Downey Jr., who played the beloved hero Iron Man for over a decade, is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to play Doctor Doom, the new villain in "Avengers: Doomsday."
Though there had been speculation that Downey Jr. may return to the MCU at some point, the announcement was a surprise to many fans because the actor only left the franchise five years ago after Iron Man sacrificed his life at the end of "Avengers Endgame" to save the universe.
Downey Jr.'s return could bring disillusioned fans back to the franchise. But some fans have said this move would ruin Downey Jr.'s final performance in "Avengers Endgame" and the legacy of Doctor Doom, one of the most popular Marvel comic villains.
Here's what to know about "Avengers: Doomsday," which premieres on May 1, 2026.