Recent Reports Suggest Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Could Be Recast After ‘Secret Wars’

A few weeks ago, it was announced that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the MCU as Doctor Doom. The news sparked mixed reactions; some fans feel that casting RDJ as Doom could undermine Iron Man’s legacy, while others argue it might be confusing to see the same actor without an in-universe explanation.

Reports indicate that RDJ began negotiating his return at least a year ago. Several sources suggest that Marvel is paying $80 million for Anthony and Joe Russo to direct Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, with an even higher sum for RDJ to portray Doctor Doom in both films.

The key phrase here is “both films,” as there is no guarantee that RDJ will appear in more movies beyond those. This was a topic of discussion during the recent Cosmic Circus AMA, where Alex Perez suggested there is a strong likelihood that Doom will be recast, especially since this version of the character won’t be from Earth-616.

Spidey: Will RDJ Doom be recast after Secret Wars?

Alex: I think so, yes. Because the Earth RDJ’s Doom comes from isn’t from 616, so there’s a high chance he’ll be recast.

Fans unhappy with the casting may find some relief in the possibility that a popular fan theory could be correct. This theory suggests that Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom in the MCU might not be the “real” Doctor Doom, but rather a variant who is ultimately replaced by the true Doom, played by a different actor. The theory posits that Marvel is carefully planning Doom’s introduction, given his importance as a major villain and cultural icon. It speculates that Marvel might cast a big-name actor, like RDJ, as a decoy Doom to set the stage for future events after Secret Wars and possibly Battleworld.

Who do you think should play the real Doom? Share your thoughts in the comments below!