Robert Downey Jr. could have played Doctor Doom 20 years ago - fans recall interview for "Iron Man" anniversary
The Marvel Cinematic Universe could have turned out very differently.
Ahead of the release of "Avengers: Doctor Doom," Marvel fans recalled an interesting story from Robert Downey Jr.'s career. Even before "Iron Man," the actor met with studio representatives about the role of Doctor Doom in 2005's "Fantastic Four."
Jon Favreau told Kevin Feige about this back in 2023 during a conversation for the 15th anniversary of the first "Iron Man." According to the director, when it came to finding Tony Stark, Marvel already knew Downey well thanks to that meeting:
“I remember you had already met with him about Doctor Doom or something like that for another project. I think he came in for a meeting for 'Fantastic Four.' So everyone already knew who he was.”
In "Fantastic Four," Victor von Doom was ultimately played by Julian McMahon. Three years later, Downey debuted as Tony Stark in "Iron Man," which launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Now, more than 20 years later, with Downey finally becoming Doctor Doom, the old interview has found a second life. Fresh comments from viewers have appeared under the video. "So Downey was Doctor Doom all along," one writes. Another calls what happened "full circle" and notes that the actor's return in a new role no longer seems so sudden if one knows about the 2005 casting. Another viewer jokes: "Watching this in 2026... It was all foretold."
The story also gives Marvel fans reason to fantasize about a completely different version of the cinematic universe: what if Downey had gotten the role of Doom back then and ultimately didn't become Tony Stark?
Downey himself recently admitted that he enjoyed working on the new character even more than playing Iron Man. The image of Doom allowed him to look at other heroes and his place among them differently.
"Avengers: Doctor Doom" will be released on December 18, 2026. Downey will then return to the role in "Avengers: Secret Wars," scheduled for release in 2027.
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