Key Takeaways:
– A well-known insider claims that Robert Downey Jr. could return to the Marvel Universe, but as a new character.
– Instead of returning as his iconic role, Iron Man, he could play the role of villain, Doctor Doom, in the Fantastic Four reboot.
– Once, Downey Jr. auditioned for Doctor Doom in 2005 for the Fantastic Four film.
– Despite the rumor, Downey Jr. says he's eager to reprise his role as Iron Man in the MCU again.
Could Robert Downey Jr. be Rejoining The MCU As A New Character?
Speculations are spreading like wildfire that Robert Downey Jr., who played the iconic character Iron Man that spearheaded the Marvel Universe, might return to MCU. But it's not as Iron Man! An intriguing rumor suggests he might come back to the superhero franchise, this time donning the villain's cloak. A surprising twist indeed as Downey Jr. is rumored to portray Doctor Doom in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot.
The Rumor Mill: From Iron Man to Doctor Doom?
Jeff Sneider, a respected industry insider, has dropped a bombshell for all Marvel enthusiasts. In one of Sneider's recent newsletters, he claimed that Downey Jr. could rejoin the Avengers universe as a character variant of Stark who eventually evolves into Doctor Von Doom, the arch-nemesis of Fantastic Four.
Interestingly, this won't be RDJ's first tryst with Doctor Doom. The actor auditioned to play this character in 2005 for the Fantastic Four movie, but the role went to Julian McMahon. This audition predated his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Iron Man.
In conversation with Marvel Entertainment, director Jon Favreau recollected, “I remember you had all met with [Downey] already for like Doctor Doom or something on another project. I think he had come through on maybe Fantastic Four, so everybody sort of knew who he was.”
Downey Jr.'s Journey in MCU and the Possibility of His Return
Despite not landing the role of Doctor Doom, Downey Jr. soon became the face of MCU as Tony Stark in 2008's Iron Man. Marvel boss Kevin Feige once expressed, “That tone that you and Robert discovered on that movie, I would say became the template in a way for much of what the MCU became.”
Marvel fans find it exciting to imagine RDJ returning to MCU as the main villain of the Fantastic Four. However, for some fans, this sounds more like a wild fantasy than a plausible reality.
Downey Jr.'s Eagerness to Return as Iron Man
Regardless of his possible transformation into Doctor Doom, Downey Jr. has always expressed a keen interest in reprising his role as Iron Man. In an interview with Variety, he confessed that the character of Iron Man feels intensely ingrained in his DNA and he remains open-minded about reprising the role.
Feige has asserted they will not reverse the events from Avengers: Endgame that led to Iron Man's death. However, there could be multiple creative ways to bring him back into the MCU without disrupting the already established timelines.
With Downey Jr. ready and willing to wear the Iron Man suit again, the ball is in Marvel Studios' court. As discussions continue, fans eagerly wait to see if and how this beloved actor will return to the Marvel Universe. Until then, the speculations keep the excitement alive!
