Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, introducing a new and morally complex villain— Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr. In a recent interview, the Russo Brothers shared exciting insights into how Downey’s portrayal of the iconic character will unfold.
Downey’s take on the iconic villain is expected to bring a role that has long been associated with evil and tyranny. However, the Russo Brothers’ comments make it clear that this Doctor Doom won’t be your typical villain. His motivations may surprise audiences in ways that draw parallels to another infamous MCU antagonist, Thanos.
Russo Brothers teased that Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom would be a complex villain
In a recent interview with Brazilian outlet Omelette, The Russo Brothers teased exciting details about how Doctor Doom will be portrayed. They hinted at a character whose moral compass is as twisted as it is interesting. Shedding light on the direction they’re taking with Doom, Joe Russo explained,
We love villains who think they are heroes of their own stories. That’s when they become three-dimensional and when they become more interesting.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, it’s clear that Doom’s actions will be driven by what he believes is the best course for saving himself and maybe the multiverse. Doctor Doom’s role in Avengers: Doomsday will be deeply intertwined with the catastrophic multiversal events threatening the fabric of reality itself. While Thanos’ nihilistic worldview was central to his role in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, Doom will likely present a similar complex ideology with different motivations.
With Robert Downey Jr. leading the charge as the enigmatic Victor Von Doom, Avengers: Doomsday will seemingly explore his transformation from hero to antihero. Joe Russo also emphasized, “When you have an actor like Robert Downey, you have to create a well-shaped, three-dimensional character for the audience.”
Likely, Doom’s arc will present him as a tragic figure, much like Thanos, who was willing to make extreme sacrifices to save the multiverse. This new take on Downey’s second run in the MCU could blur the lines between hero and villain, with Doom seeing himself as the savior, even if his actions make him an enemy to the Avengers.
Russo Brothers were initially reluctant to join MCU but the complex villain story finally convinced them
During an interview about their recent film, The Electric State, Joe Russo explained that it wasn’t the Russo brothers who conceived the idea for Downey’s return as the iconic villain, but rather Marvel CEO Kevin Feige. Initially, the Russo brothers were resistant to the idea. “We didn’t have a way in,” Russo added, explaining that the narrative needed to be strong enough to bring them back on board.
It wasn’t until Stephen McFeely, a key collaborator and writer, pitched a compelling idea that convinced the Russo brothers. “One day, Steve McFeely, one of our chief collaborators, said, ‘I have an idea, Joe Russo recalled. We went, ‘That’s the story! That story has to be told; it’s a really powerful story!’”
Fans will now see a multifaceted version of the character, with Downey’s new appearance as Doom. Fans can look forward to a movie that could change everything we thought we knew about Doctor Doom and what it means to be a hero—or a villain—in the MCU.
Avengers: Doomsday will hit the theatre on May 1, 2026.
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