There’s one very famous and serious quote associated with Spider-Man that always comes up (you know what I’m talking about). However, the Spider-Man movies are packed with very funny lines too that are also worth quoting. In fact, there’s one line from Spider-Man: Homecoming that Zendaya says to Tom Holland “a lot” that’s hilarious.

So, as Tom Holland, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon promote Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s release on the 2026 movie schedule, they were asked about movie quotes they use in their everyday lives during an interview with BBC Radio 1. In response, the Challengers star recalled a funny line Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark says in the trio's first Spider-Man movie:

While The Drama star claimed Holland wouldn’t agree with her, he actually did, confirming that she does “say that a lot.”

I get why it’s stuck with them, too. Not only is it a memorable line in Spider-Man: Homecoming, it’s actually said multiple times by Tony Stark (which you can witness by watching the movie with a Disney+ subscription). He says it once right after the whole debacle with the Staten Island Ferry, telling Peter:

He also says it at the very end of the movie, after Peter defeated The Vulture. Both complimenting the boy’s actions and reprimanding him, Robert Downey Jr.’s character said:

While it’s considered one of Tony Stark’s funniest lines, and it’s easily one of the sillier MCU quotes, it is admittedly an odd statement. That’s something Zendaya, Holland and Jacob Batalon joked about too, as they spoke about how it doesn’t make much sense, but it totally works in the movie:

• Zendaya: I think that was just like—what?
• Jacob Batalon: I think that’s just a bad white guy thing to say.
• Tom Holland: Again, not written. I remember walking down the thing, and he said that. And I was like, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’
• Zendaya: [I don’t know] what that means, but it’s great.

I totally see what they’re saying; it is an odd thing to say. However, it’s also not that uncommon, and it’s used often when people mess up big time or embarrass themselves, which Peter did on a few occasions in Homecoming.

Now, if you’ve seen the Marvel movies in order, you know how quotable they are. And personally, Homecoming is one of my favorites to quote. It’s awesome that Zendaya does that too, and I love that the line she references most is this hilarious one that’s said by Robert Downey Jr.

Overall, this whole discussion made me want to rewatch Homecoming. However, it also made me even more excited for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, because I’m sure it will be full of great one-liners, just like the other three Holland-led Spidey films are. So, to see if that’s the case, you can see this trio's fourth Spider-Man movie in theaters on July 31.

Over nearly two decades, The Marvel Cinematic Universe has proven itself as a behemoth franchise that consistently puts out new content in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. While fans are looking forward to upcoming Marvel movies, there's also a great deal of affection for what came before. For instance, Robert Downey Jr. named his favorite Marvel movie, and it's one of the few titles he didn't star in before Tony Stark's death in Endgame.

Fans who have spent years watching the Marvel movies in order know that RDJ helped to start it all when he was cast in Iron Man. He starred in a whopping ten movies prior to his upcoming return as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, and during an appearance at TIFF (via The Toronto Sun) the actor name-dropped his favorite Marvel movie by saying:

Honestly, Guardians of the Galaxy is a solid choice. James Gunn did the impossible with that cosmic story, taking a relatively unknown group of superheroes and making them into fan favorites. The Guardians would end up starring in their own trilogy, and the music and humor of the 2014 inspired a number of superhero movies that followed. RDJ has some taste!

Of course, the Oscar-winning actor did give himself some flowers while talking up Guardians. Namely that the unconventional blockbuster was only made a possiblity after megahits starring the more well-known Marvel heroes. In Downey's words:

Another fair point. Guardians was a risk, one that fans were willing to entertain after the first Phase and a half of MCU blockbusters offered good will to moviegoers. So that cosmic team does owe some respect to Robert Downey Jr. opening the door in Iron Man and The Avengers. In the same appearance he joked about James Gunn's beloved blockbuster winning so many hearts, saying:

I didn't expect a sports analogy to come from this conversation, but I've got to see RDJ's point. Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the most beloved franchises in the entirety of the MCU, and that came as a surprise to even the folks within the shared universe. The entire trilogy ended up being acclaimed, in addition to the Guardians Holiday Special that I re-watch annually.

The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise is streaming in its entirety over on Disney+. The next Marvel movie hitting theater is Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31st as part of the 2026 movie release list. As for Robert Downey Jr., he'll return to the MCU this winter in Avengers: Doomsday.

Robert Downey Jr. has worked with enough filmmakers that when he starts comparing directing styles, I am going to listen. This is an actor whose career has taken him from his father’s underground film world to John Hughes, Richard Attenborough, Shane Black, Jon Favreau, Guy Ritchie, Christopher Nolan and, soon enough, back to the MCU for a new Marvel movie where he'll play Doctor Doom. So, when he casually drops a Clint Eastwood story about “calling action” while talking about how different movie sets operate, my ears perk up.

RDJ was recently asked what it was like working with Nolan on Oppenheimer. Instead of jumping straight into the usual praise, he backed into the answer by mentioning legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood, and the detail is one I had never heard before. He explained during an interview with Conversations for Our Daughters:

That is such a fascinating little detail about the A Fistful of Dollars star. Calling “action” is one of the most basic pieces of film language. Even people who have never been near a set know that rhythm: quiet on set, roll camera, action. It's practically baked into how most people imagine movies being made.

Yet, according to the Iron Man actor, Eastwood avoided it because he did not like the hard line it created between regular human behavior and performance. Interestingly, Downey does not appear to have worked with Eastwood himself, but this is clearly one of those Hollywood stories that has made the rounds, even if it was new to me.

The story makes sense for Eastwood, whose screen persona has often been built on economy. As a director, he has a reputation for working quickly, keeping setups simple and bringing films in under budget and on schedule. If you are trying to get actors into something natural, maybe a shouted command is not the cleanest way in, especially if they may only get one or two passes at the material.

Downey then used that thought to pivot to Nolan, whose approach sounds different but is similarly stripped down. He continued:

That description lines up with the Nolan lore that has built up over the years. His sets have a reputation for focus, discipline and very little wasted motion. Tom Holland, who worked with Nolan on The Odyssey, has also talked about how the director runs a set and how that experience influenced the attitude he brought to the making of the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

The Avengers star went on to say Nolan “abhors waste” and “craves efficiency,” but he also made an important distinction. To Downey, Nolan’s style is not about avoiding chaos entirely. He continued:

The Chaplain actor also compared working with Nolan to working with “a good parent,” aka someone who will not let you get away with nonsense but who wants you to succeed. That might be my favorite part of his answer, because it explains why an actor of his stature would seem so eager to give himself over to that environment.

Both Nolan and Eastwood, at least in Downey’s telling, seem suspicious of unnecessary noise. During Eastwood's career, he avoided the big “action” command because it interrupted the delicate shift into performance. Meanwhile, Nolan strips away anything that does not belong in front of the camera because waste gets in the way. Two iconic filmmakers, two very different methods, and one surprising shared instinct: protect the moment.

RDJ returns to Marvel in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, which is set to hit theaters Dec. 18. As for Eastwood, he worked well into his 90s, though his family has indicated he is likely done making movies. His final acting and directing effort appears to be 2021’s Cry Macho. And honestly, after seven decades in show business, the man has more than earned the right to fold up his director’s chair.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to be a wildly popular franchise, with new releases hitting theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Fans who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order have seen a ton of heroes introduced, starting off with Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark in Iron Man. While Jon Favreau's 2008 movie was a huge gamble, the Oscar-winning actor recently shouted out two of his Avengers co-stars for playing two heroes that were especially difficult to pull off.

Moviegoers can't wait to see RDJ as Doctor Doom in the next Avengers movie, but the 61-year-old actor is also looking back on what came before. During an interview with CBR, Downey spoke to the two actors he thinks had the hardest job when bringing their heroes to life on the big screen. In his words:

Honestly, I get his perspective. On paper, both Captain America and Doctor Strange are two Marvel heroes who might be challenging to play, and could potentially end up coming off pretty goofy. Luckily, the studio had stellar actors like Chris Evans and Benedict Cumberbatch playing those roles, respectively. And Robert Downey Jr. is (rightfully) giving flowers to his co-stars for making Cap and Strange into beloved figures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

I can definitely see RDJ's point, especially when it comes to Benedict Cumberbatch in particular. When Doctor Strange arrived in theaters 2016, it was the first time the MCU brought magic into the shared universe (aside from Loki's abilities). The Sherlock actor had an uphill battle in pulling this off, as well as making Stephen Strange feel like a real person. He balanced humor and heart in the movie, while casting spells and bringing trippy visuals into the universe. Fans really responded to it, and he's become an important presence in the MCU as a whole. As for Chris Evans, he succeeded in making Steve Rogers the heart of the entire franchise.

What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is limited, but both Chris Evans and Benedict Cumberbatch are expected to reprise their roles in the mysterious blockbuster. Fans are eager to see how the mysterious story will go down, and how the Avengers will react when meeting Doctor Doom... especially since he'll be having the same face as their dead friend Tony Stark.

All will be revealed when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18th as part of the 2026 movie release list. And with the press tour coming up, hopefully Robert Downey Jr. will grace us with more of his Marvel hot takes.

Tom Holland’s reputation as Marvel’s most dangerous keeper of secrets has become almost as famous as his superhero role itself. The Spider-Man: Brand New Day star has accidentally let enough things slip over the years that Marvel fans basically treat every interview like a live-wire spoiler event. So, naturally, when Robert Downey Jr. privately told him he was returning to the MCU, he did what any noted spoiler might do: he told someone special right away.

In a recent Cinemania interview with Holland and Zendaya while the two were promoting their upcoming 2026 movie, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the couple talked about the moment Zendaya learned that Downey was returning to Marvel as Doctor Doom. The in-demand actor admitted the news reached her almost immediately after the phone call with his Marvel mentor. He recalled:

Honestly, as far as Tom Holland spoilers go, this one barely counts as a crime. Zendaya is part of the Spider-Man franchise, and the couple is obviously much more than co-stars, as they've been in a long-term relationship with marriage rumors. If Robert Downey Jr. calls to tell you personally he’s returning for a new Marvel movie, telling your fiancée feels less like leaking classified Avengers intel and more like normal human behavior.

Still, I do enjoy imagining Kevin Feige somewhere suddenly looking up from a stack of storyboards and whispering, “Tom knows.” The funny part is the Uncharted actor seems very aware that Marvel has learned to keep him at arm’s length when it comes to the biggest plot details. He continued:

That is probably the safest possible setup for everyone involved. Holland can still be excited about the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday release and whatever comes after, while Marvel keeps the really dangerous story beats locked in a vault somewhere.

It also makes sense that Downey would call the young MCU star himself. Their connection goes back to Captain America: Civil War, where Tony Stark introduced this version of Peter Parker to the larger Marvel universe. That mentor relationship became one of the emotional pillars of Holland’s run, especially through Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Off-screen, Holland has often credited Downey with helping him navigate the madness of joining Marvel at such a young age. So hearing that Downey gave him an early heads-up about his return feels genuinely sweet.

The twist, of course, is that the Oppenheimer star is not returning as Tony Stark. He is coming back as Doctor Doom, which raises approximately 9,000 questions about what that means for Peter Parker. And the young actor behind the hero sounds just as curious as everyone else, especially considering Peter’s history with Tony and the emotional crater Tony left behind after Endgame.

For now, Holland and Zendaya are busy promoting Spider-Man: Brand New Day. But somewhere out there, the next chapter of the Avengers is waiting, and the In the Heart of the Sea actor knows just enough to be excited, and thankfully, not enough to spoil everything.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters on July 31, 2026, and Avengers: Doomsday will follow suit on December 18th.

The hype for Avengers: Doomsday appears to be growing, and few seem as excited as one of the film’s lead actors, Robert Downey Jr. Anthony and Joe Russo’s latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will see Downey return to the continuity not as the heroic Iron Man but as the villainous Doctor Doom. By all accounts, Downey has really committed to the role, and he’s even been sharing Doom-themed social media posts on multiple holidays. Now, his latest update has fans making a big prediction about the upcoming superhero film.

Robert Downey Jr.’s Latest Doom Holiday Post Sparks Reactions From Fans

Downey’s holiday posts have varied, but they’ve been delightful thus far. Last November, for example, the Oscar winner posted Thanksgiving art of Doom and Iron Man sharing a wishbone. And, even this past spring, the actor dropped an Easter pic of Doom maniacally holding a basket of color-coded eggs. Father’s Day marked the latest occasion for Downey to share a post, and he dropped a photo of what looked like a child’s drawing, depicting the Marvel villain as a loving dad. Check it out:

Even with Downey’s track record of sharing themed pics featuring Victor von Doom, I’d be lying if I said I was expecting a post like this one for Father’s Day. It’s a humorous photo, but it’s also one that can make a fan ponder if it’s teasing what’s come in the latest Avengers movie. On that note, many MCU devotees have taken to the comments section, and they seem to be of the belief that Downey’s iteration of Latveria’s leader will be a daddy (to a biological child or a surrogate one). Take a look at some of the responses:

• DOOM HAS A CHILD CONFIRMED! Or… he *had* one. - eavoss
• I don't want to be that person, but ‘Daddy Doom' confirmed - princebarkin
• DADDY DOOM 🙌 - themovieposterguy
• DADDY DOOM 💚 - officialhannahsarah
• Wow means doom gonna steal the Franklin richards like comic 👀 - agentp_183
• Y'all just spoiled doom taking in sue and reeds child😭😭💔- andrews_memes43

This is an intriguing conversation, to say the least, but is there actually anything to all of this? Or are we just reading into this too deeply? Let’s discuss.

What Kind Of History Does Doctor Doom Have With Kids?

Victor von Doom doesn’t have any biological heirs in the main Marvel Universe continuity, though he did notably adopt a young Latverian named Kristoff, who he took under his wing. Doom also has key ties to the children of his sworn enemies, Reed Richards and Sue Storm. In the comics, he ultimately helped save the life of Sue and Reed’s unborn daughter and, as a result, he was given the right to name her Valeria. Doom’s link to Reed and Sue’s son, Franklin, is a bit more complex, as the tyrant recruits and manipulates the reality-warping Franklin as a part of his own plan to rework the multiverse.

As can be seen via the fan comments above, some people believe Franklin is the child in the photo, and that’s a reasonable assumption due to the post-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The stinger for the film shows Doom introducing himself to young Franklin while Sue watches on in shock. All in all, it seems a given that the MCU’s Doom will seek to use the all-powerful Franklin and maybe even turn him against his parents and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

Still, these are all just assumptions as, for all we know, Robert Downey Jr.’s Father’s Day post could simply be a fun, little tidbit for fans. With all that said, I’m not opposed to the idea of this latest version of Doctor Doom being a dad, as it would theoretically add even more dramatic tension to what’s already sure to be an intense story.

Avengers: Doomsday opens in theaters on December 18 amid the 2026 movie schedule. In the meantime, prepare for the film by grabbing a Disney+ subscription and streaming the films of the Multiverse Saga.

Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the role of Victor von Doom a.k.a. Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. Of course, the last time Downey appeared in an MCU flick, he was playing Iron Man, and the beloved hero sacrificed himself at the end of Avengers: Endgame. It’s a watershed moment in the continuity, but it turns out Stark's demise actually could’ve happened in a different movie. So, now, I have some questions following this major revelation.

Tony Stark’s Original Death Was To Happen In Another Massive MCU Film

Let’s be real, Downey’s Stark found himself in more than a few precarious situations throughout the Multiverse Saga, from his encounter with Obadiah Stane to the Avengers’ war with Ultron. However, the battle between Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Thanos was particularly intense, and fans more than got a taste of that back in 2018 when Infinity War hit theaters. And, believe it or not, that’s the film co-director Joe Russo said was initially meant to feature Stark’s death, and he and Downey had a funny-back-and-forth about it:

• Joe Russo: This happens a lot in these rooms, right? We try to... I'm feeling the heat now. We try to investigate. We try to investigate all angles, right? Everything's up for grabs. We always say, ‘Best idea wins.’ And a lot of the times you gotta stretch…
• Robert Downey Jr.: It's mine.
• Russo: We have to stretch…
• Downey: Mine is just, ‘Don't kill me.’

Consider me pleasantly surprised by all this! The revelation, which was revealed during a sit-down interview held by CBR, coincided with the eighth anniversary of Infinity War’s release. It’s interesting to hear that Joe Russo and brother/co-director Anthony considered having Stark die in that particular movie, though I guess it tracks, considering there’s a scene in which Thanos stabs Tony through his armor only for him to survive. As for why the Russos eventually decided against it, Joe said:

It sounds like it all came down to the Russos possibly being faced with the challenge of having to include Stark in Endgame posthumously. All in all, I’m glad they settled on their chosen direction, especially since it would’ve robbed us of Stark’s eventual sacrifice, but I still have some questions.

What Are Some Questions To Consider About This “What If” Scenario?

For starters, when exactly was Stark’s death going to take place in Infinity War? I mean, would it have been the moment he was stabbed by Thanos on Titan? Of course, there’s also the possibility that he could’ve died in a totally different way that might not have involved Thanos at all. I find it very interesting that Joe Russo doesn’t divulge any specifics, but that may be due to his desire to have fans speculate as I’m doing right now.

Something I also want to know is whether Robert Downey Jr. was aware of his character’s initial fate during the development process. And, if he knew, I’d love to know how he felt. It’s unclear based on this conversation, but I get the feeling Downey wouldn’t have been too pleased, considering the comments he’s sharing now.

Regardless of any of that, though, I’d say everything worked out just as it should’ve. And, in any case, Downey still has the opportunity to further spread his wings by way of his villainous character. I wish I could’ve been a fly on the wall and watched Downey work on set. Here’s hoping that Doom’s introduction is glorious and that Tony Stark’s memory is preserved within the MCU amid his cohort’s latest battle.

Fans can check out Stark’s sacrifice by streaming Avengers: Endgame with a Disney+ subscription. Also, see Robert Downey Jr. return in Avengers: Doomsday, which opens in theaters on December 18 amid the 2026 movie schedule.

Every time I hear an Avengers: Doomsday cast member hype the movie up, my excitement for the film on the 2026 movie schedule increases exponentially. Case in point, Ebon Moss-Bachrach just obsessed over working with Robert Downey Jr. on this upcoming Marvel movie, and it was the best.

Unlike a good chunk of the Doomsday cast, this movie will mark the first time Ebon Moss-Bachrach has worked with Robert Downey Jr. in a big way; also, he’ll be acting alongside the MCU icon as he plays Doctor Doom instead of Tony Stark. Before they started filming, the Fantastic Four: First Steps star said he was “excited” to work with RDJ. Now, he’s updated ET on the experience. Responding to a question about who surprised him most, The Bear actor said:

Well, I love that! I especially love it because we’ll be seeing Downey in a totally different role in Dommsday. He’s no longer a hero; he isn’t Iron Man. He’s Doctor Doom now, and I’m very excited to see how he surprises all of us in that role. And if he’s keeping the cast on their toes, I imagine the audience is poised to have a similar experience.

Along with this comment being thrilling on its own, it also goes right along with what other Doomsday cast members have said about Robert Downey Jr. Moss-Bachrach’s Fantastic Four co-star, Vanessa Kirby, compared RDJ to “the godfather,” explaining to Variety that he’s the movie's “leader” and he’s “always there” and looking out for his fellow actors. Overall, she said it was a “joy” working with him and the movie’s directors, the Russo brothers.

Meanwhile, Simu Liu said Downey has inspired him greatly. He gushed about how the Iron Man actor is very “kind, generous, and inspiring,” and he spoke to the impact he’s had on Marvel’s success.

Of course, the Oppenheimer star has quite the sense of humor, so we get to see him bickering with Chris Evans and joking around. However, it’s clear that this cast really looks up to him and has loved working with him. To see exactly what I mean, check out this clip of Ebon Moss-Bachrach talking about RDJ:

It’s so wonderful to see this ensemble gushing about each other. This video is also a thrilling reminder that not only is Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU, but he’s coming back as a new character, and we’ll get to see him go against a team of heroes made up of actors who have acted with him many times and never acted with him before.

So, get ready, folks! Avengers: Doomsday will hit theaters on December 18, and that’s when we’ll get to see Robert Downey Jr. back on the big screen in a Marvel movie, and we’ll get to watch him interact with other beloved actors, like Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

It's no secret that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a well-oiled machine at this point, consistently putting out new content in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. But OG fans who have watched the Marvel movies in order will remember that back when Iron Man was released back in 2008, it a risky new experiment in filmmaking. I thought that Robert Downey Jr. had to fight for his role as Tony Stark due to his troubled past, but director Jon Favreau painted another picture.

Moviegoers are always looking forward to upcoming Marvel movies, but there's often more information coming out about the past as well. Case in point: Favreau's recent Vanity Fair video breaking down his career, including the original Iron Man movie. He spoke about fighting for RDJ's casting, offering:

I always thought that the resistance to Robert Downey Jr. playing Tony Stark was related to his past with addiction. But that seemingly wasn't the case; instead it was about the studio not wanting to pay an A-lister who they thought would be hidden under a mask for most of the movie. Of course, we know how much the Oscar-winning actor's charisma and charm defined the character for years.

In the same video, Jon Favreau spoke more about the resistance to RDJ's casting as Iron Man. He already in the midst of his career comeback at the time, including roles in projects like Charlie Bartlett, Zodiac, and The Shaggy Dog. The director went on to share:

Yeah, my mind is blown. Robert Downey Jr. was 43 when he debuted as Tony Stark in Iron Man, and it sounds like some folks thought he was a little long in the tooth. That's wild considering how long he played the role, and the fact that RDJ is returning as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday at age 61.

In the end the Sherlock Holmes actor fought for his signature role, including coming in to do a camera test. As Jon Favreau put it:

Indeed, Robert Downey Jr.'s audition tape is available to watch online. Despite not actually landing the role yet he had the signature wit and swagger that Tony Stark became known for. And it's clear that the studio ultimately made the right decision in casting their first MCU hero; it's hard to imagine anyone else playing the role at this point.

The Iron Man franchise is streaming now on Disney+, and RDJ will return to the MCU when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18th as part of the 2026 movie release list. Although this time he'll be playing a new role as the villainous Doctor Doom.

Tom Holland has been open about how much Robert Downey Jr. meant to his early Marvel run, and the whole thing still has a very sweet mentor-student glow. Holland entered the MCU as Peter Parker in Captain America: Civil War, and Downey’s Tony Stark was there both in the movie and behind the scenes, helping him find his footing.

In an Instagram video posted by Marvel, Joe and Anthony Russo talked about filming Holland’s MCU introduction and explained that Downey’s guidance shaped the scene in real time. Joe Russo said:

According to The Russos, one of the greatest things a filmmaker can do for an actor is put them in a scene with Robert Downey Jr.. And hey, it seems to have paid off for Holland, who is now a global superstar looking to headline two major summer tentpole films on the 2026 movie calendar.

Tom Holland Wants To Pay That Forward

That lines up beautifully with Holland’s own recent comments about the future of Spider-Man. In a statement, Holland said that whenever Marvel brings in the next web-slinger, whether that is Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Woman or someone else, he would love to be part of setting up that next chapter.

His reasoning was simple and very full-circle. In recent viral comments, Holland said that if he could do for another actor what Downey did for him, he would be “so content swinging off into the sunset.”

That is the kind of comment that is both adorable and slightly alarming for fans. On the one hand, it is lovely to hear Holland thinking about mentorship rather than just franchise ownership. On the other hand, whenever an actor in new superhero movies starts talking about sunsets, Marvel fans start bracing for some emotional damage.

But it makes sense. Holland’s first MCU scenes worked partly because Peter Parker felt overwhelmed in the best possible way. He was a kid from Queens, suddenly standing across from Tony Stark/Iron Man, and the nervous energy did not feel fake. Downey could play confidence in his sleep, but he also knew how to make room for Holland’s jittery charm. Their dynamic became the backbone of the MCU’s Spider-Man story, from Homecoming through the heartbreak of Avengers: Endgame.

The Russos Saw The Same Thing

The Russo Brothers’ comments help explain why that introduction landed so well. Putting a new actor opposite Downey was not just a casting flex. It was a way of giving Holland a scene partner who could set the pace, keep the scene alive and help define the character’s place in the larger MCU.

That matters because Spider-Man was entering a universe that was already crowded with stars, lore and audience expectations. Holland had to feel new without feeling disconnected, and Downey’s presence gave him an immediate anchor. Tony Stark was the MCU’s biggest personality at the time, so if he took Peter seriously, audiences were invited to do the same.

It also helped that the relationship echoed the characters. Tony became a mentor to Peter on screen, while Downey seems to have done something similar for Holland off-screen. Sometimes the movie machine gets lucky, and the behind-the-scenes chemistry hums at the same frequency as the story.

Spider-Man’s Future Is Starting To Look Generational

That is why Holland’s comments about a future Spider-Man hit harder than a normal franchise tease. The MCU has been around long enough that its young heroes are becoming veterans, and older heroes, like Ant-Man, are the old guard and mentors. Holland was once the new kid being welcomed into the clubhouse. Now, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day on the way, he is talking about helping whoever comes next.

That could mean Miles Morales. It could mean Spider-Gwen. It could mean another Spider-person entirely. Marvel has not laid out those plans yet, but the animated Spider-Verse movies and the television hit Spider-Noir have already proved there is a huge appetite for more than one web-slinger.

For now, Holland is still Peter Parker, and fans are waiting to see what Brand New Day does with him after the lonely ending of No Way Home. But between Holland’s comments and the Russos’ praise for Downey, one thing feels clear: RDJ’s influence on the MCU did not end with Tony Stark’s sacrifice.

And hey, we will get to see RDJ back in the MCU, albeit in a very different kind of mask, when he appears as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday on Dec. 18. Holland’s Spidey has not been confirmed for the movie, but with the Russo brothers back behind the camera, one can only hope for that kind of full-circle reunion.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe consistently treats fans to new content, both in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. The next highly anticipated upcoming Marvel movie hitting theaters is Destin Daniel Cretton's Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which will be Tom Holland's fourth solo movie as Peter Parker. And the 29-year-old actor said he wants to emulate Robert Downey Jr. for whatever actor becomes a wall crawler in future projects.

Fans who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order have seen Tom Holland become a megastar as a result of his tenure as Peter Parker. But it all started when he was cast in Captain America: Civil War, with many of his early scenes shared with Oscar-winner RDJ. In an interview with Empire about Brand New Day, Holland shared his hopes for the franchise's future, offering:

I mean, how sweet is that? While it's unclear if/when Spider-Gwen or Miles Morales will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Holland wants to take a page out of Downey's book and help to welcome and mentor them. We'll just have to wait and see whether or not this happens, and how long the Uncharted actor ends up playing Peter Parker in the shared universe.

As aww-inducing as Holland's comments are, they also might concern Marvel fans. Is he approaching his exit from the shared universe, and therefore thinking about passing the baton to another actor? It's unclear, but suddenly the stakes for the next Spider-Man movie feel even higher.

Tom Holland's mentee relationship with Robert Downey Jr. in many ways echoed Peter Parker's connection with Tony Stark within the MCU. This may be why their chemistry was so electric, and why Iron Man's death scene hit so hard during Avengers: Endgame.

Shortly after Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse hit theaters (and won an Academy Award) fans have been begging to see both Miles Morales and Spider-Gwen go to live-action in the MCU. Unfortunately, there's been no indication that the studio is making this a priority. But who knows? We're still waiting to hear who Sadie Sink is playing in Brand New Day.

All will be revealed when Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters on July 31st as part of the 2026 movie release list. With the movie just a few months away, hopefully we get more footage and information about that blockbuster soon.

Dwayne Johnson taking some time out of his busy 2026 movie schedule to show up and speak at Emily Blunt’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony sounds like a sweet, full-circle movie-star moment. The two, have worked together multiple times, clearly adore each other, and Johnson is exactly the kind of person you want giving a big, heartfelt speech in public. Unfortunately for The Rock, public affection apparently came with a very poorly timed water spill, which led to some hilarious advice from Robert Downey Jr., according to Blunt.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Blunt talked about her Hollywood Boulevard star ceremony, where Robert Downey Jr., Meryl Streep, Johnson and others spoke about her career and their relationships with her. She explained how Johnson’s good deed turned into a tiny wardrobe mishap when it looked like he’d "peed" himself. According to her:

First of all, Robert Downey Jr. remains exactly who you want in your corner during a red-carpet pants emergency. Some people would panic or pretend not to notice. Not him. Downey apparently looked at the situation, assessed the sightlines and calmly told Johnson the podium was protecting him. That is Avengers-level crisis management, but for trousers.

Honestly, what a vicious little betrayal by gravity. This is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a man built like a sentient monument. He can carry franchises, wrestle giants and make a white shirt look like formal armor. But even he can be temporarily defeated by a cup of water and bad placement.

The podium, sadly, was not the end of Johnson’s weird day. Blunt also recalled that after the ceremony, Johnson got pulled over by police. She continued:

Blunt then joked that the officers may have known exactly who they were dealing with. She added:

That police stop really did happen. TMZ reported that Johnson was pulled over after leaving the Walk of Fame event because of the tint on his vehicle’s windows. At the same time, People noted that he appeared calm during the interaction and had been at the ceremony to support his Jungle Cruise co-star and Stanley Tucci.

Of course, because the universe has a sense of humor and Kevin Hart has access to microphones, Johnson’s longtime co-star later got asked if he had called the cops on him. Hart joked that he had not, but that he would, because that is apparently what friendship looks like when you have starred in multiple films together, including three Jumanji movies.

Johnson and Hart have turned off-screen roasting into its own side franchise, and they’ll be back together again in the now-wrapped Jumanji: Open World, which hits theaters on Christmas Day. Their friendship runs on affection, volume and insults fired like Nerf darts from a moving vehicle.

Recapping Johnson’s day: show up for Emily Blunt, spill water in the worst possible place, get saved by a podium, leave the ceremony and get pulled over for tinted windows, then have Kevin Hart publicly pretend he would absolutely snitch on you for sport. Honestly, Downey’s advice may be useful beyond this one ceremony. When life hands you an embarrassing spill, find the podium. The podium’s got you.

The day before The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiered on the 2026 movie schedule, the stars were out on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to celebrate two of its stars, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. However, while that’s lovely, the moment we’re going to focus on today is the funny wardrobe oopsie Dwayne Johnson had right before he got up to give his Jungle Cruise co-star her tribute.

As per tradition, when a star gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, many of their colleagues come out to give speeches and honor them. For Emily Blunt, this lineup included The Rock, who she’s worked a few times. However, before he said a bunch of very nice things about her, he had to address the wardrobe mishap in the room as he explained (via Hello Magazine):

After he said that, someone yelled at him that the “podium’s got you,” meaning, it was hiding the stain from the drink. So, really, Dwayne Johnson was fine. No one could see it while he was talking. However, he continued to address it, saying:

Listen, I can’t blame him for mentioning this. As you can see in the photo above and the clip of this moment, he’s wearing a very light suit, which means stains will be visible if a spill happens. So, I totally get where he was coming from, and I thought he handled it with humor and grace.

Then, after that, he tried to move on, recalling how he and Matt Damon were talking about how “awesome” and “cool” this honor is for Blunt and Tucci. However, it did come back around to his pants, as he pointed down to them and said:

Well, that was sweet (and silly too), it also added to the wonderful event that was this Walk of Fame ceremony. Along with Johnson, who worked with Blunt on Jungle Cruise and The Smashing Machine, her fellow Oppenheimer cast members, Matt Damon and Robert Downey Jr., showed up to honor her. Plus, Meryl Streep was there too to share kind words about both her Devil Wears Prada co-stars.

Also, seeing as Tucci and Blunt are in-laws (he is married to her sister), they were able to make this double-star ceremony a family affair. Plus, Tucci’s wife, Felicity Blunt, and Emily Blunt’s husband, John Krasinski, were there as well.

So, all around, it was a star-studded affair full of love and one tiny wardrobe mishap. However, that keeps things fun, especially when The Rock used it to make a great comedic moment during the ceremony.

Now, to see these stars shining bright on the big screen (with no wardrobe malfunctions), you can watch both Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci in the well-reviewed Devil Wears Prada 2 in theaters now.

It’s a small world out there for theme park fans, many of whom don’t just ride at Disney World or Universal Orlando. Parks fans will travel far and wide for new rides, from amusingly-themed gravy boat coasters to new water attractions and plenty more. So, it’s not that easy to fool a theme park fan. Which is why I was a little surprised by a new video was touting “insane new Disney ride tech” for its new Tony Stark ride.

If you’re up on the attractions at Disneyland, you may already know that Avengers Campus is getting Stark Flight Lab, a brand new ride for fans of Iron Man and all upcoming MCU movies. I already love it 3000, but like the other Universal fans out there, I’m maybe not as enthusiastic about posts touting “new tech.”

OK, the video does look cool, and to be fair, it’s possible the “new tech” is supposed to be selling the fact that it’s new tech for Disney specifically. (Though some fans have compared it to the now-defunct Sum of all Thrills at Epcot.) Perhaps the video even meant to indicate that Tony Stark always has the latest technology in his labs. However, that’s not really how it read to parks fans, and given we know the robotic arms being used in the labs are Kuka arms like many other rides have similarly added in the past. Some of these fans did not let the comment slide.

Honestly, the snark is palpable here:

• This is Brand New Tech if you’re at Universal Studios and it’s 2010.
• So… it looks like like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Monsters Unchained at Universal?
• Welcome to the “Avengers themed Harry Potter ride with complementary 3D screen eye damage”
• Nice to see them taking ideas from Universal who has lately really been having incredible rides.

These types of robotic arms are famous at Universal Orlando in the Islands of Adventure Hogwarts Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It’s also famously one of the more puke-inducing rides in the park, but Universal really perfected the technology with Epic Universe’s great attraction Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

However, they’ve been used in other theme parks, too, and others were very quick to point this out.

• lol. New tech. Legoland had this ride 25 years ago.
• Soooo…. Sum of all Thrills from Epcot? Knights Tournament from Legoland in 2005? Forbidden Journey and Monsters Unchained at Universal?

Stark Flight Lab is going to be a little different in that it will start on a track and then shift upwards thanks to the aforementioned robotic arms. It will also mark the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, which is very cool. There is a ton of excitement for the upcoming Disney attraction, but theme park fans are going to troll all those who call the tech brand new.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a behemoth franchise that's constantly expanding thanks to new releases in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Arguably the most anticipated upcoming Marvel movie is The Russo Brothers' Avengers: Doomsday, which will feature Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the MCU as the villainous Doctor Doom. And when explaining why he's back, he surprisingly dropped Christopher Nolan's name.

What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is limited, but RDJ's involvement is enough to have fans excited. He's returning to the shared universe after taking home an Oscar for Oppenheimer, and during an appearance on Conversations for our Daughters, he addressed this career choice. He also referenced Charlie Chaplin, offering:

That reference is on brand, given how Downey played the title character of Chaplin. And it sounds like he wanted to join the cast of Avengers: Doomsday partly because of the way his career has morphed over the years. Now he's got an Oscar, and he's rejoining the MCU as it's also been greatly changed. Speaking as a fan, I can't wait to see him go from hero to villain in the next Avengers flick.

Later in that same conversation, he went on to drop Christopher Nolan's name, referencing his Oscar-winning turn in Oppenheimer. It sounds like the process of working with the Inception filmmaker helped to inspire his decision to return to Marvel. In the actor's words:

While Robert Downey Jr.'s Marvel career originally ended with Tony Stark's death in Avengers: Doomsday, it sounds like the wild success of Oppenheimer convinced him to dip his toes back into the shared universe. And after Jonathan Majors was fired as Kang, that's exactly what the franchise needed.

What exactly he brings to his new villain character will be revealed when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18th as part of the 2026 movie release list. With the multiverse in play, it seems like just about anything could happen, and fans can't wait to see him back in the MCU.

In the years since Iron Man died in Avengers: Endgame, Robert Downey Jr. has reached a new height of success. That’s because, a few years after he left the MCU as Iron Man, he took a role in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which earned him an Oscar. Now, as RDJ prepares to play Doctor Doom, Kevin Feige has opened up about why they decided to bring him back for the upcoming Marvel movie, Avengers: Doomsday. And yes, it does relate to the Academy Award-winning movie the actor made after he said goodbye to Tony Stark.

Ever since it was revealed that Downey was going to play Victor Von Doom in the MCU, I’ve been wondering why they cast him. While I love the choice, RDJ is synonymous with Tony Stark, so why have him play a new character? Well, now that we’re getting closer to Doomsday’s release on the 2026 movie schedule, Marvel boss Kevin Feige is providing some more details to this answer. Telling EW about when they started forming this idea, he recalled how Downey's performance in the 2023 film Oppenheimer inspired them:

Listen, anything is possible in the multiverse, so why not, right? I totally see what they’re saying, too. Robert Downey Jr. is one of the all-time greats, and that’s in part thanks to his work in both the MCU as Iron Man and Oppenheimer. So, yeah, it tracks that if you want to get an all-time great to play your villain, you should maybe give this guy a call.

I also think it’s worth noting that for a very long time, we got to watch Downey play a hero on the big screen. People loved his take on Tony Stark, and Iron Man was a fundamental part of the Avengers and the MCU in general. Then, we got to see a whole other side of his range in Oppenheimer.

In Christopher Nolan’s biopic about the father of the atomic bomb, Downey played Lewis Strauss. He was the primary antagonist of the film, and RDJ turned in a nuanced performance that was not carried by the charisma and wit that helped make him so beloved as Tony Stark. It was far more dramatic than we’re used to when it comes to him, and ultimately, he served as a brilliant foil to Cillian Murphy’s J. Robert Oppenheimer. Both men took home Oscars for their performances, and the film won many other awards at the 2024 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

In short, Nolan’s movie gave audiences a chance to see Robert Downey Jr. do something totally new and different as an actor.

It also proved that he is one of the best, and I hope that’s what Avengers: Doomsday will do too. Downey is clearly excited about it, with his Doctor Doom-inspired outfits and his coining of the term “Dunesday” to celebrate the fact that his Marvel movie comes out on the same day as Dune: Part Three. Kevin Feige is clearly thrilled about it, too, especially since they got the Oppenheimer actor to come back to the MCU for it.

So, now, to see Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, you can catch Avengers: Doomsday in theaters on December 18. In the meantime, you can go back and watch the performances that made him one of the best of the best by streaming the Marvel movies in order with a Disney+ subscription and buying or renting Oppenheimer.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is always keeping fans on their toes, thanks to consistently releasing new content in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Arguably, the most highly anticipated upcoming Marvel movie is Avengers: Doomsday, which is the shared universe's next big crossover. The movie will feature the return of Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, and they recently clashed on the stage of CinemaCon, to hilarious results.

What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is limited, but that changed a bit thanks to the footage that debuted at CinemaCon. In a video making the rounds online on Instagram, Downey and Evans had a faux fight, with the latter talking crap about the villain Doctor Doom. In his words:

Considering the fact that Doctor Doom is a threat to the entire multiverse, can you blame him? Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. clearly have a ton of love for each other, but fans who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order are ready to see them play adversaries. They hammed it up a bit for the crowd at CinemaCon, with RDJ responding by saying:

The Russo Brothers personally broke up this "fight" as fans cheered. This give and take, as well as the new footage, have never made the next Avengers movie feel more real. And while Chris Evans wasn't included in the Doomsday cast announcement, it seems like he's going to be back in a big way for the forthcoming blockbuster.

The Captain America Doomsday teaser confirmed Evans would be returning, and fans can't wait to see exactly how Steve Rogers is brought back into the fold. It seems like he'll have a major role in the next Avengers movie, rather than a small cameo. You can see the clip of him and Robert Downey Jr. below:

Anticipation for Avengers: Doomsday has been steadily building, with the movie finally being released this December. The pressure is on for the Russo Brothers to deliver, as they did so flawlessly in Infinity War and Endgame. This is especially true given the peaks and valleys that have come to the MCU since then, including box office bombs like The Marvels. But seeing RDJ and Evans back onscreen together might be exactly what the universe needs.

Avengers: Doomsday will hit theaters on December 18th as part of the 2026 movie release list. Hopefully, we get a full trailer soon, as the movie is only a few months away.

Easter is a special day for many people. But this Easter was a surprisingly big day for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It gave us an image of how Doctor Doom celebrates the holiday, and now fans are dissecting it looking for clues about the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

The image came courtesy of Robert Dwoeny Jr. on Instagram who is set to make his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as Doctor Doom. It’s a picture of Doom’s Easter basket, full of Marvel-inspired Easter eggs. Each one indicates a different hero or team of heroes.

Of course, since “easter eggs” are something fans are always looking for when it comes to Marvel movies, fans in the comments are trying to figure out if there is a way to decode this image in a way that reveals some sort of new information about the upcoming Marvel movie. Comments include…

• THERE'S A SPIDEY EASTER EGG - wens.1998
• Left to right: Dr Strange, Ant man, Namor, Black Panther, New Avengers, Captain America, X-men, Shang Chi, Thor, Fantastic 4, Loki, and Spider-Man. - michaeldesanta718
• He just teased it Spiderman gonna be in the movie🔥🔥 - cjtotuff0229
• I have a theory, I believe that Dr. Doom, will be returning for Avengers: Doomsday. - aident2011

If there is anything of significance in this image, it is likely the inclusion of an egg with the Spider-Man insignia. Officially, we don’t know whether Spider-Man will appear in the movie, but if one assumes these eggs are specifically related to the film, it suggests Spidey will appear.

Of course, that doesn’t mean we should expect Tom Holland to be in the film. While no Spider-Man actor has been officially confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, rumors suggest we might actually see Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man in the new film, so even if we take this as confirmation of the character, the actor it could be remains an open question.

The other potentially intriguing piece of the image is seeing the Doctor Strange logo. Benedict Cumberbatch has been cagey about his appearance in the film, at different points claiming he wouldn’t be in Doomsday before saying he would be. His name has not been officially announced for the film.

Other fans are hoping this image is a precursor to the release of the full trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. The trailer calls have been loud and near constant in recent months. It’s possible that we could see a trailer in the next day or so, though if you’re placing bets on the matter, I’d point out that CinemaCon is next week. We will see several new trailers as part of the event, so there’s a decent chance we could get our first look at Doomsday then.

In 2013, Ryan Coogler made his filmmaking debut with Fruitvale Station. It kicked off a professional career that delivered him his first Academy Award earlier this month, winning the Best Original Screenplay category for his work on Sinners. But five years before Fruitvale Station’s release, and 10 years before he delivered Black Panther to the world, Coogler wasn’t anywhere close to being famous. And yet, he still had an interesting encounter with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and Tony Stark actor Robert Downey Jr. at an Iron Man event.

Ryan Coogler recalled this while speaking with Feige and Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy at the dedication celebration for USC’s Kevin Feige Division of Film & Television Production for its School of Cinematic Art (via THR). This is the same event where Feige talked about the last time he saw Chadwick Boseman, and earlier in the evening, Coogler wound the clock back further to talk about when he saw Iron Man during its opening weekend at Hollwood’s Arclight. At one point, he left to use the bathroom, but then was locked out of the theater by security because they were making way for three special guests to appear ahead of the screening:

Don’t worry, Ryan Coogler was able to get back into the theater. Frankly, if I was in his shoes and had been kept out, I’d have been mad about missing out on not just seeing Robert Downey Jr., Kevin Feige and director Jon Favreau, but also not getting to see one of the biggest summer blockbusters of 2008. But thankfully Coogler avoided that and had a good time watching Downey entertain the audience and Iron Man itself:

Less than a decade later, Ryan Coogler would find himself following in Jon Favreau’s footsteps in directing a Marvel movie. Following the success of Creed in 2015, Coogler was tapped to helm Black Panther, which pushed Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa to center stage after he was introduced in Captain America: Civil War. He then returned for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but his original plans for the sequel needed to be overhauled following Boseman’s death. So Letitia Wright’s Shuri inherited the Black Panther mantle, and we’ll see her back in action when Avengers: Doomsday arrives to the 2026 movies schedule.

Looking further ahead into the future, Ryan Coogler is turning his attention next to Black Panther 3, and Sinners actor Delroy Lindo has expressed interested in being added to the cast. The threequel doesn’t have a release date on the upcoming Marvel movies slate yet, but MCU fans can look forward to Spider-Man: Brand New Day hitting theaters on July 31 ahead of Doomsday’s December release.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an ever-changing place, thanks to new releases hitting theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. The next highly anticipated upcoming Marvel movie is Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which will finally catch up with Peter Parker after No Way Home's ending. And after we got the movie's first footage, there are tons of fans comparing Peter to Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark.

What we know about Spider-Man 4 has been limited, but fans were thrilled when Brand New Day's first trailer finally arrived. One shot in particular quickly went viral: Peter in a black tank top. On top of showing off Tom Holland's superhero body, it also harkened back to an early MCU scene with Tony Stark. As one tweet pointed out:

So what exactly is being referenced here, besides Holland's massive arms? Specifically, a scene in Iron Man 3 (which is totally a Christmas movie) where Tony Stark is shown working on his armor in a black tank top. Another viral tweet about this subject shows the sequence of Robert Downey Jr., check it out below:

I've got to admit I totally see the resemblance. Add in Tony's mentorship role to Peter throughout the MCU, and this parallel feels particularly powerful. A ton of fans who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order have made this connection, and are sharing similar posts on social media. For example:

While Peter Parker's guardian was Marisa Tomei's Aunt May, it's hard to deny that Tony became a father figure for the wall crawler. This is what made Tom Holland's reaction to Tony Stark's death in Avengers: Endgame so powerful. And I have to wonder if this black tank top connection was accidental or a purposeful bit of repetition by the costume department of Brand New Day.

The Spider-Man trailer had big moments like the inclusion of Jon Bernthal's Punisher and Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, so it's surprising that a black tank top has made this much of a splash. There are a ton of tweets pointing out this connection to Tony Stark, as you can see below:

Tom Holland's Peter Parker was introduced in Captain America: Civil War, recruited by Tony Stark to join his team during the tarmac battle. He'd go on to mentor the young hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming and go to space with him in Avengers: Infinity War. Their relationship was super captivating, and unfortunately, cut short due to the battle against Thanos. Another tweet reads:

All of this chatter about Tony and Peter has me super curious to see if Tom Holland ends up appearing in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars. Since Robert Downey Jr. is playing Doctor Doom, an evil variant of Stark, I would love to see Spider-Man's reaction to his mentor suddenly being a multiversal villain. Hopefully, he gets confirmed for one of The Russo Brothers' blockbusters sooner rather than later.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day will hit theaters on July 31st as part of the 2026 movie release list. We'll just have to wait and see if there are more connections to Tony Stark throughout its runtime.

Robert Downey Jr. has been synonymous with Tony Stark/Iron Man for the past 18 years. However, ahead of him taking on the role of Doctor Doom in the upcoming Marvel movie, Avengers: Doomsday, the actor is clearly embracing his villain era. Exhibit A: The way he reacted to being called Doctor Doom at a recent public appearance.

RDJ surprised fans when he showed up to an event at the University of Southern California (USC) dedicated to Marvel boss Kevin Feige. Check out what happened when someone yelled Doctor Doom at the actor:

This is so good. Immediately after Doctor Doom was yelled at in a crowd of people waiting to watch a conversation between Kevin Feige, Ryan Coogler and Shawn Levy, Downey immediately threw victorious peace signs in the air and took in the crowd’s love with every fiber of his being. He also threw up a heart with his hands to show his love to the crowd of fans who must have been starstruck by the actor behind Iron Man being in their presence.

It’s also adorable that he was laughing over the moment before taking his seat in the front row after causing all the commotion for his presence. The TikTok user who posted the video turned the video over to her hyped reaction after witnessing the moment. She also captioned the video by saying, “I THINK I JUST WON… LIFE???”

In the comment section, everyone is talking about how Robert Downey Jr. really embodies Tony Stark with a snap of a moment. People also loved how “immediately” he reacted to being called Doctor Doom. The event honored the new Kevin Feige Division of Film & Television Production at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Feige graduated from USC in 1995, and Marvel directors Coogler (the Black Panther movies) and Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) are also alums from the college as well.

RDJ’s Thursday night appearance at USC comes nine months ahead of the release of Avengers: Doomsday in theaters. Marvel Studios has marketed the film so far with a slew of teasers introducing the key players of the movie. While RDJ’s Doctor Doom hasn’t been featured in any of them yet, we have seen a first look of the actor in costume via some promotional art.

Recently, we learned from David Harbour that Avengers: Doomsday isn’t quite done filming, but initial production wrapped back in September. In the latest of MCU titles, Robert Downey Jr. will be the big bad that will bring together a huge cast of superheroes like Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man, Anthony Mackie and Chris Evans’ Captain America, Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi, the Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four and X-Men to take him down. It hits theaters this December 18, and it's pretty obvious that both RDJ and the fans are hyped about it.

Robert Downey Jr. is getting ready to make his big return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doom in the upcoming Marvel movie Avengers: Doomsday, but don’t think for a minute that he’s done being Iron Man. While we may not see Tony Stark on the big screen, Downey was in full Stark mode when he took a tour of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Adventure, in which he has a particular interest.

Robert Downey Jr. was recently announced as the godparent of the Disney Adventure, an honor that puts him alongside Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, and Tinkerbell, who are godparents of other Disney Cruise Line vessels. The newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, which has been expanding at an incredible pace, is about to take its maiden voyage from its new home port in Singapore.

It will be the first Disney Cruise Line ship based in Asia, marking a new market for the company. Downey was on hand for the ship’s christening, but he also took a tour of the ship that’s been posted to Instagram, and he’s clearly having a blast.

From meeting up with Spider-Man to having the “hatchet buried” with Loki, Downey touched base with some old MCU friends on board the Adventure. He also checked out the ship’s bridge, which was full of what he called “Starck Tech.”

The guy is clearly loving his role as godparent. He’s also seen hanging out with both current Disney CEO Bob Iger and the incoming boss, Josh D’Amaro, who, as head of Disney Experiences, oversaw the purchase and completion of the ship that is now the Disney Adventure, the largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

While I haven’t had a chance to check out the Disney Adventure (Disney, call me!), I did get to visit the Disney Wish a few years ago, and Disney Cruise Line ships are basically like visiting Disneyland at sea. They’re everything we love about theme parks combined with vacations to more exotic destinations.

Downey’s tour of the new Disney Adventure wasn’t the only place where he went full Tony Stark. During the official christening ceremony, Downey took the stage (via Scott Gustin) in a way that was only one Iron Man suit away from a Stark Expo entrance. Check it out.

Downey mentions having seen what Walt Disney Imagineering did for the adventure, and it’s a place he knows well. Downey will play Tony Stark once again as part of both attractions that are coming to the expansion of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. Downey has called Imagineering the “Area 51 of fun.”

The Disney Adventure looks incredible, and its godparent is clearly as excited as a real parent to send it out into the world.

A new piece of promotional art for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday is making the rounds online, and it’s already doing what promos from a new Marvel movie tend to do best: sending fans into full-on theory mode. Many fans, including yours truly, believe the promo art could reveal the villain's backstory. Let's break it down.

What the New Promo Art Is Showing

The image, shared by Nerd Talks on X, offers a striking look at Doctor Doom that’s anything but clean or triumphant. Instead of a heroic pose, it’s an extreme close-up of the baddie's iconic mask as the top portion cracks and tears, disintegrating and floating away. It’s an unsettling, deliberate visual.

At first glance, the artwork looks like a high-end comic variant cover. Doom’s green cloak frames the metal mask, while jagged cracks and distortions cut across the image, giving it a sense of collapse rather than control. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe increasingly leaning into multiversal saga storytelling and with concepts like incursions firmly established through projects like Loki, many fans believe this imagery is intentional. The prevailing theory is that the damage hints at Doom not just as a conqueror, but as a survivor, possibly shaped or scarred by a universe-ending incursion himself.

What The Incursion Theory Is Actually About

One of the more compelling theories floating around right now isn’t really about Doctor Doom’s costume so much as what appears to be happening to him in the image. The way his mask looks like it’s being torn apart, layers splitting, distorting, and pulling away from one another, could point to an incursion event. In isolation, that could just be dramatic, comic-book flair. But in a Marvel Cinematic Universe that has spent years establishing the visual language of incursions, it’s hard not to see something more intentional at play.

The effect closely mirrors how the MCU has depicted multiversal collapse before: realities folding into each other, matter breaking down under impossible pressure. We’ve seen it in Loki, heard it explained in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and know Avengers: Doomsday is operating squarely in that same space. That’s why some fans and outlets are reading this as a subtle hint that Doom may not just be the architect of destruction, but one of its earliest victims.

Could the popular villain be someone shaped by an incursion rather than merely exploiting it? None of this is confirmed, and Marvel is famously evasive with its promo art, but the theory sticks because it aligns so cleanly with the franchise’s established rules. Foreshadowing or expertly crafted misdirection is yet to be seen. Still, the image succeeds in reframing Doom as more than just the next big bad — it suggests a villain forged by the same multiversal catastrophe threatening everyone else.

Of course, it’s also entirely possible this is just bold, evocative promo art meant to sell Doom’s menace rather than reveal anything concrete. Either way, the image has already accomplished its goal. It’s sparked debate, reignited the Doctor Doom discourse, and reminded everyone that Avengers: Doomsday is very much on the horizon and will soon be on the 2026 movie schedule.

Whether the artwork hints at the villain's origin or simply sets the tone for his arrival remains to be seen. For now, all we can do is speculate, rewatch the Marvel movies in order with our Disney+ subscriptions, and wait for the answers to arrive when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

The kickoff of the 2026 movie schedule means we’re officially in the same year as the release of Avengers: Doomsday. To hype everyone up about that, Marvel has been posting teaser trailers that show us our first looks at various characters in this highly anticipated movie. Now, said trailers have hit a major milestone, so Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., and I are celebrating.

Following the release of four teaser trailers over the last few weeks, Marvel revealed that it has amassed over 1 billion views on its Doomsday content. So, in celebration of that, Robert Downey Jr., who is returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom, reposted the clip alongside this short and sweet message on Instagram:

One billion views is certainly a lot, and it 100% deserves to be celebrated. The massive scale of this movie deserves that kind of attention.

I write that because over the last few weeks, these trailers have revealed just how massive the scope of this film is. First, we got Captain America’s teaser first, which confirmed the return of Chris Evans to the MCU. After that, Thor’s trailer was released, showing Chris Hemsworth back as the God of Thunder.

Following the two teasers that involved Avengers, we got the exciting X-Men trailer, which gave us Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan and James Marsden back as Professor X, Magneto and Cyclops, respectively. Then, the fourth Doomsday teaser took us to Wakanda, where we got to see Shuri and M’Baku interact with the Thing from the Fantastic Four.

Overall, while the hype was already real, it got bigger with the release of these teasers for the upcoming Marvel movie. Those view counts prove it, and it’s worthy of fun posts, like this one Chris Hemsworth put on his Instagram story:

I’d like to draw your attention to the bottom left corner of the above image, and the hammer and lightning bolt emojis Hemsworth used. While he didn’t say much, I love the playful nod to his character, and the actor reposting the announcement shows his excitement for his upcoming project.

Along with the view counts being high, the theories have been running wild. In fact, some fans think they’ve cracked a secret message in the Doomsday teasers that connects their timestamps to moments in Endgame that could correspond to various characters’ stories in the newest Avengers movie.

With those theories in mind, I imagine fans will continue to watch these teasers to try to figure out what’s about to happen in Doomsday. So, I bet the view count on them will keep growing!

Then, on December 18, we can move away from the trailers and theories and head to the movie theaters to watch Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth and the rest of Doomsday’s stellar cast assemble for this highly anticipated Avengers movie.

A few years ago cinephiles were blessed with Barbenheimer, the event where both Barbie and Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer were released over the same weekend. Both titles ended up being wildly successful, with Greta Gerwig's movie piercing the pop culture landscape and the latter title being one of Nolan's best movies. We've got another duel release coming with Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday, and it turns out that Robert Downey Jr. and Timothée Chalamet came up with an A+ name for this theatrical event.

What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is limited, but the Russo Brothers' upcoming Marvel movie might have some competition thanks to the third Dune film. There doesn't seem to be any hard feelings between the stars of the film, as a viral TikTok showed RDJ at a Marty Supreme screening, revealing the nickname he and Chalamet came up with. As he put it:

I'm sorry, but Dunesday is pretty brilliant. It's only a slight deviation from the title of the next Avengers movie, and rolls off the tongue easily. By comparison, Barbenheimer was much more of a mouthful, although it was fun considering just how different the two movies were.

There's not much we know about Dune: Part Three, although the book-to-screen adaptation is expected to bring the book Messiah to life. Fans are eager to see how the story continues after Dune 2's ending, which saw Paul Atreides create a hostile takeover and start the Holy War that his visions predicted. It should be interesting to see him take this villainous turn, as well as how Zendaya's Chani factors into the story.

It should be fascinating to see how Dunesday plays out at the box office. Marvel movies are no longer guaranteed to break box office records, just look at how The Marvels flopped. And while Barbenheimer featured two very different projects, these two titles are both action-packed and part of powerful IPs. So they have the potential to compete more at the box office.

In his comments, Robert Downey Jr. joked about the competition ending his friendship with Chalamet. But it seems like there's no hard feelings, and they're hoping that there's enough room (and money) for both Doomsday and Dune 3 to perform.

All will be revealed when Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three hit theaters on December 18th as part of the 2026 movie release list. We'll just have to see how Dunesday ultimately competes at the box office.

Gwyneth Paltrow is one of the most famous names out there, from her award-worthy roles, her part in some of the best Marvel movies, and being the founder of Goop. With that status has come some backlash over the years. But, what does she think about why she’s become a polarizing figure?

Since Paltrow is on the ongoing press tour for Marty Supreme, which is officially a major contender in awards season, she was asked exactly that. Here’s what she had to say:

Gwyneth Paltrow is undeniably powerful and talented. The 53-year-old has built an incredible acting career that includes classics like Se7en, The Royal Tenenbaums and Iron Man, and one could argue she’s just made another great movie with Marty Supreme, for which she came out of acting retirement. As Paltrow started in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she thinks that perhaps calling a woman polarizing has become one in the same with those descriptors. As she added:

Paltrow particularly received a lot of attention for her use of the phrase “consciously uncoupling” when she and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin announced they were separating after a decade of marriage. As she explained, even though she received some flack for using that term (recently recalling even once getting fired from a movie because of it), she’s also thanked all the time for making that move. Paltrow attempted to explain why she’s picked on further with these words:

Gwyneth Paltrow is the daughter of the actress Blythe Danner and producer/director Bruce Paltrow. Because many would consider her a nepo baby, she thinks it’s easy to make fun and say she doesn’t deserve her success, but as she pointed out as well, her parents were “self made” and “killed themselves to get where they got.” Once, she actually said having a famous mom made her career more difficult because she felt like she had to work “twice as hard and be twice as good.”

When it comes to Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow also explained that her decision to make the brand comes “a true and authentic place of really wanting to better women’s lives”. She cited things like making “non-toxic” products and her company producing “healthy” food as proof of that. As she also said:

It definitely seems like Gwyneth Paltrow has reflected on how she is perceived by the public, and why she can be seen as a polarizing figure over the years.

There will be many films to come on the 2026 movie schedule, but maybe none more anticipated than Avengers: Doomsday. Not only is this the first (official) Avengers adventure since Endgame in 2019, but it will also mark the first time that the Marvel Multiverse includes the Fantastic Four and multiple X-Men movie characters, and it also gives us the return of Robert Downey, Jr., who’s playing Big Bad, Doctor Doom. We already knew that the erstwhile Iron Man was the “Godfather” on set, and now I can’t get over Simu Liu talking about Downey’s “convoy of trailers.”

What Did Simu Liu Say About Robert Downey, Jr.’s Trailers On The Doomsday Set?

With Robert Downey, Jr. being one of the veteran MCU actors on set (and the one who got the Marvel movies in order rolling with Iron Man in 2008), we’ve already been told that he really “looked after” his fellow cast members, especially with many of them being like Simu Liu and having relatively little on-screen experience in the expansive Marvel franchise so far.

Though the Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings talent has already noted how he "embarrassed" himself by being “really, really underdressed” the first time he met his Oscar-winning co-star on set, it sounds like Downey didn’t take any offense, as he still allowed Liu into what everyone called “Downey Land.” As he recently told Collider:

There are not many tales of movie set experiences I truly wish I’d been a part of, but heading into what sounds like an appropriately relaxing and light-hearted space like “Downey Land” can now be counted among them.

Liu’s seemingly been keeping Doomsday secrets by simply doing a lot of talking about how cool it was to work on the movie while being starstruck by his co-stars like Downey, Patrick Stewart, Vanessa Kirby, Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, James Marsden, and Pedro Pascal. Apparently, while it was pretty easy for him to dial-in and focus during scenes, “the moments between” led to The Copenhagen Test star to have more “pinch me” times on set because of having access to RDJ’s special area. He continued:

It sounds like at least the entire main cast (which consists of nearly 30 people that we know of) had access to Downey’s luxurious “convoy,” and I gotta say, I am a bit jealous. Few people get to have their work lunch hour catered by personal chefs, right? Though, I am now curious about why Mackie felt he needed to bribe the security detail with pizza so he could later have access, but I suppose we’d need to ask the Captain America actor about that.

While we still don’t have a full picture of the story that fans will get when Avengers: Doomsday is released in a little less than a year, you can bet that my excitement is through the roof, particularly when it comes to seeing what RDJ will do with the classic Fantastic Four villain. If nothing else, it seems like the cast was well taken care of during filming, and that will likely go a long way toward making sure fans get an awesome movie.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is always growing, thanks to new projects hitting theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Without a doubt the most highly anticipated upcoming Marvel movie is Avengers: Doomsday, which will feature Robert Downey Jr's return to the MCU. Epic fan art imagined him as both Doctor Doom and a Venom-infused Iron Man. Let's break it all down.

What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is limited, so fans are filling in the blanks with rumors, theories, and fan art about what might be happening. Folks who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order are curious about what RDJ will be up to, and some epic fan art on Instagram imagined not one but two versions of the Oscar winning actor. Check it out below:

I mean, how cool is that? While there's no indication that Doomsday will have a tie to the Venom movies, now that's exactly what I want to see what happens. I mean, who doesn't want to see a hero like Iron Man get a symbiote upgrade in the forthcoming blockbuster? Sign me up.

The above fan art offered just one of many possibilities that might play out in Doomsday. Marvel has notoriously tight security, which is why there's so many theories and rumors about what might go down. That includes seeing Robert Downey Jr. have a scene with himself, as both Doctor Doom and Iron Man.

The Avengers: Doomsday cast list confirmed entire teams of heroes that will appear, presumably to unite and battle RDJ's Doom. That includes the Avengers, new Avengers aka Thunderbolts, the Fantastic Four and even the OG stars of the X-Men movies. Venom has been noticeably missing from the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far, so fans would likely lose their minds if symbiotes were included in the action of The Russo Brothers' next Avengers movie.

After Iron Man died in Avengers: Endgame, it looked like Robert Downey Jr.'s tenure in the MCU was over for good. That's why news of his return as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars broke the internet. Fans are hyped to see his villainous side, and minds will be blown if the Oppenheimer actor actually gets a scene opposite himself. Fingers crossed that it actually happens... regardless of whether or not a Venom connection is also included.

Since the studio is keeping the secrets of Avengers: Doomsday, the theories and fan art is likely going to continue for the foreseeable future. Robert Downey Jr.'s inclusion is a big reason why anticipation has bee buoyed, and we'll have to see what he actually gets up to in high return to the shared universe.

All will be revealed when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18th of next year as part of the 2026 movie release list. Hopefully we get the first footage sooner rather than later.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is constantly expanding, thanks to new projects arriving in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. The most highly anticipated upcoming Marvel movie is probably Avengers: Doomsday, which will bring us new crossover and character pairings. Robert Downey Jr. is back in the MCU as Doctor Doom, and Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu recently recalled the embarrassing story behind meeting the Oscar-winning icon for the first time.

What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is super limited, but that hasn't stopped fan excitement from steadily building. The blockbuster will mark Liu's first live-action return to the shared universe since Shang-Chi hit theaters in 2021, and fans can't wait to see how he interacts with other characters. During a recent clip from The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Kim's Convenience actor spoke about a viral photo from the set of Doomsday featuring a group of the stars. In his words:

The Doomsday cast announcement confirmed that entire teams of heroes will be in the blockbuster, presumably uniting to fight off RDJ's Doctor Doom. But while Simu Liu was seemingly looking forward to meeting and collaborating with the Iron Man star, unfortunately that happened when he wasn't exactly dressed to impress.

Later in the same interview, Liu explained why he ended up wearing short shorts and flip flops when taking the group photo (and meeting Downey for the first time). It turns out that he was actually filming Doomsday, and wasn't expecting any photography when he got out of costume. As he told it:

This makes more sense, but unfortunately that group photo will likely live on forever. And presumably so will the Barbie actor's embarrassment. Unfortunately for him, Robert Downey Jr. not only clocked his fit, but commented on it during their conversation. As Liu put it:

Ouch. This doesn't seem like the way Simu Liu wanted to meet RDJ, but there's silver lining: at least he was memorable. But since they presumably got to film together for Doomsday, I'm sure he got to make a better impression on set. We'll just have to wait and see how many scenes they actually share.

Avengers: Doomsday is set to arrive in theaters on December 18th of next year as part of the 2026 movie release list. There are countless rumors about what The Russo Brothers have up their sleeves, and it should be fascinating to see what actually goes down.

Robert Downey Jr. has spent plenty of time surrounded by glowing walls of green and blue during his decade playing Tony Stark, but it turns out digital environments aren’t what test his acting skills. The MCU vet previously revealed his real challenges during a laid-back interview. The slate of new Marvel movies may be known for their heavy use of CG and on-set reference screens. Yet, the Oppenheimer Oscar winner explained that the most complex parts of acting have nothing to do with pretending an alien army is floating above him.

During the interview with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, RDJ explained the scenes that give him the most headaches, and they don’t involve green screens. Instead, he was explaining the everyday moments that most actors take for granted. As he put it, these moments expose what he jokingly called his “dirty secret.” Downey said:

The crowd loved the nod to the Taxi star–turned–late-night host’s acting chops, and Fallon happily took the compliment. “Thank you for saying that,” he said. “I appreciate it.”

The Tropic Thunder scene-stealer went on to explain that, in general, the scenes he struggles with most are the ones built on small, believable reactions. He continued:

For someone who led some of the biggest effects-heavy movies ever made, it was a grounded admission. The simple, everyday moments — not the CGI — take the most effort.

Then he pulled Fallon into an impromptu acting exercise. “Let’s go tight on Jimmy,” Downey told the camera crew, slipping into mock-director mode as the band and audience played along. He built a scene on the fly:

In the clip, which you can watch below, the studio audience loses it, as Fallon tries to respond, only to crack up almost immediately. It’s a classic SNL Fallon laughing mid-scene moment and is worth a watch for the laugh alone.

Hearing Downey walk through his least favorite acting tasks puts his Marvel work (streaming with a Disney+ subscription) in a different light. It's interesting to hear he's comfortable reacting to things that aren’t on set at all — Thanos, armor HUDs, a collapsing skyline — but the real challenge for him in movies comes in the small, everyday beats audiences never think about. And, judging by the Tonight Show crowd’s reaction, Robert Downey Jr. knows precisely how to turn those frustrations into a punchline.

And, while he may not face many door-opening or driving moments, he is heading back to the big screen and back to the land of green screens. This time, he’s trading Tony Stark’s armor for Doctor Doom’s mask. Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters amid the 2026 movie schedule on December 18, 2026.

Gwyneth Paltrow has been around since the very beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While she didn’t get to wear armor nearly as often as her co-star Robert Downey Jr., she saw more of the franchise happen than almost anybody else, which is why it’s so funny that she seemingly isn’t aware of any of it.

Paltrow recently received a very nice award, and her co-star and friend Mr. Downey was on hand to present it to her. During his introduction, he poked fun at Paltrow for not remembering who some of her other co-stars were, including Spider-Man himself, Tom Holland. Downey brought up a conversation they apparently had, saying…

Fans, perhaps unsurprisingly, are eating this up because the idea that Gwyneth Paltrow didn’t know who Tom Holland was, and was seemingly confused on his name, is kind of hilarious. Some responding to the viral quite are being quite critical of the actress for this, but most are just laughing along with the situations saying things like…

• gwyneth paltrow asking who tom holland is after 4 movies together is the most gwyneth paltrow thing ever - @MrBrondorDeFi
• gwyneth living in her own cinematic universe and honestly i respect it - @jupturkey
• Gwyneth Paltrow is too chilled to remember some names, i love her - @kingscrownBTC
• Part of me feels like this is really pompous. The other part of me is like, ‘how iconic’ - @writtenbychamp
• Peak Gwyneth energy: forgetting coworkers but remembering every type of herbal tea ever invented. - @realdesivoice

The fact that Paltrow apparently didn’t remember Tom Holland is apparently news to a lot of people, but the reason that Robert Downey Jr. likely brought it up is that it’s actually a fairly well-known story. Tom Holland himself has discussed being forgotten by Gwyneth Paltrow, twice. Even Holland has had some fun at the actress's expense on the topic.

Paltrow’s seeming lack of ability to keep track of the MCU is somewhat famous. She’s routinely forgotten what movies she’s been in. She forgets what actors have been in movies with her. Some of this is pretty understandable. Outside of the Iron Man franchise, Paltrow’s role has generally been much smaller, and when you’re acting against green screens, it’s perhaps easier not to remember which scene you were in was for which movie.

Whether we’ll see Paltrow’s Pepper Potts in any future Marvel movies remains to be seen. It’s likely her time in the MCU is done. Although I suppose it’s equally possible that she’s part of the Avengers: Doomsday cast, but doesn’t actually know that.

Gwyneth Paltrow may have been mostly retired from acting for the last few years, but she’s clearly made some good friends in her time in Hollywood. Paltrow recently received the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at the THR Women in Entertainment 2025 gala, and her friend and co-star Robert Downey Jr. was on hand to sing her praises and also roast her a bit. Not bad for a guy who apparently would rather have been in bed.

The award presentation was apparently very early, leading ET to remark to Paltrow that she had gotten Downey out of bed to present the award. Paltrow expected to get an earful on that, but then she praised her co-star’s talent and admitted how happy she was that he was there. Paltrow said…

For the record, Robert Downey Jr. didn’t complain about having to wake up during his introduction of Gwyneth Paltrow. What he did do was poke a bit of fun at her, amidst a flood of praise. Specifically he teased her over the fact that, despite the fact that Paltrow was a constant part of the first three phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she seemingly never had a clue what was going on with it. Paltrow had a tendency to forget which movies she was in and even forget one of her other co-stars. Downey joked about a conversation he had with Paltrow, saying…

Despite the jokes from both sides, what was clear from both of their comments was how much these two actors clearly adore each other. Downey praised Paltrow's ability to juggle both Hollywood and her wellness empire while also being a mother. One needs only look at a picture of the two of them together to see how much they enjoy being together.

Downey himself posted a picture of the pair from the event, with a caption of his own celebrating his MCU co-star in the sweetest way, saying simply…

While Downey is set to return to the MCU next year, though not (as far as we’re aware) as Tony Stark, there’s no confirmation that Gwyneth Paltrow will be reprising her role as Pepper Potts, or perhaps as a multiverse variant of her. Although considering how little Paltrow seems to know about the franchise, maybe she’s in it but isn’t aware.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is always expanding, thanks to exciting new titles arriving in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Without a doubt, the most highly anticipated upcoming Marvel movie is Avengers: Doomsday, which will feature Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the shared universe. The Oscar-winning actor recently posted a Marvel-themed Thanksgiving post, and fans are freaking out in the comments.

What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is super limited, and fans are looking for any clues that might indicate what the Russo Brothers have up their sleeves. So when RDJ posted a Turkey Day image on Instagram, fans wondered if he was teasing the battle to come. Check out the post below:

This cute image shows the hands of both Iron Man and Doctor Doom fighting over a wishbone. It's a cute holiday-themed image, showing both of the characters RDJ played in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although what could just be a fun post soon became a breeding ground for fan theories surrounding Avengers: Doomsday.

Downey shared this image to his whopping 57 million Instagram followers, plenty of whom ended up making their voices known in the comments section. The responses were a mix of confusion and hope that we'll see Iron Man and Doctor Doom face off in the next Avengers movie, with both of the characters being played by the same actor. Check out the comments below:

• Iron Man vs Doctor Doom in Doomsday?!? - therealdoomblaze
• Iron Man is definitely coming back in Secret Wars - thereali.c.e999
• am I the only one who doesn’t know what this means - ambersl8r
• RDJ AS IRON MAN AND DR. DOOM!!!🔥💯❤️💚 - jjjxmmi
• Jarvis, skip to the Doomsday premiere - naelalves9

Of course, it's entirely possible that this was just a fun post for RDJ to share on Thanksgiving. But since Marvel's security is so tight, some fans are looking for any clue about what's going to go down in the next two Avengers movies. It's safe to say that Downey's inclusion is helping to buoy excitement for those mysterious blockbusters.

While Robert Downey Jr. was announced to be playing Doctor Doom in the next Avengers movies thanks to the multiverse, some fans are also hoping he gets to suit back up as Tony Stark. But following Iron Man's death in Endgame, it's unclear if the studio is willing to mess with that beloved character's ending.

There are countless questions about what's coming in the next Avengers movie, including how many characters Robert Downey Jr. will be playing. The Doomsday cast announcement revealed entire teams of heroes will be present, although Kevin Feige teased that it wasn't the full list of characters. And with the multiverse, it feels like just about anything is possible.

All will be revealed when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters next December 18th as part of the 2026 movie release list. Since it's more than a year away, we might have to try and be patient while waiting for concrete information about this title. Good luck to us all.

Avengers: Doomsday may be over a year away, but fans aren't waiting for the first trailer to try and figure out just what the movie will actually be about. We know most of the Doomsday cast and that Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom will be the primary antagonist of the film, but exactly what it is he’s trying to accomplish or why is still a mystery. However, some fans think they have it figured out, and the idea certainly makes sense based on what little information we have.

The theory was posited by a fan who recently posted a picture from inside the offices of AGBO, the Russo Brothers' production company, and posted it to X. It’s the image of three MCU character costumes on mannequins, but the choice of which three, and their relative positions, is certainly suggestive.

It's interesting to see Doctor Doom standing next to Sue Storm, with Franklin Richards in front of them. It’s a fairly traditional arrangement for a family photo, leading to the suggestion that these three are family, or at least were in some universe.

So far, the only moment of Doctor Doom we’ve seen in the MCU comes from the mid-credit scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, in which Doom is seen kneeling to get close to young Franklin Richards. The boy doesn’t appear to be in any danger, so these two things together could be evidence that Doom actually cares very deeply for the child.

The idea is that perhaps, in the universe that Doctor Doom is from, Sue Storm and Franklin are his family, or perhaps they were, and something happened to them. This could lead Doom to attempt to multiverse hop in an attempt to find his family again somewhere else.

It’s an interesting idea that we certainly can’t discount based on the evidence we have. Although it should be pointed out that we’ve already seen that plot in another multiversal superhero movie, as it was Kingpin’s motivation in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. It didn’t turn out too well for him.

Doctor Doom is a traditional adversary of the Fantastic Four, but we don’t know if this Doom is from the same universe as the ones we met in First Steps or not. The mid-credits scene, which is likely an actual scene from Avengers: Doomsday, might be the first time these characters have crossed paths, or they may actually be well known to each other.

Not everybody responding to this theory on Twitter is fully on board with it, as many expect that Doctor Doom will actually be from the same universe as The Fantastic Four. We’ll find out when the movie hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

Over the years, Gwyneth Paltrow has been in seven Marvel movies, starting with the MCU film that ushered in the franchise, 2008’s Iron Man. Back in 2019 the actress seemingly said goodbye to the MCU when she appeared as Pepper Potts in Avengers: Endgame, but per recent comments, we could see her in one of the upcoming Marvel movies on the way. As a fan of the comic book universe since the beginning, I have an idea of where and how I’d like to see her if it does happen.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Name-Dropped Marvel In Recent Appearance

The actress and Goop CEO was a keynote speaker at Providence’s Brown University over the weekend, which her son Moses Martin currently attends. During a question and answer portion of the event she said the following about “future projects”, The Brown Daily Herald:

That’s the scope of what we know about Paltrow and how she might return to the MCU, but how exciting is that should the “might” become a reality? Currently, it’s been over six years since Potts’ last appearance in the superhero franchise.

Paltrow’s history talking about the MCU over the years has had an interesting past. She has gushed about how much she loved working with Robert Downey Jr. and director Jon Favreau on the first movie (despite her distaste for her wig), but has also been honest about never actually watching an Avengers movie. She’s also forgotten she was in Spider-Man: Homecoming on multiple occasions. But it looks like that doesn’t mean she’ll never answer the call to return to her iconic character.

How I’d Like To See Pepper Potts Return To The MCU

Because Pepper Potts will forever be associated with Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man, and RDJ is officially coming back to the MCU next year as a part of the Avengers: Doomsday cast, I’d like to see Paltrow return alongside her real-life friend in some capacity. I have two perfect ideas about how I’d like to see it happen.

The first is, I’d like to see her help the Avengers take down Downey’s Doctor Doom perhaps with some interpersonal thing she knows about her late husband that somehow connects with Downey's two MCU characters. Using Iron Man technology against him would be kind of bittersweet because it's like she's fighting her husband, and could also be a beautiful tribute to their legacy on the Iron Man trilogy.

The other idea I have is if Gwyneth Paltrow plays another character in the MCU from Downey’s Doctor Doom universe just like him. That would be a fun way to see the pair together, but bring us something different from the dynamic we remember from Stark and Potts in their other MCU movies. I’m thinking about the upcoming Avengers movies, but I could also see her making a cameo in the next Spider-Man movie, Brand New Day. As it goes with the MCU, the secrecy is strong. Who knows, maybe she's already filmed it!

It’s no secret that the Avengers cast is still close. So, as Avengers: Doomsday works toward its release on the 2026 film schedule, it’s always nice to hear how the OG ensemble is supporting the actors reprising their roles. So, I asked Jeremy Renner about how his former co-stars continue to support each other in all walks of life, and his response about connecting with them in London leaves me wondering about the timing.

At this point, it’s very well known that Avengers: Doomsday has been filming in London for a while. Meanwhile, over the last year, Jeremy Renner has been working on Season 4 of Mayor of Kingstown and promoting his book, My Next Breath. He also took that book on a tour over the summer and made a stop in London. While there, he met up with some of the upcoming Marvel movie’s cast. Recalling that reunion, he told me the following during an interview for CinemaBlend:

This response came after I asked Renner about Robert Downey Jr. supporting his book's release. I also asked him if he had the chance to catch up with the Doctor Doom actor about Doomsday. It turns out, he hasn't just talked to him about it; he met up with some of the cast in London, where the movie is being made.

For context, the Hurt Locker actor was in London in mid-June for his book tour. He stopped at Cadogan Hall on June 12, specifically to chat about My Next Breath. As he told me, that trip also allowed him to “break bread” with “all of the boys” working on Doomsday.

So, considering all this, it’s hard not to wonder if there are dots worth connecting. Even though the Avengers: Doomsday chair livestream revealed an absolutely massive cast of heroes set to star in the upcoming Marvel movie, there are still tons of theories flying around about others who could join them.

When it comes to Renner specifically, there has been quite a bit of curiosity around whether he’ll ever return to the MCU in general as Clint Barton. That’s because, back in July of 2024 (which was months before the chair live stream), when he was asked about Doomsday and Secret Wars, he told Us Weekly that he’d “probably be doing it” if they could figure it all out. More recently, he was also asked if he’d ever play Hawkeye again, and he said he’s “always game to do it.”

So, his return isn’t out of the question, and his trip to London for his book has me speculating about the chance he’ll appear in Doomsday. Of course, that’s not confirmed, and as far as we know, he’s not in the cast. However, the timing was pretty perfect, and I can’t help but fantasize about another OG Avenger joining this ensemble.

Speaking of that 2012 Avengers cast, we know Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston will all be in Doomsday. Other actors who were in Avengers: Infinity War and/or Endgame – like Paul Rudd, Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie – will appear too. Alongside them, we’ll get to see some of the X-Men, the Fantastic Four and the Thunderbolts (I mean New Avengers) in the movie as well.

However, despite the already massive cast, there are still theories and questions about who else could show up. But we’ll just have to wait for Doomsday’s release on December 18, 2026, to see who appears and who doesn’t. And while there are question marks surrounding all that, one thing I feel like we can bet on is that, whether they’re in the film or not, people like Jeremy Renner will likely show up to support his fellow heroes and vice versa, just like they did on his trip to London.

Fans of the MCU were treated to a delightful surprise this week when Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Holland reunited, not for a new Marvel movie or a 2025 movie release, but behind a countertop, promoting a new collaboration between their respective beverage brands. The result? A limited-edition pairing of non-alcoholic coffee drinks from BERO Brewing and Happy Coffee, and yes, the vibes are immaculate.

The collaboration was unveiled on BeroBrewing.com and picked up steam thanks to fan accounts like @thollandrchive. In a short promo clip, Downey and Holland stand side by side in a stylish kitchen, looking both serious and a little playful as the actors try to take the spotlight before the camera pulls focus to a product reveal: the limited-edition BERO x Happy Coffee Draught and the aptly named “Eternal Hoptimist” ground coffee blend.

According to the official site announcement, the collaboration includes two products: a rich, non-alcoholic Coffee Draught from BERO with under 0.5% ABV, and a smooth, nut-flavored ground coffee blend co-branded with Happy Coffee, appropriately titled “eternal hoptimist.” Both items are marked as limited edition, and based on the hype, they may not stay in stock for long.

On the banner image of the BERO Brewing website, Downey Jr. and Holland can be seen raising a mug and a pint glass, clearly enjoying the fruits of their collaboration. The entire campaign radiates a relaxed vibe, which is a far cry from their more intense Marvel alter egos.

Fans will see both actors back in cape mode, returning to the 2026 movie schedule for new superhero movies. Holland’s fourth Spider-Man film is scheduled for release on July 31, 2026, while Downey is making his highly anticipated return to the MCU as Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

The two aren't officially slated to share the screen (Holland hasn’t been announced as part of Doomsday’s sprawling cast), but there’s always room for surprises, especially with the Russo Brothers involved. Until then, it’s just fun to see them reunited and channeling their chemistry into something entirely different, like limited-edition coffee.

Naturally, fans lit up over the reunion. Here’s what some of them had to say:

• @_Dantrix_ – “love to see them together ”
• @secrethollandx – “It's so good to see RDJ collabing/in the promo for this project that means so much for Tom, after years of friendship and what it can mean for Robert too.”
• @sky4queen – “Irondad and Spiderson ”
• @mmarti2001 – “So… is Spidey potentially in Doomsday? ”
• @sxgames77 – “It's nice to see Tom and Robert together.”

No word yet on whether this is a one-time drop or the start of something bigger, but based on the fan response, it’s already a hit. Both actors have been open about their interests outside the MCU, and this feels like a perfect fit.

As for whether these two MCU legends will reunite on screen? We’ll find out soon enough when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026. Until then, there’s always time to fire up our Disney+ subscription, rewatch all the MCU movies in order, and crack open a cold BERO, brewed by our favorite Iron and Spider-Men.

Marvel Studios broke the Internet in the summer of 2024 when it was revealed that Robert Downey Jr. would play Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Since then, the former Tony Stark portrayer’s take on the iconic bad guy has been teased on multiple occasions. Some of Downey’s former collaborators – including a number of actors – have since reacted to the Oscar winner’s latest superhero movie gig. Iron Man 3 director Shane Black is one of the latest to weigh in on the Doom news, and he made a big claim as well.

Shane Black likes to subvert expectations when it comes to certain genres, and he certainly does that with Iron Man 3, which puts more emphasis on Tony Stark as opposed to his armored alter ego. More than a decade after the release of that 2013 threequel, Black and RDJ have teamed up for the action thriller Play Dirty. While promoting the film, Black spoke to ComicBook and was asked for his take on Downey playing Doom. Not only does Black think it’s good for Marvel, but he thinks superhero movies as a whole will benefit:

That’s a major declaration the Predator helmer makes, to say the least. I mean, it’s fair to say Robert Downey Jr.’s turn as Doom could really shake up dynamics within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the notion of it having ramifications on upcoming superhero movies is quite a notion. I’m not saying I disagree with Shane Black here and, in fact, I admire his confidence and optimism. Also, to be fair, if any actor has the potential to “singlehandedly invigorate” a genre, it’s Downey.

Over the past year or so, there have been a bevy of fun Doctor Doom casting reactions from various MCU alums. Captain America icon Chris Evans responded positively to his longtime co-star’s new role, even using a funny pizza analogy to describe his feelings. Loki star Tom Hiddleston was surprised by RDJ’s casting, as he learned about it when the world at large did. Still, Hiddleston found the casting to be “remarkable” and “absolutely extraordinary.” Late Doom actor Julian McMahon also expressed approval ahead of his death earlier this year.

As for Robert Downey Jr. himself, he’s revealed the story behind being cast as Doom. Downey explained that his casting began in earnest with a conversation with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige, during which the actor was asking about how he could assist with Disney’s “location-based” entertainment. After Feige pitched the notion of him playing Victor von Doom, Downey asked if they could meet with Disney CEO Bob Iger, who approved of the idea.

Details on Doctor Doom’s MCU debut remain scarce, though it sounds like Downey is bringing his A-game. Doomsday directors Joe and Anthony Russo revealed that crafting the MCU villain had been a “very intense” process, though they also said Downey had been totally “dialed in” to getting it right. Should the star knock the character out of the park, maybe it could elevate the film, and it’ll have the ripple effects Shane Black believes it will.

Check out Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom when Avengers: Doomsday opens in theaters on December 18, 2026. In the meantime, stream Downey’s previous MCU performances by streaming them with a Disney+ subscription.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe consistently releases new content, both in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. The most anticipated upcoming Marvel movie is definitely Avengers: Doomsday, which will feature Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the shared universe. Rather than Iron Man he'll play the villainous Doctor Doom, and some promo art has seemingly revealed the first look of RDJ's look in the role.

What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is limited, so there are countless rumors and theories about what might go down. While we wait for the first footage or stills from The Russo Brothers' blockbuster, promo art of Doom has seemingly made its way to Twitter thanks to the Disney 2026 Merchandise Expo. Check it out below:

I mean, how cool is that? If legit, this is the first real look at what Doctor Doom will look like in the next Avengers movie. It's a pretty awesome design, especially thanks to his detail-oriented armor and chain link. Of course, the character is most known for his mask and green cape, which Robert Downey Jr. wore while revealing his future as the character at San Diego Comic-Con. Overall it's a badass design that I hope is legit.

Fans have been patiently waiting to see Doom's look, as well as how he's introduced to the MCU as a whole. The end of Fantastic Four: First Steps saw the first (extremely brief) look at Doom, specifically the back of him. We saw him interacting with Franklin, as well as a glimpse of his mask. But he never turned around to face Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm, so the above image is sure to go viral with Marvel fans.

Doom is one of the most iconic Marvel villains of all time, one who is usually associated with the Fantastic Four. Basically every Marvel fan loves Robert Downey Jr., so this is a great way to help inspire interest in projects like Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. Projects like The Marvels bombed at the box office, so the timing of bringing back RDJ is key. And it's a big reason why anticipation for the blockbuster is so high this far out from its release.

Aside from the inclusion of RDJ's title character, the Avengers: Doomsday cast list is massive, and includes entire teams of heroes. Namely The Avengers, Thunderbolts aka New Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men. How these characters will all enter the story and interact remains to be seen, but the mysterious blockbuster has a lot going for it. Smart money says Downey, fresh off his Oscar win, will be front and center.

Our questions will be answered when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18th of next year as part of the 2025 movie release list. Hopefully we get a better look at Doctor Doom sooner rather than later.

As we look forward to the release of Avengers: Doomsday among the upcoming Marvel movies on the way, anticipation is high for the return of Robert Downey Jr., this time as the villain, Doctor Doom. While we know full well the cast isn’t going to tell journalists much of anything about what’s going on set as the movie continues to go through production, Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu did have some sweet words to share about getting to work with the former Iron Man actor.

Simu Liu was asked about filming Avengers: Doomsday for the Japanese publication The River (with his words translated from Japanese in the article). RDJ’s name came up when Liu was asked which cast member has inspired him the most on the set. He shared:

Robert Downey Jr., of course, effectively helped launch the MCU with his role in Iron Man, and was really the life blood of the superhero franchise across numerous films over the years. Liu also said that “every day feels like a dream” working on the Avengers project after debuting into the universe in 2021 with Shang-Chi And The Legend of the Ten Rings. Liu said he can hardly believe he’s working with the cast of Avengers: Doomsday, which was revealed to the public through a five-hour livestream. As he continued about Downey Jr.:

Robert Downey Jr. surprised Hall H during San Diego Comic-Con in 2024 with the announcement that he’d be back in the MCU, but as Doctor Doom rather than Tony Stark. Since then, there was a tease at the end of Fantastic Four: First Steps that points to Doctor Doom’s reign of terror perhaps having something to do with the son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm, but there’s still a lot we have left to learn about the plot of Avengers: Doomsday.

Simu Liu is in the Doomsday cast that is full to the brim with star power. From Chris Hemsworth coming back as Thor, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Letitia Wright as Black Panther, to some of the original X-Men, including Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen playing their mutant roles again, to the Thunderbolts/New Avengers and Fantastic Four, it must be incredibly overwhelming. Liu told the publication that while he’s been feeling “anxious at times” on the set, his cast-mates are “so wonderful” that it doesn’t even feel like work.

There’s already a lot of fan theories out there about what the next Avengers movies could mean for the MCU, but we’ll have to wait to see it all come together on December 18, 2026.

As we get ever closer to the end of the 2025 movie schedule, something we all have to look forward to are the films that are currently in production for release beyond the end of the year. One such potential blockbuster is the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, which will see a new version of the famed team assemble to take on a returning Robert Downey, Jr. as Doctor Doom. Recent rumors have said that Downey is feuding with fellow MCU star Ryan Reynolds over the film, but an insider has now noted why that doesn’t ring true at all.

What Are The Rumors About Robert Downey, Jr. And Ryan Reynolds, And What Did An Insider Say?

Though it’s been quite some time since we’ve seen one of the upcoming Marvel movies not be filled to the celluloid brim with major movie stars (many of whom have already appeared in many of the Marvel movies in order over the years), Avengers: Doomsday is really going above and beyond. Along with returning stars like Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Florence Pugh, Simu Liu, and the aforementioned Robert Downey, Jr., we’ll also see the first official MCU appearances from X-Men leads like James Marsden and Patrick Stewart.

Reports recently flew around that the Iron Man actor had some clashes on set with Ryan Reynolds, who finally brought his foul-mouthed comic character into the MCU in 2024 with the box office hit, Deadpool & Wolverine. While those rumors say that Downey-requested reshoots and a behind-the-scenes joke gone wrong led to a tense situation on set, People spoke to an insider who’s given a very good reason for such talk to not be accurate at all:

I mean, I can’t think of a better way to provide a rebuttal for rumors that two people are fighting with each other, can you? The source also noted that there’s “zero bad blood” between the superhero stars, who have, apparently, never even spoken face to face. Also, well, there is another reason that these rumors are likely untrue, and that’s the fact that Reynolds isn’t listed as one of the official cast members of the film.

However, it makes sense that some people could get their wires crossed in that area, as the late March cast reveal of the new Avengers film was a live stream that ran for a whopping five hours. While there was a massive list of 24 names revealed, there were nearly innumerable Marvel stars not mentioned, such as Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson, and Don Cheadle.

While I’m certainly glad that the claims of a feud between Reynolds and Downey don’t appear to hold water, it doesn’t mean that we’ll never see Deadpool and Doctor Doom cross paths. Not only could they work on a future franchise film together, but we all know that Marvel secrecy is beyond wild when it comes to the filming of these movies; just because someone isn’t in the official cast, it doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t pop up. We’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds.

With the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, Marvel fans are buzzing with theories about how Robert Downey Jr. will make his much-hyped return to the MCU, not as Iron Man, but as the iconic villain Doctor Doom. One new theory presented by a fan online suggests a shocking twist to the Latverian ruler’s backstory that, if true, would completely rewrite both Tony Stark’s and Victor Von Doom’s legacies. Frankly, I’m not sure I’m much of a fan, but let's take a look at it.

What The Fan Theory Suggests Will Happen In Doomsday

The theory, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), is presented by @Austin_Medzz and presents the idea that the upcoming Marvel movie will open with What If…?’s The Watcher (voiced by Jeffrey Wright), jumping from animation to live action, narrating the tragic rise of the iconic Fantastic Four villain. The fan writes:

According to the fan's theory, this alternate universe version of events reveals that Tony Stark was never raised by Howard and Maria Stark. Instead, he was adopted by the Sorcerer-Scientist’s mother, Cynthia Von Doom.

On paper, it’s the kind of cosmic reworking Marvel’s multiverse saga thrives on. The Watcher framing device could make sense, especially after the popularity of What If…? (available to stream with a Disney+ subscription). But I’m personally not sold on the idea.

Why I Hate The Tony Stark Variant Doctor Doom Theory

Folding Tony Stark into Doom’s family tree feels less like bold storytelling and more like Marvel trying too hard to force an emotional hook for Downey Jr.’s return. The classic villain is already one of the richest, most compelling antagonists in comics and doesn’t need to be a Stark variant. The character’s combination of genius, ego, and mysticism doesn’t need to be retrofitted with Stark DNA to carry dramatic weight, and instead, what makes the idea of Downey returning interesting to me is to see him portray an entirely new character.

The adoption twist aside, opening Doomsday with an exposition dump from a character like The Watcher (who most moviegoers will probably have very little idea who he is) feels kind of lame to me. It’s the cinematic equivalent of handing out Cliff Notes before the story even begins. For a movie that’s supposed to mark Robert Downey Jr.’s grand re-entry into the MCU, Marvel needs something bold and cinematic, not a lazy narration shortcut.

What Fan's Are Saying About The Theory

My hate for the fan theory is not singular, because based on online reactions, I’m definitely not alone in thinking it's a pretty lazy way of introducing the villian. Here are what some fans are saying:

• @Shafer1337: “0% chance this is how it starts. I’ll bet everything in my bank account.”
• @midoublew: “Multiverse are shit.”
• @supernerdK: “Hard pass.”
• @tasteslikesalt: “Basically next Avengers movie is a fuckin what if episode.”
• @Gaara2024: “again they literally say he is not a Tony Stark Variant at all.”

It’s obvious a lot of fans want Doctor Doom’s debut to feel like a true event, not something that plays out like a recycled What If…? episode. Tying Victor’s backstory to Tony’s through an adoption twist risks diluting what makes Doom such a singular figure. One of Marvel’s greatest villains’ history is marked by loss and unchecked ambitions, making him one of Marvel’s most compelling and terrifying characters.

To be fair, this is just a fan theory, and Marvel hasn’t confirmed anything beyond Downey Jr.’s casting. Still, given the MCU’s track record of bending comic origins for cinematic convenience, it’s not completely out of the question. And that’s where my nerves kick in. If Avengers: Doomsday, or Avengers: Secret Wars, use this adoption angle as the foundation for its villain, it risks alienating both long-time fans of Doom and audiences who want Tony Stark’s sacrifice in Endgame to remain meaningful.

Robert Downey Jr. slipping into the mask of Victor Von Doom is already headline-worthy without needing a convoluted backstory twist. Hopefully, when the film hits the 2026 movie schedule on December 18, 2026, Marvel will trust the villain to stand tall on his own, without relying on the tech-savvy Avenger’s legacy.

Many of the biggest action stars of all time, in the best action movies, got their start in the 1980s and 1990s when action movies really started to dominate Hollywood. Stars like Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, and Keanu Reeves all started making their mark in those seminal decades in film. This gallery is a tribute to all the action stars who are still making movies today, but began their careers decades ago.

Keanu Reeves

While he broke out in comedies like Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and Parenthood, it wasn't long before Keanu Reeves was starring in big action flicks like Point Blank and Speed. Reeves isn't just an action star, but with the lead in two now-iconic franchises, The Matrix and John Wick, he definitely belongs near the top of any list like this.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie's career started early. She was just 6 years old when she appeared in her first movie in 1982 alongside her dad, Jon Voight. By the late '90s, she was on her way to becoming one of the biggest stars in the world. She got into action movies with films like Gone In 60 Seconds and her biggest franchise, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and while she has always kept one foot in more indie-type movies (including as a director), she's been a steady action star for decades.

Nicolas Cage

It's hard to come up with a Hollywood star with a more diverse acting career than Nicolas Cage. His rage is actually pretty amazing, and that certainly includes starring in some great action movies, like the iconic Con Air and the National Treasure movies.

Scarlett Johansson

Like a lot of actors on this list, Scarlett Johansson can't be pigeon-holed as simply an action star. She is, however, one of the major players in the MCU as Black Widow, and has starred in other action flicks like Jurassic World Rebirth and Lucy.

Wesley Snipes

Most of the biggest box office successes of Wesley Snipes' early career were comedies like Major League, Wildcats, and White Men Can't Jump. In the early '90s he transistioned into action movies with leading roles in the likes of New Jack City, Passenger 57, and Rising Son. He also starred in Demolition Man with Sylvester Stallone, and, of course, as Blade in three movies.

Halle Berry

You might not think of Halle Berry as an action star... until you remember how many superhero movies she's starred in. Not only was she an important part of the X-Men franchise, but she was also Batwoman in 2004 and has also starred in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and others.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

This one is a little tricky. Technically, action movie legend Arnold Schwarzenegger had his first role way back in 1970 with Hercules in New York, but that was really a one-off B-movie that was soon forgotten. After he spent the 1970s winning every bodybuilding trophy on Earth, he entered Hollywood properly in 1982 when he starred in Conan the Barbarian. Everything since is action history.

Robert Downey, Jr.

Robert Downey, Jr. doesn't jump off the page as an action star. The Oscar winner has proven he can star in any genre, but as the anchor of the MCU movies for more than a decade, he definitely belongs on this list.

Tom Cruise

There's nothing to be said about Tom Cruise that hasn't already been written, right? One of the biggest stars in Hollywood history, Cruise has starred in action movies like Top Gun and its sequel, a couple of Jack Reacher movies, the Mission: Impossible franchise, and great one-offs like Edge of Tomorrow, War of the Worlds, and Minority Report, to name just a few. Plus, he famously does a ton of his own stunts, which shows just how much he belongs on any list of big action stars.

Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich started as a model, but transitioned to movies with films like Return to the Blue Lagoon and Dazed and Confused. Soo,n though, she started popping up in legendary action movies like The Fifth Element and, most notably, as Alice in six Resident Evil movies.

Jean-Claude Van Damme

In the '80s, a whole slew of action-first stars emerged, and one of the most popular was Jean-Claude Van Damme. Van Damme first gained fame in No Retreat, No Surrender, and followed that with hits like Bloodsport and Cyborg.

Linda Hamilton

Director James Cameron can be divisive, but you can't argue that he knows how to create female action star leads with great parts and great casting. Linda Hamilton is a legend from her appearances in the Terminator movies over the years.

Kurt Russell

Okay, we have to acknowledge that Kurt Russell's career started when he was a child star with Disney way back in the 1960s. In the '80s, he fully dove into action flicks in a big way with movies like Escape from New York, The Thing, and Big Trouble in Little China, all directed by one of the decade's best directors, John Carpenter. He's since been in a slew of action movies.

Mel Gibson

With the Mad Max franchise and the Lethal Weapon movies, Mel Gibson would be on this list even if those were his only movies. Of course, he has so much more, like Braveheart, Ransom, and many of the other best action movies of the '90s.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton debuted in 1991's comedy Flirting, and in the '90s and beyond, she's starred in action movies like Mission: Impossible 2, The Chronicles of Riddick, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and 2012. She's also starred in TV shows like Westworld that fit in this genre, too.

Dolph Lundgren

One of the pillars of cheesy (and awesome) '80s action is the great Dolph Lundgren. From fantasy heroes like He-Man in 1987's Masters of the Universe to communist boxers like Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, he's been a staple for decades in lots of action movies, including part of the O.G. cast in The Expendables franchise.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu kicked off her career in the early '90s, and before too long, she started doing some awesome action movies. Probably the most notable are the Charlie's Angels movies and the Kill Bill movies, but she's also got some less-well-known ones like The Man with the Iron Fists, directed by RZA, and even superhero movies, like Shazam! Fury of the Gods.

Jason Statham

Like other actors on this list, Jason Statham didn't start in true action flicks. His first roles were in the Guy Ritchie films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, but within a couple of years, he became a full-blown action hero in The Transporter and The Italian Job. Now it seems like he's in all the biggest action franchises, like The Expendables and the Fast & Furious movies.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron is one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood. She won an Oscar for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the terrifying true story Monster. She's also been in acclaimed dramas like The Road, Cider House Rules, and Bombshell. Of course, she's starred in a whole slew of great action movies like Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, Æon Flux, and a few of the Fast & Furious movies.

Jet Li

Jet Li started out in movies in Hong Kong in the early 1980s, where he quickly established himself as one of the great martial arts stars in Chinese-language films. After a decade and a half in Hong Kong, he moved to Hollywood in the late '90s, starring first as the villain in Lethal Weapon 4 in 1998. He became such a big action star that he was included in the first three Expendables movies.

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner might not seem like the typical action star, but he definitely is. Movies like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Postman, and the incredibly underrated Waterworld prove that when he wants to be, he can be a great action hero.

Michelle Yeoh

Like some other actors on this list, Michelle Yeoh starred in martial arts movies in Hong Kong in the '90s. Her breakout film in the West was as Wai Lin in the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies, where she showed the whole world her stage fighting and stunt skills. Since then, she's been in hits like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and, of course, Everything Everywhere All at Once, for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress.

Bruce Willis

There's no way this list would be complete without the great Bruce Willis! Die Hard will always be one of the best action movies of all time and in many ways helps define what a action movie in the 1980s looked and felt like. Only Willis could have pulled off the the wit and charm of John McClane. He's been in a ton of action movies since, of course. He is now retired, due to his health, but he worked right up until he no longer could.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz took a long hiatus from acting, finally returning in the 2025 Netflix release, appropriately called Back in Action. While she may be best known for her roles in romcoms like There's Something About Mary and The Mask and dramas like Gangs of New York and Vanilla Sky, she's had her fair share of action hits too, like Charlie's Angels and Knight and Day.

Steven Seagal

It's easy to forget just how huge an action star Steven Seagal was in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He actually sort of dominated the box office with movies like Hard To Kill, Above The Law, Mark For Death, and Out For Justice. He reached the artistic pinnacle of his career with 1992's Under Siege. It's not just a great movie for teenage boys like his first four movies; it's legitimately a great movie, with great performances from Seagal, Tommy Lee Jones, and Gary Busey. Sure, he's not making movies on that level anymore, but he's still been churning out straight-to-video-type releases for decades.

Peter Weller

Peter Weller's breakout came in The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension in 1984, but he really hit the big time with 1987's classic RoboCop. Sure, it was insanely violent, but RoboCop had a unique political message, too. Weller's been going strong ever since.

Robert Patrick

The iconic T-1000 in Terminator 2 became one of the great action villains of the 1990s. Robert Patrick played the role of the callous, cold robot killer perfectly. It established him as a legit action star, and he's been busy ever since.

Mickey Rourke

Mickey Rourke isn't only an action star. In fact, most of his roles have been in serious dramas, starting with movies like The Pope of Greenwich Village and 9½ Weeks in the 1980s, but he's definitely proven his action bona fides with roles in Iron Man 2, Sin City, and The Expendables.

Matt Damon

Anyone who has starred as Jason Bourne in four films deserves to be on this list. Sure, Matt Damon might not be the first actor you think of as an action hero, but come on! You can't deny that he belongs on this list for those films alone. Throw in movies like The Martian and Elysium, and he definitely should be here.

Dwayne Johnson

We're making a slight exception here. Technically, Dwayne Johnson's first movie credit came in 2001 in The Mummy Returns, but he had been quite famous for years for his work in the WWE throughout the 1990s. So while he didn't get his start in movies until later, he was a well-established star years before that. Of course, in the two and a half decades since his first movie role, he's become one of the biggest action heroes of all time.

Zoe Bell

This is another interesting case. Zoe Bell's first acting role in a movie was in Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof in 2007. However, she had already built a legendary career as a stunt woman going back to the 1990s. With the Academy Awards (finally) adding a trophy for best stunts, we're going to include Bell here, because she's been performing in movies for decades.

Will Smith

He started as a rapper, then got into acting with comedy, and in the '90s, Will Smith became a big action star with movies like Independence Day, Bad Boys, and Men in Black. He's proven to be a very versatile actor over the years, starring in every genre of film you can think of.

Among the upcoming Marvel movies is the first Avengers movie since the universe-shattering Avengers: Endgame, and I’m sad to say that my hype for Doomsday is a lot more lowkey than I wish it was. And I think one big reason why actually has to do with the latest of Marvel post-credits scenes. I don’t think it had a big enough impact, and the missed opportunity has been eating at me.

I Found Doctor Doom’s Debut In Fantastic Four: First Steps Rather Underwhelming

Fantastic Four’s tease for Avengers: Doomsday takes place four years after the events of First Steps. The scene, which was actually directed by the Russo Brothers, involves Sue Storm and her son Franklin hanging out at home. She turns her head for a moment and goes to the other room before returning and seeing Franklin face-to-face with Doctor Doom.

Marvel fans have known for some time that Robert Downey Jr. will play Doctor Doom since he made a surprise appearance at Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. But, after seeing this post-credits scene, it’s clear to me that we’ll have to wait to see his take on the Marvel villain until Doomsday. While I understand why Marvel Studios would do this, seeing the back of Doctor Doom’s head didn’t necessarily make me anticipate Doomsday anymore.

The scene does perhaps suggest that Franklin and his amazing powers could have something to do with how the Fantastic Four and the Avengers link up, but it feels too vague for me to latch on to anything specific about it. I wish the scene had involved RDJ introducing his villain a lot more, and perhaps saying some memorable line that would stick with me for the next year and a half, but instead, I’m left with this feeling of what could have been.

I Can’t Stop Thinking About How The Infinity Saga Built Up Its Big Villain Better

Now, if you’ve been following what’s been going on with the MCU behind the scenes, you know that RDJ wasn’t always the plan for the big bad in the Multiverse Saga; it was Jonathan Majors’ Kang, who got fired after getting mixed up in some legal issues. That being said, I still can’t help but contrast how Doctor Doom is being teased after the previous saga built up the threat of Thanos across movies over the years.

By the time we got to Avengers: Infinity War, we had seen Thanos’ face, and some of the damage he could do through the Infinity Stones and so forth. But, I’m walking into Avengers: Doomsday not feeling any fear at all about Robert Downey Jr’s Doctor Doom. And I’m honestly a little worried about how the actor is going to portray a completely different character in the universe after being so beloved as Iron Man in the Infinity Saga.

I would have thought Fantastic Four would be the perfect place for the MCU to establish what to look forward to in the next Avengers a bit more, but I’m going to have to wait for the Avengers: Doomsday release date in December 2026 instead. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still very excited, but I wish Fantastic Four had me leaving the theater absolutely hyped and on the edge of my seat for what’s next.

Robert Downey Jr. is coming back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in next year’s Avengers: Doomsday. It’s a big deal because no single actor is as responsible for the success of the MCU as Downey. Had the original Iron Man not been the success it was, the franchise likely wouldn’t be here today, and it’s incredible that the movie worked as well as it did, considering they were basically making it up as they went along.

Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark is absolutely one of the coolest characters in the MCU, and you can tell because he’s often wearing sunglasses, an accessory that he wears significantly more than most of his Avengers buddies. It turns out the reason for the glasses, at least in one key scene, was as much for function as fashion, as Downey once told Vanity Fair he wore them to hide the fact he was reading his lines. Downey said…

It’s unclear if Tony Stark's penchant for sunglasses was born entirely from this scene, or not, or if the continued use of sunglasses was done for the same reason, but it honestly wouldn’t be surprising. If Downey wasn’t originally going to be wearing sunglasses in a scene that takes place on a bright sunny day in the desert, then why would he in so many other scenes?

I had never come across this explanation before, and while it all makes perfect sense, it’s also sort of fascinating that this was something that needed to be done. For a franchise that would become revolutionary for the way that it seemed to put thought into creating connections between different characters and films, the first Iron Man wasn’t thought out in advance at all.

It makes the success of the film, as well as the franchise that would follow from it, all the more remarkable. The possibility of making a misstep is certainly increased if one doesn’t really have a plan. Clearly, however, what Favreau and Downey knew they wanted to make was exactly what it needed to be. Downey continued…

Considering the massive size of the Avengers: Doomsday cast, making up as they go along likely has not been an option. Still, fans will be excited to see Robert Downey Jr. again in a new Marvel movie, although considering his Doctor Doom mask, he’ll probably skip the sunglasses.

The next big MCU team-up is set to be The Russo Brothers’ Avengers: Doomsday. And, though the upcoming Marvel movie is currently deep in production, thanks to a fun video posted to his social media, we know the star playing the film's big bad, returning MCU star Robert Downey Jr, is in full vacation mode. I’m loving the behind-the-scenes look at the A-lister's good time. In addition to that, though, I have to admit, I love the Iron Man details fans spotted just a bit more.

Robert Downey Jr. just posted a fun video on his Instagram of him taking a morning walk on the beach. The entire clip is set to his son, Indio Downey’s, song, “Change of Scenery.” The caption from the Tony Stark actor reads, “What’s your summer #changeofscenery? Me = early morning beach walk. You = ???” Check out the full video below:

This was a proud dad moment, but what caught my attention even more were the eagle-eyed Marvel Cinematic Universe fans making significant connections to Iron Man. One fan account, @Drdoomarchive, took to X (formerly Twitter) to point out some interesting jewelry the Kiss Kiss Bang Bang actor was sporting in the video. The fan account posted: “the ring being the ARC REACTOR. also what is that pendant?” Why, it would appear so, and I love that sweet accessory.

Unsurprisingly, other fans are sharing comments as well. Let's take a look at some of the best replies, which have me really thinking about what’s possibly to come for the actor (who may or may not be sticking around for the long haul as Doom):

• @aliciapino: “And beard too”
• @catherinespaws: “It looks like either a skull or an iron man helmet”
• @mufcbecks7: “Tony stark lives forever”
• @Zeynubella1: “I think Iron Man helmet”

It may seem like a logical leap to some, especially considering the video in question is merely of the Oppenheimer star walking on the beach, which has sparked a ton of fan theories. However, can you really blame them? He’s rocking a full-on fire engine red (Iron Man’s fav) colored outfit and has Stark's classic goatee.

Some folks in the comments rightfully pointed out that the goatee is a pretty typical look for the Hollywood A-lister. Plus, he's sporting what appears to be an Iron Man helmet necklace and that aforementioned arc reactor ring. That’s quite a throwback to his iconic role, especially since we know he’s making a big return to the MCU as Victor Von Doom. But who knows? The wild theory would be that he's hinting at a multiverse version of Tony Stark!

Of course, it's hard to say if RDJ is actually dropping real-life easter eggs to get fans' hearts racing because there really is a connection between his beloved Tony Stark and his upcoming turn as a villain. It's also totally possible that he's sporting some fun Iron Man merch just for the heck of it. We’ll have to wait until the upcoming superhero movie hits theaters as part of the 2026 movie release schedule.

Robert Downey Jr returns to the MCU via Avengers: Doomsday, which is set to release on December 18, 2026. Before its release, consider watching all the Marvel movies in order with a Disney+ subscription.

Warning: spoilers for this MCU Phase 6 kickoff are in play.

Some of the best stories see the hero’s journey turned into something much darker. As The Fantastic Four: First Steps brings the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 2025 movies to a close, it also sets the stage for the upcoming Marvel movies of Phase 6 - and beyond. Which means Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars are on the horizon, with Robert Downey Jr’s return as Doctor Doom promising a big bad for the ages.

Some people aren’t exactly thrilled with this casting, but I’m open to seeing how the former Iron Man star makes his big four-panel heel turn in 2026. You might not expect that, but part of my happiness comes from the parallels between Marvel Studios’ 2008 origin story and The Fantastic Four’s cinematic return. Let’s talk about why:

Reed Richards Perfectly Embodies Tony Stark's Guilty Genius

It figures that Pedro Pascal’s Fantastic patriarch would be the lighter mirror image to Robert Downey Jr’s Doctor Doom. As we see throughout First Steps’ narrative, Reed Richards is conflicted about the fact that the space mission he and his family went on mutated them into their metahuman state. That’s the sort of guilt that Tony Stark has shouldered throughout the MCU, as both men expect themselves to think their way out of any scenario safely.

What really snapped this comparison together was the moment in The Fantastic Four: First Steps where the hero, also known as Mr. Fantastic, is called out by Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) for “baby proofing the world.” Hearing those words triggered memories of Avengers: Age of Ultron’s “suit of armor around the world” remarks that Tony Stark threw out.

Reed Tech Is The Stark Industries Of Earth 828

Quick question for you: who has a lavish New York tower that acts as a lab, headquarters, and living space to die for? If you answered, “the guy with the indispensable robotic assistant,” then you’ve proven my point.

Reed Richards also lives like Tony Stark, inventing a lot of the sorts of devices his Earth-616 counterpart (and his departed dad) would have dabbled in through decades of history. While it lacks the problematic arms dealing, ReedTech has the same sort of hold on Earth-828’s economy as Stark Industries does in its relative dimension.

Baby monitors, flying police cars, a ‘60s equivalent to hyperspace travel, and of course, teleportation are all part of the achievements The Fantastic Four’s alternate 1965 benefits from. Reed Richards and Tony Stark are practically corporate cousins at this point.

Johnny Storm Represents The More Casual Side Of Tony

Turning back to the more personality-based assessment of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, another strong parallel comes from Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm. The young heartthrob of the group, Johnny’s resemblance to Tony Stark’s mix of bravado, wisdom, and lady chasing is something we saw even before getting eyes on the full movie. You can thank the “Sunday Dinner” promo clip for that, which is shown below:

The entire family loves to “work the problem,” practically adopting the words “we’ll figure it out” as a motto. However, what pushes Johnny Storm over the line and into Tony territory is the fact that he tries to sacrifice himself to send Galactus (Ralph Ineson) into a wormhole intended to strand him.

Those of you with a Disney+ subscription who want to check my math, you can skip to the end of The Avengers, and compare that time Tony Stark tried to pull an Armageddon style sacrifice - but fell back to Earth in the nick of time.

The Fantastic Four Are Seemingly The First Superheroes Of Their Dimension

While the historical timeline in the MCU saw heroes such as the Eternals and Captain America pre-dating Iron Man’s big reveal, the release order saw Tony Stark building the foundation of this long-term juggernaut. Meanwhile, in Earth-828, The Fantastic Four: First Steps seems to place these heroes as the first meta-humans in their home base.

How else would you expect repeated primetime TV specials on The Ted Gilbert Show, celebrating their arrival? Besides, of course, an easy source of exposition that allowed The Fantastic Four: First Steps to make some challenging cuts.

Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark may not have been the first hero in his timeline, but he did inspire Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) to revive The Avengers Initiative. After sitting in a desk drawer for at least 13 years (per Captain Marvel’s chain of events), Tony did help initiate the first incarnation of Earth’s mightiest heroes.

As The Fantastic Four: First Steps Opens MCU Phase 6, It Sets Up Massive Hype For An Evil Robert Downey Jr.

There very well may be more parallels I’ve overlooked in this comparison, but I think I’ve proven my point. Tony Stark and Marvel Studios’ legacy have been renewed through the first picture in MCU Phase 6. Over the course of the three times I’ve seen the film (so far), the point that drove this entire conversation revealed itself to me: Robert Downey Jr. is one hell of a choice for Doctor Doom.

As a James Bond fan, I can appreciate the “dark mirror” plot device, in which a hero is confronted by their opposite number. Audiences used to seeing Downey as the heroically flawed and in-control Tony Stark are going to be in for a surprise when seeing him play the Latverian figure that rejects everything Reed Richards stands for.

To bring it all home, consider this: Robert Downey Jr. is going to be playing a Marvel Comics character that could bring his Academy Award-winning turn in Oppenheimer into the MCU. J. Robert Oppenheimer had Lewis Strauss, and now Reed Richards has his Doctor Doom.

Think of what a man like that would be capable of with resources and superhuman powers. With that scenario in mind, feel free to revisit The Fantastic Four: First Steps in theaters now, paying close attention to what clues may be present in that Doom’d mid-credits scene.

While we’re all celebrating The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ path to victory, the 2025 movie release has helped (Doctor) Doom the Marvel Cinematic Universe. How else would you describe the fact that the arrival of Robert Downey Jr.’s Avengers: Doomsday role is that much closer?

Back in the world of reality, the brass at Marvel Studios is looking to keep its budgets in check, and apparently was able to do so with Pedro Pascal and company’s debut in their sandbox. Don’t expect that to last, as reports on veteran team members returning for Avengers: Doomsday indicate a very different picture; but for some solid reasons.

Pedro Pascal’s Fantastic Four Pay Day Rationale, Explained

Keep in mind, what we’re about to discuss is all based off of “insider” accounts and speculation. However, according to Variety, the reported reason The Last of Us' former leading man was able to help keep the numbers reasonable is because this adventure is considered his big leap from TV lead to the big screen player.

By that logic, one could probably apply the same thinking to The Bear’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Stranger Things’ Joseph Quinn, as they too have found themselves as first time Marvel movie leads. Meanwhile, Vanessa Kirby theoretically could have had an advantage in her negotiations, considering she’s been in two Mission: Impossible movies, as well as Hobbs & Shaw.

This explains the recent stories about how X-Men’s upcoming casting strategy is one that’s focusing on relative unknowns, in the name of providing freshness and savings. Should this model hold up, and in light of First Steps’ fantastic opening weekend, one shouldn’t expect that thinking to hold up with Avengers: Doomsday.

Avengers: Doomsday Supposedly Means Big Bucks For Robert Downey Jr. And Chris Hemsworth

I’m reminded of a saying from another wildly successful comic book movie when looking at this next part of our story. After all, it was Heath Ledger’s Joker from The Dark Knight who once said, “If you’re good at something, never do it for free.”

While founding Avengers Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth were surely being paid well for their efforts on 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, one shouldn’t expect that to just go away as a result of some time and distance in the MCU.

Superhero Hype can back that claim short of confirmation, as they’ve reported that the Iron Man star could be making “significantly more than $80 million” for both of Marvel’s cinematic splash-panel event pictures. Likewise, the original reporting cited above has Hemsworth’s Thor revival worthy of similar treatment, stating that both men “won’t be working at a discount.”

I’m sure if you added the value of Robert Downey Jr.’s Avengers: Doomsday perks into the equation, whatever the true number is would be even higher. However, after over a decade of connected universe storytelling (an an Oscar win in Team Downey’s corner), these reportedly big pay days for the founding team members sound fair and valid.

That being said, one can only hope that Pedro Pascal and the rest of the Fantastic Four crew will soon see such consideration in their future endeavors; especially with their own parts to play as part of Doomsday’s uber-stacked cast. We’ll see where that money went next Christmas, as December 18th will herald the day when the Doctor (Doom) is in theaters worldwide.

A year ago, when it was announced that Robert Downey Jr. would be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the iconic villain Doctor Doom, fans went absolutely wild. In just about a year and a half from now, we’ll get to see Avengers: Doomsday, but there are already a lot of questions about what happens next.

Avengers: Doomsday will be followed by Avengers: Secret Wars a year later, and expectations are that Downey's Doctor Doom will appear in both movies. While it seems likely that the villain will be defeated by the end of the Avengers double feature, as Thanos was before, there’s now a rumor that Robert Downey Jr. might return to the MCU for the long haul.

Could Doctor Doom Return Following Avengers: Secret Wars?

The rumor comes from serial scooper Daniel Richtman (via ComicBook.com), whose track record isn’t perfect, but has certainly been reliable on multiple occasions. According to him, conversations are currently going on regarding whether to make Doctor Doom, and by extension Robert Downey Jr., a returning character following the events of Avengers: Secret Wars.

On the one hand, Avengers movies have traditionally been used as ways to wrap up major story arcs. Of course, Loki didn’t die at the end of the original Avengers movie, so there’s no reason that Doctor Doom needs to be defeated permanently at the end of Doomsday or even Secret Wars. In fact, there’s every reason to believe that Doom could end up being beaten in the next movie (even seemingly permanently) and still return.

Avengers: Secret Wars Will Be A New Beginning For The MCU

The back-to-back Avengers movies planned mirror the way that the two parts of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame came together. It’s less clear that the next two movies will actually be two parts of one story. In fact, it’s been specified already that Secret Wars is set to be a new beginning, rather than an ending, for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Kevin Feige has said the movie will act as some sort of reboot of the franchise, which may result in old characters returning and even being recast. While it’s far from clear how any of this will happen from a story perspective, it certainly means there’s a door open to Doctor Doom being alive and well at the end of Avengers: Secret Wars, regardless of what happens previously.

Certainly, if Marvel Studios likes what Robert Downey Jr. is doing with Doctor Doom in the Avengers movies, it would be a shame to only have him appear a couple of times. It could also make for an interesting chapter in the MCU if Doctor Doom remains a major antagonist for the next phase, or phases, but is around from the very beginning. At this point, we know nothing about what will happen after Secret Wars except that the MCU isn’t going anywhere.

Spoilers ahead for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is always expanding, both in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. After being one of the most hotly anticipated upcoming Marvel movies, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is finally in theaters. The quartet of heroes was confirmed for the cast of Avengers: Doomsday, and Vanessa Kirby shared what it's been like working with the great Robert Downey Jr..

News of Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the MCU broke the internet, especially because he'll be going from hero to villain as Doctor Doom. That character was teased in the First Steps mid-credits scene, where Sue Storm sees her son Franklin with what looks to be the back of Doom. The sequence was filmed in the midst of production for Doomsday, and in an interview with Variety Kirby was asked if RDJ was really the one she was acting opposite on set. She said:

How sweet is that? While fans are hyped to see the Oscar-winning actor back in the MCU, it sounds like that feeling extends to the cast as well. Clearly folks like Vanessa Kirby, who are relatively new to the shared universe, are looking up to the OG hero as he turns to the dark side for the next two Avengers movies.

The Mission: Impossible actress' comment are likely going to be touching for moviegoers, especially those of us who have spent years watching the Marvel movies in order. The shared universe has made plenty of changes during this time, but throughout it all fans have adored Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark. And I can't wait to see what's going to happen when he gets into his villain era.

Later in the same interview, Kirby spoke more about what it's been like filming The Russo Brothers' pair of blockbusters. What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is limited, but the hype is very real. She offered:

I mean, same. Suddenly the wait for December of 2026 is feeling much longer, because Robert Downey Jr. is seemingly bringing it on set. I have to wonder how much the love around his return to the MCU is going to influence the upcoming movie's box office performance. There have been some peaks and valleys in that department in recent years, although First Steps is making money in theaters.

Doctor Doom is known as a Fantastic Four villain, so I have to assume that Vanessa Kirby and company will share plenty of scenes with RDJ in Doomsday and Secret Wars. That's looking especially possible after that credits scene.

The new 2025 movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now in theaters, and Avengers: Doomsday will follow suit on December 18th 2026. Now bring on Doctor Doom!