The fan-favorite Fantastic Four villain Doctor Doom is set to make his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Avengers: Doomsday. What’s been so interesting about this announcement, however, is that actor Robert Downey Jr. will be portraying the character. Now a new rumor for Avengers: Doomsday may explain how Robert Downey Jr. is playing Doctor Doom in the film.
There have been many reports, rumors, and theories surrounding the nature of Avengers: Doomsday. After all, just about anything is possible. We’ve seen Marvel Studios create some surprising plots with the Multiverse, including the entirety of Spider-Man: No Way Home, so there’s no telling what they have planned for Avengers: Doomsday or its follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars.
Interestingly, however, while the Multiverse is obviously involved – Doctor Doom might not be a variant of Tony Stark. This surprising rumor was shared by insider @MyTimeToShineH, and while it should be taken with a grain of salt, it’s not exactly something that should be off the table.
According to the insider, Doctor Doom is not actually a variant of Tony Stark in Avengers: Doomsday. This would have certainly been an easy way to address Downey’s return to the MCU as a very different character. However, Marvel Studios may be going in an unexpected direction. The insider explains that this character merely looks like Tony Stark, and as such, is able to “present himself as an ally to the MCU.”
Obviously if this does turn out to be the case, then there will still be some explanation required as to why Doctor Doom happens to look just like Tony Stark. Especially if Doctor Doom is not a direct variant of the other character previously played by Robert Downey Jr. Though these details should also be taken with a grain of salt until there’s an official confirmation or the film hits theaters.
As for now, it should offer more discussion for fans of the franchise. Only time will tell how our questions are answered. Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates as we have them.