Marvel insider claims that Robert Downey Jr. will eventually pass on the Doctor Doom role to another actor after Avengers: Secret Wars.
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A Marvel insider is spilling the details on what could happen to Robert Downey Jr.‘s turn as Doctor Doom after Avengers: Secret Wars. During a recent Q&A session, insider Alex Perez was asked about a Doomsday theory where Downey Jr was originally Iron Man before he turned to Doom.
Perez dismissed the theory and explained that it was okay for Downey Jr to play two completely different characters in the MCU. He brought up a precedent where Chris Evans played both Captain America and Human Torch in the Marvel universe.
He further added that just like Marvel made Joseph Quinn’s version as their main Johnny Storm, the studio would probably introduce another actor as Doom and make him the main character. Perez explained:
In the same way that Chris Evans can play two different characters in the MCU with the same face, so can Robert Downey Jr. play Victor Von Doom. And just like how now we have a main Johnny Storm with Joseph Quinn, I’m hearing we’ll eventually have another Victor Von Doom.
Perez’s theory felt compelling to many fans. However, another insider has claimed that the studio is making moves to keep Downey Jr on retainer for projects beyond Secret Wars.
Another Insider Has a Different Doctor Doom Theory
Marvel insider Daniel Richtman recently speculated that Robert Downey Jr. might be staying for more MCU projects after Avengers: Secret Wars (via Yahoo!). While many fans continue to speculate on his role in Doomsday and Secret Wars, Richtman claimed that he heard from his Marvel sources that the studio is looking to retain him in role beyond those movies.
Earlier, Richtman claimed that Downey Jr. won’t be the only one playing Doom in the movie (via Comic Book Movie). Richtman claimed that the movie might introduce a Council of Dooms. He mentioned that there will be a female Doctor Doom in the mix.
Fans speculated that an alternate version of Doom might return in the future movies. However, Richtman’s claims have put the spotlight back on Downey Jr. Marvel Studio will have to spend a fortune on keeping the actor after his reported $100 million paycheck for these two Avengers movies.
Will We Get an Iron Man Variant in Doomsday?
Rumors have it that Robert Downey Jr. is not just returning as the supervillain Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. According to insider James Mack, he is “obviously” donning the role of Iron Man in the movie as well. However, he didn’t mention whether it was the Earth-616 hero who would potentially appear in the movie.
obviously yes https://t.co/csrIjEkYcQ
— James Mack (@jamesmackwl) December 18, 2025
When asked by an X user in another post whether Doctor Doom and Tony Stark are connected in any way in Doomsday, the insider shared that they had no connection between them.
none 😉 https://t.co/tiUoTBvUIW
— James Mack (@jamesmackwl) December 18, 2025
There has been a long-standing discussion on what Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom meant to his earlier role as Tony Stark in the MCU. Fans wanted to know whether the facial similarity between Doom and Iron Man had any in-universe explanation.
RDJ’s presence in the MCU, even as the supervillain Doom, keeps the door open for the arrival of Tony Stark variants or his symbolic return. As the insider suggested, Marvel might be exploring the options of bringing Tony back without resurrection, thus not having to undo his legacy in Avengers: Endgame.
What do you think of the new rumors surrounding another Doctor Doom actor? Let us know in the comments below!
Avengers: Doomsday is set to be released in the U.S. theaters on December 18, 2026.
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