Rumors Suggest Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom May Eliminate Key MCU Character

Overview of Doctor Doom’s MCU Evolution

Robert Downey Jr.has been cast as Doctor Doom in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, a significant shift from the originally planned villain, Kang.
Speculation abounds that Doctor Doom may take on Thanos, signaling a power shift in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The use of post-credits scenes in The Fantastic Four could showcase Doctor Doom’s formidable abilities.

In a surprising twist, Robert Downey Jr.will portray Doctor Doom in both Avengers: Doomsday and the subsequent adaptation of Secret Wars. Recent insider information suggests that Doctor Doom’s introduction will be accompanied by a dramatic moment involving him eliminating a well-known villain from the MCU.

Marvel’s Strategic Changes Amidst Casting Adjustments

The decision to cast Downey Jr.as Doctor Doom stems from Marvel Studios’ abandonment of plans for The Kang Dynasty. Originally, Jonathan Majors was slated to be the primary antagonist for the Multiverse Saga, included in the upcoming Avengers films. However, following significant controversies, Majors was released from the role, prompting Marvel to accelerate the introduction of Doctor Doom. With the next two Avengers films on the horizon—scheduled for release within the next two years—it’s essential for Marvel to establish Doctor Doom as an imposing figure quickly.

The Return of Thanos and Doctor Doom’s Impact

Renowned scooper MyTimeToShineHello recently hinted at the imminent return of Thanos in the MCU. While specifics about the timing remain vague, the reaction to speculation indicates that this return may take place in Avengers: Doomsday. In the conversation, one user hinted at the possibility of a scene where Doctor Doom confronts Thanos, to which the scooper responded with a suggestive emoji, hinting at credibility in the assertion.

Thanos is coming back and sooner than you think ð&Yuml;‘€ pic.twitter.com/uwyPRHiM3M — MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) February 11, 2025

While MyTimeToShineHello is known for their mixed track record, the consistent buzz around Thanos’ return lends some weight to their claim. Actor Josh Brolin has previously expressed interest in reprising his role, further fueling the speculation. Additionally, the comics provide a precedent for a showdown between Doctor Doom and Thanos, particularly in Jonathan Hickman’s 2015 Secret Wars, where Doom dispatches Thanos in a dramatic display of power. It’s reasonable to expect that elements from this storyline will find their way into the MCU adaptations.

Setting the Stage for Doctor Doom’s Menace

The potential for Doctor Doom to eliminate Thanos serves multiple narrative purposes. For comic aficionados, Doom’s prowess is a well-known fact; however, newer MCU audiences may not grasp his full menace. Should rumors prove accurate—with Doctor Doom appearing in The Fantastic Four: First Steps—having him eliminate Thanos in a post-credits scene would effectively solidify his status as a formidable new adversary.