In 2024, Marvel Studios surprisingly announced Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. was returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe … this time as the villainous Doctor Doom. Pivoting away from the Kang storyline that had been established in the early stages of the Multiverse Saga, it was a casting decision that raised numerous questions. As fans wait to see how Avengers: Doomsday directors Joe and Anthony Russo will pull this off, they’re also wondering what Downey’s Doom will look like. Even though Doom appeared in the Fantastic Four: First Steps post-credits scene, we’ve yet to get a good, proper look at him. That’s changed now thanks to an unlikely source.
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On X (formerly Twitter), the account Avengers Updates shared a couple of Doom-related posts. One is what’s called a “first look” at promotional artwork of Downey’s Doom that was on display at a Disney marketing expo in China. The other is video of a Doomsday light show that took place during the event, featuring the villain showcasing his powers. Check out both in the space below:
Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Could Have a Comics-Accurate Look in Avengers: Doomsday
One of the bigger takeaways from the promotional art is that this depiction of Doom looks like it could have been pulled right from the pages of Marvel Comics. The character is sporting his iconic green hood, armor, and mask (elements that were present in the First Steps stinger), suggesting that Kevin Feige and Co. are fully embracing the source material for Doom’s appearance. After Marvel made a big deal about giving Galactus a comics-accurate look in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it wouldn’t be surprising if the filmmakers took the same approach to Doom. There’s obviously a lot riding on Avengers: Doomsday, so getting fans on board with a faithful rendering of Doom’s costume is a step in the right direction.
An important caveat to keep in mind, of course, is this is just promotional art. It is not actual footage from the film or an official still. This artwork could merely be a placeholder until Marvel is ready to make an official reveal. By now, fans know Marvel is very secretive and particular about when it shares information about upcoming projects. Since Avengers: Doomsday won’t be in theaters for over a year, there’s no need to unveil a proper look at Downey’s villain right now. Using general artwork of the character does enough to emphasize his role in Doomsday. There could be changes to Doom’s look by the time the film’s marketing campaign is in full swing.
Even if there are some deviations in the final product, however, it stands reason to believe it will be similar to the artwork from the expo. Downey and Co. seem to be taking Doom’s MCU debut very seriously, as the actor has been keeping himself busy reading a plethora of Doom-related comics on set. While Doomsday isn’t a one-to-one retelling of a particular comics arc, there seems to be an interest in drawing heavily from the source material, ensuring this portrayal does the villain justice. After previous iterations in 20th Century Fox’s Fantastic Four movies fell flat, this is an opportunity to get Doom “right” on film. Capturing the spirit of the character in writing and performance is key, but costumes are such an integral part of any comic book movie.
It will be interesting to see when we’ll finally get a look at Downey as Doom in live-action. The Russo brothers made waves earlier this week with a cryptic tease, perhaps hinting some kind of official reveal is in order. Fans are still waiting for the next wave of casting announcements promised by Kevin Feige, but it would also be exciting to get a full reveal of Downey in costume soon. Whenever that happens, hopefully the real suit evokes this promo art, setting the stage for Doom’s big coming out part next winter.
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Image Courtesy of Ufotable -
Image Courtesy of Marvel Comics
