Robert Downey Jr. reveals why Kevin Feige chose him for Dr. Doom role amid fan criticism

Robert Downey Jr. has opened up about his surprising return to Marvel Studios, this time as the villain Dr. Doom.

The revelation came during San Diego Comic-Con, where Marvel Studios stunned fans by not only announcing "Avengers: Doomsday" but also revealing that Downey Jr. would play the lead antagonist. After 11 years as Tony Stark/Iron Man, the decision to cast him as one of the MCU's most iconic villains took many by surprise. Until now, Downey Jr. hadn't shared much about the process behind his unexpected comeback.

In a recent interview on The Hollywood Reporter's "Awards Chatter" podcast, Downey Jr. discussed how Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige first floated the idea about a year ago. Initially, they were in talks about a Disney Parks ride featuring Tony Stark, but Feige proposed something more: a return to the MCU. Downey Jr. shared how he, Feige, Jon Favreau, and the Russo Brothers have remained close over the years, discussing various projects. During one such conversation, Feige suggested the possibility of Downey Jr. returning to the MCU, which led to the idea of him portraying Victor Von Doom.

Downey Jr. expressed admiration for Feige's creative vision, emphasizing how Feige wanted to avoid revisiting old ground and instead aimed to exceed expectations. After researching the character, Downey Jr. was intrigued by the potential of playing Dr. Doom. He recalled a meeting with Disney CEO Bob Iger, where Iger endorsed the idea of Downey Jr.'s MCU return.

Downey Jr. also visited Disney's Imagineering Campus, where he was impressed by the innovative work being done for the upcoming Stark Flight Lab attraction at Disney's California Adventure Park. He hinted that this collaboration aligns with his interest in the future of entertainment, allowing him to contribute something unique to the audience.

The news of Downey Jr.'s casting as Dr. Doom has elicited mixed reactions from fans. Some are concerned that bringing him back could undermine Tony Stark's character arc from the Infinity Saga, where his ultimate sacrifice was a defining moment. Additionally, Dr. Doom is a beloved villain, and there is a desire among fans for a fresh interpretation of the character after the previous portrayals in the Fantastic Four movies. Despite these concerns, Downey Jr.'s acting prowess and box office appeal make him an attractive choice for the role, and it's understandable why Feige, Iger, and the Russo Brothers would want him to take on this iconic character.