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At San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend, Marvel Studios made the shocking announcement that Robert Downey Jr. — who launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man — will be playing Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom in the two upcoming Avengers movies: Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.
The choice to bring back Robert Downey Jr. has certainly been controversial, with many fans — myself included — feeling the move signals that Marvel has officially, finally jumped the shark.
There is also a section of movie fans who are disappointed that Downey Jr. isn’t following up on his Oscar win for Oppenheimer with similar dramatic performances and is instead reverting to the cape and costume cushiness of Marvel.
According to new reports, however, it’s clear to see why RDJ decided to take on the role of Doctor Doom, as the 59-year-old will reportedly be paid north of $80 million for the two Avengers movies, in addition to being provided “include private jet travel, dedicated security and a ”trailer encampment,’” which essentially sounds like a compound of trailers for his family to live in while he’s making the movies.
Variety says that Downey Jr. is by far the highest-paid actor in the MCU and has made $500 million and $600 million from his 10 MCU appearances: four Avengers films, three Iron Man films, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Captain America: Civil War, and a cameo in The Incredible Hulk.
In addition to the return of Downey Jr., Joe and Anthony Russo — directors of Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame — have also returned to the franchise as they’ve been tapped to direct Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars after both projects spent recent years facing difficulties coming together.
Alongside Downey Jr’s Doctor Doom, other characters confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday are the newly minted Fantastic Four — Pedro Pascal (Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Thing) — Doctor Strange, and members of the Thunderbolts.
Avengers: Doomsday is currently scheduled to be released in movie theaters on May 1, 2026.