SDCC 2024: Robert Downey Jr. stuns fans with major Marvel announcement about upcoming movies
Robert Downey Jr. sure knows how to make an entrance.
The US actor has sensationally announced his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having kickstarted the blockbuster franchise in the 2008 film Iron Man.
Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, made the stunning reveal at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, local time.
For more than decade, Downey Jr. starred as, arguably, the MCU’s most beloved superhero Iron Man/Tony Stark, before the character was killed off saving the universe in 2019’s $3 billion finale, Avengers: Endgame.
In an unveiling befitting of the enormity of the announcement, Downey, 58, coyly walked onstage at the fan event, going incognito in an olive-green robe with dozens of others wearing metal masks belonging to the Marvel comic book character Doctor Doom.
The Oscar winner dramatically pulled it off and revealed his face to wild cheers, confirming he’s returning to play a new character – the notorious Fantastic Four villain Doctor Doom.
“New mask, same task,” Downey told the audience from the stage.
The Russo brothers, who directed a number of MCU movies including Infinity War, have been tapped to direct the next two Avengers films, Feige confirmed.
Downey will play the antagonist in Avengers: Doomsday, due out in May 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars, set to be released in May 2027.
“If we’re going to bring Doctor Doom to the screen — he is one of the most complex characters, most entertaining characters in all of fiction,” said Joe Russo.
“If we’re going to do this … then we are going to need the greatest actor in the world,” he added.
The move comes after a record-setting opening weekend for Deadpool & Wolverine and a renewed enthusiasm for the MCU.
The latest Fantastic Four movie has been scheduled to be released in July 2025.
Pedro Pascal will star as Reed Richards/ Mr. Fantastic, while Vanessa Kirby is portraying Sue Storm/Invisible Woman.
