Robert Downey Jr. is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, not as Iron Man, but as the iconic villain Doctor Doom in the upcoming films Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). The decision came after a series of discussions with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Disney CEO Bob Iger. Downey and his wife initially thought the meeting with Feige was about theme park ideas, but Feige proposed the idea of him playing Doctor Doom instead. Downey was intrigued by the character's potential and the creative challenge it posed. The announcement was made at San Diego Comic-Con, where Downey appeared on stage in a Doctor Doom mask. Both Joe and Anthony Russo will direct the upcoming Avengers films.