Summary
From the momentMarvel Studiosannounced that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a debate has surrounded it. Fans have questioned whether his portrayal of Doctor Doom was merely a ploy to revive interest in the franchise or something that will ultimately benefit the story.
The debate is still ongoing and will likely continue until fans have seen his take on the iconic villain inAvengers: Doomsday. However, new reports have given an insight intoMarvel Studios’ long-term plans with the former Iron Man star, and they might end up self-sabotaging themselves in the process of them.
Marvel Studios Is Considering Keeping Robert Downey Jr. Around Beyond Avengers: Secret Wars
The Veteran Marvel Star Would Once Again Be A Permanent Part Of The MCU
Marvel fans will get to enjoy Robert Downey Jr back in the MCU forthe upcomingAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Warsmovies, which is guaranteed to have everyone talking. Fans have now come around to the idea that he will be in that role, whether they like the decision or not; people have adapted to the idea. However, according to industry insiderDaniel Richtman,Marvel Studios is now contemplating the idea of keeping him in the MCU beyondAvengers: Secret Wars, which doesn’t release until the end of 2027. They are considering the idea of him being Doctor Doom on a long-term basis, past these upcoming projects, which is certainly going to be a risky move.
This decision would then have Robert Downey Jr. once again being a permanent part of the MCU, which might be great for nostalgia, but isn’t good for the franchise’s development. He’s an actor who boasts a lot of charisma, and while his screen presence is fantastic, it can be at the detriment of developing new characters, as they often end up being overlooked due to the entertainment value he brings as a Marvel veteran. That’s not going to help the franchise move forward in the long run, because at some point the likes of Robert Downey Jr. will have to be forgotten in a bid tofocus on other characters and actors.
Marvel Studios Cannot Remain Stuck In The Past
The Franchise Has To Move Beyond Robert Downey Jr And Trust Other Actors
The decision to retain Robert Downey Jr. beyondAvengers: Secret Warswould potentially be a move of self-sabotage for Marvel Studios, as it would highlight a lack of progression over the years. The idea of killing Iron Man was supposed to be shocking and impactful, something that would shake the MCU to its core and usher in a new era. Yet, the same actor is already back and is now potentiallygoing to play Doctor Doomfor more than just the two movies audiences initially anticipated. It feels like a step backward for a movie franchise that has always tried to move forward when possible.
Keeping himin the role of Doctor Doomwould also stop Marvel Studios from building toward the next major villain in the MCU. While it’s unclear when the nextAvengersmovies will be beyond the upcoming two films, Marvel will likely be trying to create another super villain who can pose a threat serious enough that it demands all of the biggest heroes to come together. Having Doom around throughout all of that process would feel distracting, unless they decided to turn him into a hero. However, not only is that essentially copying Loki’s storyline, but it also raises the question of why he didn’t just stay alive as Iron Man if he’s going to end up being a hero.
Keeping Doctor Doom Would Ruin The Multiverse Being Reset
Avengers: Secret Wars Is Supposed To Put The MCU Back On Track
The other significant concern with this decision is its potential impact on the Multiverse. Kevin Feige has promised that thetimelines will be reset afterAvengers: Secret Wars, which has left fans thinking that the Multiverse concept would be done, and everything would then exist on a single timeline again. It’s something fans have wanted for a while due to how confusing the MCU has become in recent years, but keeping Robert Downey Jr around as Doctor Doom would make that almost impossible. It’s believed that he will be referencing the fact that he looks just like Tony Stark; therefore, having him stick around beyond the reset seems to open up the franchise to a lot of confusion.
Marvel shouldn’t be looking to make a reset only to not have it include Doctor Doom, simply for the sake ofhaving Robert Downey Jr. around for a little longer. As much as Marvel fans love him as an actor for what he has done for the superhero genre, it doesn’t mean that he has to be around all the time. It’s essential for Marvel not to sabotage itself and focus on the future, which doesn’t just rely on the original names who helped build the foundations of the MCU itself. Plus, the idea that all of these superheroes together failing to defeat Doctor Doom over the course of two movies to keep him alive for more appearances is going to make them look extremely weak. Having him return in the long term would be a risk forMarvel Studios, and at this stage, it’s unclear whether it’s one worth taking.
