It was the news that sent shockwaves throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Robert Downey Jr. was back — as Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man. The move was embraced by some fans, and instantly rejected by others.
Obviously, at this point, no one has seen a single frame of Downey as Doom. So it’s hard to know exactly how he will play the character and why. But we already know one thing for certain: Marvel’s original plan from the Multiverse Saga is out the window. They intended Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror to be the primary adversary for the Avengers in what was once Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and now is called Avengers: Doomsday. Clearly, that’s never going to happen.
So is Marvel making a big mistake? Is bringing back RDJr. an ingenious twist or an act of desperation? In our latest Marvel video, ScreenCrush’s Ryan Arey and Colton Ogburn debate this controversial casting choice. They’ll discuss whether Marvel should have recast Kang, whether Downey’s Doom should be connected to his Iron Man, and whether Avengers: Doomsday will be Marvel’s return to glory or a major disappointment. Watch their full debate below:
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If you liked that video on the controversial casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and whether Marvel is making a mistake with the shift away from Kang, check out more of our videos below, including one on some of the most notable deleted scenes in the history of Marvel, and how they could have changed the MCU forever, one on why Eternals isn’t as bad as you think and why we still want a sequel, and one on the new trailer for Captain America: Brave New World and all its Marvel Easter eggs. Plus, there’s tons more videos over at ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to catch all our future episodes. The next Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, Captain America: Brave New World, is scheduled to open in theaters on February 14, 2025.
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