Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jr. has given Marvel fans a glimpse into the MCU's next era, promising a villain that will redefine the franchise. In a surprise appearance at a SXSW 2026 screening of Avengers: Infinity War, Robert Downey Jr. discussed his highly anticipated turn as Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.
Marvel is not trying to recreate Infinity War and Endgame, instead choosing to start fresh with Avengers: Doomsday. Robert Downey Jr. explained their strategy, "We can't beat it, we can't stand on the shoulders of these giants of Infinity War and Endgame, so we're literally zeroing out the board, and we're gonna try to earn your trust and respect all over again."
During the event, director Joe Russo asked Robert Downey Jr. to choose between Thanos and Victor Von Doom, and he declared Doctor Doom the ultimate powerhouse. In the original Marvel comics, Doom has consistently outsmarted gods, stolen the powers of cosmic entities, and proven that absolute brilliance, mixed with magic, makes him far more dangerous than a cosmic warlord.
Avengers: Doomsday is set for release on December 18 and brings together legacy heroes and a brand-new wave of protectors. The ensemble includes beloved MCU veterans, as well as fresh faces, including Wyatt Russell, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh.
