Feige calls Doom Marvel’s most iconic villain; RDJ cast for Avengers: Doomsday.
Marvel Studios just changed the villain game forever. At CinemaCon 2025, Kevin Feige dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through fans and media alike: Doctor Doom, one of the most powerful and feared villains in Marvel Comics history, is officially entering the MCU—and he’s being portrayed by none other than Robert Downey Jr.
Yes, Tony Stark himself is now Victor von Doom.
Kevin Feige Names Doctor Doom the MCU’s Ultimate Baddie
During Marvel Studios’ presentation at CinemaCon 2025, fans were treated to a behind-the-scenes video from the set of Avengers: Doomsday. As if the footage itself wasn’t exciting enough, Kevin Feige stunned the crowd by calling Doctor Doom “Marvel’s most iconic villain,” officially placing him above the likes of:
- Thanos
- Loki
- Kang the Conqueror
- Erik Killmonger
Feige confidently stated:
“In ‘Doomsday,’ we’ve got the Avengers, Thunderbolts, Wakandans, Fantastic Four, and even the original X-Men. And they will all face off against Marvel’s most iconic villain, Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr.”
Why Doctor Doom? Why Now?
Doctor Doom has long been considered the crown jewel of Marvel’s rogues’ gallery. First appearing in 1962 as the archenemy of the Fantastic Four, Doom is:
- A master of science and sorcery
- The ruler of Latveria
- A genius inventor and manipulator
And a character so layered, he’s as much a tragic figure as a tyrant
Unlike past villains who evolved over multiple films, Doom is entering the MCU fully formed, already feared, respected, and ready to wreak havoc. And Feige’s bold claim shows Marvel isn’t holding back in Phase 6.
Robert Downey Jr. Returns — As the MCU’s Greatest Threat
Perhaps the biggest twist of all: Robert Downey Jr. will portray Doctor Doom. The man who helped build the MCU as Tony Stark/Iron Man is now switching sides.
While this choice initially shocked fans, it’s actually a masterstroke:
Downey Jr. brings unmatched charisma and gravitas. The meta-casting will stir intense emotional stakes, especially when he faces off against legacy characters. It adds deep psychological layers, as audiences grapple with the idea of their original hero becoming their worst enemy
Whether this Doom is a variant or something even bigger is still unclear—but one thing is certain: he’ll dominate the screen.
No Introduction Needed: Doom Debuts Fully in Avengers: Doomsday
Unlike other villains who got origin stories (Thanos in post-credit teases, Kang in Loki), Doctor Doom will appear in full force without a slow build-up. If he skips The Fantastic Four: First Steps entirely and debuts directly in Doomsday (May 1, 2026), that would make him the first MCU villain to headline such a major crossover without prior screen time.
That’s a bold move—and one that highlights Marvel’s confidence in the power of this character.
What’s Next for Doctor Doom and the MCU?
As Phase 6 unfolds, Doctor Doom’s role will likely reshape the entire Multiverse Saga. With the Fantastic Four, original X-Men, Avengers, Wakandans, and Thunderbolts all colliding in one movie, Doom’s presence could:
Lay the groundwork for Battleworld (leading to Secret Wars)
Threaten not just Earth but the entire multiverse
Introduce Latveria as a major player in global politics and magic
Fans are already speculating about Doom’s possible alliances, betrayals, and multiversal ambitions—especially since the trailer teased a battle-scarred world and fractured hero teams.
