Robert Downey Jr. Cast as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday

The MCU is going back to the well to turn around its falling trajectory, and the first order of business is bringing back Robert Downey Jr. However, instead of reprising the role of the heroic Iron Man, RDJ will now play the MCU's new big bad as Doctor Doom.

The surprise announcement came during Marvel Studios' panel at San Diego Comic-Con, setting the stage for the finale of the Multiverse Saga.

Not only is RDJ returning to the fold, but so are the Russo brothers – Joe and Anthony Russo, confirming reports of being in talks to direct Avengers 5 and 6 . The Russos have directed four MCU movies including Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame , and will now direct the next two Avengers sequels.

Oh, and we also have some new titles. Avengers 5 , formerly known as The Kang Dynasty , will now be called Avengers: Doomsday , while its follow-up retains the title of Secret Wars .

RDJ will presumably be introduced as Victor Von Doom in next year's The Fantastic Four, who are also confirmed to be returning in the next Avengers movies.

Avengers: Doomsday will be released in May 2026, while Avengers: Secret Wars is on track for May 2027.