Robert Downey Jr announces shock Marvel return
Robert Downey Jr. has sensationally announced his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday.
The actor, who has been instrumental in the build up of the franchise with his role as Iron Man/ Tony Stark, before the character was killed off in the Avengers: Endgame finale, will return to screens as one of Marvel Comics' original villains, Dr. Doom.
The moment Downey Jr.'s return was unveiled has since gone viral.
In the video clip, studio head Kevin Feige announced two upcoming films Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, while surrounded by rows of figures in green robes wearing Doom's iconic metal mask.
Joe Russo, one of the directors for Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, then said:
"As proof of the unlimited possibilities of the Marvel [Multiverse], we give you the one person who could play Victor von Doom."
Downey Jr, among the dozens of others wearing metal masks dressed as Dr. Doom, coyly walked to the front of the stage and took of his mask to a thunderous response from the crowd.
"New mask, same task," the actor said.
He added, "I tell ya, I like playing complicated characters."
“If we’re going to bring Doctor Doom to the screen — he is one of the most complex characters, most entertaining characters in all of fiction,” said Joe Russo.
“If we’re going to do this … then we are going to need the greatest actor in the world,” he added.
Avengers: Doomsday will be out in cinemas on May 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars set to be released the following year.
Image: John Salangsang/ Shutterstock Editorial