Robert Downey Jr stunned fans as the Iron Man star removed a mask during the San Diego Comic-Con Hall H panel to reveal that he will play Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s biggest villains, in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday.
The panel on Saturday was flooded with hooded figures wearing masks of the comic book villain known for his sorcery and science when Downey Jr revealed his face. “I like playing complicated characters,” he said as fans began to chant his name.
The panel had plenty more showstopping moments, as it began with a boisterous Deadpool choir, inspired by the recent film Deadpool and Wolverine, which the Marvel president, Kevin Feige, said had set the box office record for the highest grossing R-rated film ever.
Deadpool & Wolverine has the largest domestic box office opening of 2024, according to industry analysts. US and Canadian sales through Sunday should hit between $175m and $185m, said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore.
Who Is Doctor Doom?
Doctor Doom is the longtime adversary of the Fantastic Four, and is a complex, intimidating villain who boasts mastery over both magic and science. Doom hides his face behind a mask after his good looks were slightly scarred, and in some comic variations, deliberately scars himself.
Doom is considered to be one of the most iconic villains in Marvel history, and comic book fans have been waiting for the character to be introduced to the big screen.
MCU fans have also been waiting for the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, but the announcement of Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom took the fandom by surprise.”
