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Summary
Doctor Doom could wear Iron Man's original mask in the MCU's Phase 6, creating a connection between Robert Downey Jr.'s hero and villain. Robert Downey Jr.'s divisive return to the MCU would be justified if Doctor Doom wears Iron Man's mask. Theories suggest Robert Downey Jr. will be returning as a variant of Tony Stark who becomes Doctor Doom, and the mask could support this.
A new MCU theory turns Tony Stark's origin story back in Iron Man on its head, putting a dark twist on Robert Downey Jr.'s upcoming debut as Doctor Doom. Iron Man kick-started the MCU in 2008, introducing Robert Downey Jr. as Marvel Studios' first on-screen superhero, Tony Stark's Iron Man. Downey Jr. went on to portray Tony Stark for over a decade, culminating in his emotional sacrifice in 2019's Avengers: Endgame. Now that he's returning as Doctor Doom, Downey Jr.'s career as Iron Man in the MCU could be given a dark twist.
Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige and returning directing duo the Russo brothers confirmed at this year's San Diego Comic-Con that Robert Downey Jr. would be reappearing in the MCU. However, instead of playing Iron Man, Downey Jr. will be bringing iconic Marvel villain Doctor Doom into live-action in Phase 6's Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. There has been some confusion about how Robert Downey Jr. can return after playing Tony Stark for eleven years, but a shocking new theory could explain how, putting a spin on his original MCU origin story.
Robert Downey Jr. MCU Movie
Year
Role
Iron Man
2008
Tony Stark's Iron Man
The Incredible Hulk
Iron Man 2
2010
The Avengers
2012
Iron Man 3
2013
Avengers: Age of Ultron
2015
Captain America: Civil War
2016
Spider-Man: Homecoming
2017
Avengers: Infinity War
2018
Avengers: Endgame
2019
Avengers: Doomsday
2026
Victor Von Doom's Doctor Doom
Avengers: Secret Wars
2027
Doctor Doom Could Use The Same Mask As The Original Iron Man
A popular new theory suggests that Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom could mirror Tony Stark's Iron Man by using the same mask that the armored Avenger previously sported in his original MCU adventure. Tony Stark, with the help of Ho Yinsen, designed and forged the Iron Man armor during his captivity with the Ten Rings. He used this first suit to escape from his cave and return home, and the creation of the mask was a big deal - big enough for the sound of Stark hammering the metal to be repeated at the end of Avengers: Endgame.
Similarly, Doctor Doom wears a mask in Marvel Comics, which he uses to hide deep scars that he acquired during a failed experiment he was running to oppose his rival, Reed Richards. Victor Von Doom's armor and mask were created with the help of Tibetan monks, and he used this new costume to take over Latveria and become a powerful Fantastic Four villain. Should Doctor Doom's mask in the MCU be the same as Iron Man's first mask, however, as suggested by bugtrio, Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the franchise could be even more impactful.
Flipping Iron Man's MCU Origin Story Would Justify Robert Downey Jr.'s Return
Close
If Doctor Doom uses the same mask as Tony Stark did in the original Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the MCU could be properly justified. The decision to bring back Downey Jr. has been divisive, as some may consider this a step backwards for the MCU, and would have preferred to see a new actor's talents showcased in Doctor Doom. However, others are very happy with this casting choice, as Downey Jr.'s return proves the weirdness and wackiness of the MCU's multiverse, and therefore doesn't need to ignore his time as Iron Man.
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Tony Stark forging his first Iron Man mask has become an iconic, milestone moment in the MCU's history. It would be fantastic to see this moment repeated in Phase 6, only with Victor Von Doom forging his version of the mask, rather than Stark creating his. The possibilities across the multiverse are endless, but alternate realities often mirror the MCU's primary continuity, so it would make sense that Robert Downey Jr.'s characters may find themselves in similar situations and designing similar suits of armor.
Doctor Doom Using Iron Man's Mask Would Be The Best Way To Use The Tony Stark Variant Approach
Doctor Doom possibly using Iron Man's original MCU mask would not only justify bringing back Robert Downey Jr. to play the villain, but could also support major theories about Doom's own identity. Most suspect Downey Jr. will be debuting as Victor Von Doom, portraying a completely different character than he previously did in the MCU. However, there is also speculation that Downey Jr. could be playing a version of Doctor Doom who is actually a variant of Tony Stark, and using Stark's original mask would support this.
A variant of Tony Stark became Doctor Doom during a 2011 Marvel Comics storyline titled What If? Iron Man: Demon in an Armor .
Doctor Doom seldom removes his mask in Marvel Comics, so this could also be the case in the MCU. Using the same mask from 2008's Iron Man would be a great way to remind audiences that it's Robert Downey Jr. under there, allowing the actor to bring Doctor Doom to life without removing his mask on many occasions. Downey Jr. became accustomed to acting behind a mask during his previous MCU career as Tony Stark, and this can be repeated brilliantly if a new version of Tony Stark becomes Doctor Doom.
PG-13
Sci-Fi
Action
Adventure
Where to Watch
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Not available
*Availability in US
Director Jon Favreau
Release Date May 2, 2008
Studio(s) Marvel Studios
Runtime 126 minutes
Sequel(s) Iron Man 2 , Iron Man 3
Budget $140 million
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Upcoming MCU Movies
Release Date
Captain America: Brave New World
February 14, 2025
Thunderbolts*
May 2, 2025
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
July 25, 2025
Blade
November 7, 2025
May 1, 2026
May 7, 2027
