Robert Downey Jr. Had ‘Already Met’ to Play Doctor Doom in 2005’s ‘Fantastic Four’ Before Being Cast as Iron Man, Director Jon Favreau Once Said

As a long-time Marvel fan, I can’t help but be thrilled and nostalgic about Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom. The revelation that Downey had already been in the Marvel orbit for the role of Doctor Doom over two decades ago is a fascinating piece of trivia that adds depth to his eventual casting as Iron Man.

As a film enthusiast, I was taken aback when I heard the news that Robert Downey Jr. would be rejoining the Marvel Cinematic Universe to portray the villainous Doctor Doom in two upcoming “Avengers” films. At first, this seemed like an unexpected twist. However, upon reflection, it appears that this might not have been entirely out of the blue.

“I recall that Robert attended a gathering about ‘Iron Man’ and you had previously discussed business with him, perhaps regarding Doctor Doom or a similar matter,” Favreau said to Feige. (Executive producer on 2005’s “Fantastic Four” and 2007’s “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”)

“Favreau recalled, ‘He impressed us on ‘Fantastic Four,’ so everyone was familiar with him.’ Feige nodded in agreement as they reminisced about their first encounter with Downey for Doctor Doom around two decades ago. I still remember that moment when we sat down with him,” Favreau shared, “and I thought, ‘This guy has the fire in his eyes and is eager to take on a challenge.’ It was during that meeting in your office where we discussed potential options for ‘Iron Man.'”

At Comic Con in 2026, Marvel officially announced that instead of Julian McMahon, Robert Downey Jr. would take on the role of Doctor Doom in the upcoming films “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” Both movies are set to be released in 2026 and 2027 respectively, with the Russo Brothers directing both productions.

Approximately two decades ago, around the time I believe Robert Downey Jr. could have crossed paths with Doctor Doom, his radiance as a star had significantly dimmed due to a string of legal issues. In 1996, I was unfortunate enough to find myself in handcuffs for carrying heroin, cocaine, and an unloaded firearm. The consequences were three years of probation.

Downey’s issues made him an outcast in Hollywood during the period when “Fantastic Four” and “Batman Begins” were being produced. Around this time, Christopher Nolan was also casting for his “Batman Begins” project, and he had considered Downey for the role of Scarecrow. However, Nolan had been apprehensive about working with Downey back then.

“During an interview with The New York Times, Nolan shared that he had once heard various rumors about Downey’s unconventional behavior. These tales emerged not long before the more recent allegations against him surfaced.”

Marvel had reservations about casting Downey as Iron Man despite Favreau’s conviction, with Marvel Studios’ ex-president David Maisel sharing the same view but facing skepticism from his board due to Downey’s past struggles with addiction.

Last year, Maisel expressed, “I made sure they appreciated his suitability for the part. We were convinced of his integrity and believed he’d maintain it.”

Downey will make his Doctor Doom debut when “Avengers: Doomsday” opens in theaters May 1, 2026.

2024-07-29 18:46

Robert Downey Jr. Had ‘Already Met’ to Play Doctor Doom in 2005’s ‘Fantastic Four’ Before Being Cast as Iron Man, Director Jon Favreau Once Said

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