RDJ’s MCU Return Planned Over A Year Ago by Kevin Feige

Fans of Robert Downey Jr. have been buzzing ever since news broke about his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

While many speculated that his comeback as a superhero was a last-minute decision following Jonathan Majors’ exit from the role of Kang the Conqueror, RDJ himself recently set the record straight.

Keep on reading for more details!

The Road to RDJ’s MCU Return

It turns out that his return was not a hasty choice but rather something that had been in the works for quite some time—thanks largely to Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.

And this time, Downey isn’t coming back as Iron Man; he’s stepping into the shoes of one of Marvel’s most iconic villains, Victor Von Doom.

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During a recent interview on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Robert Downey Jr. shared some exciting details about how his return to the MCU came to be.

“Probably a year ago,” RDJ revealed, “because Feige and I have kept in touch.”

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He explained that despite his departure from the MCU after the dramatic conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, he and Feige remained close, often discussing potential future collaborations.

But it wasn’t just casual talks—Disney CEO Bob Iger was also involved in these discussions.

Downey Jr. further elaborated, saying, “I’m close with the Russo brothers too. We have other business we’re doing. So there’s this little group of fellow travelers, and I had this instinct that I wanted to go to Bob Iger.”

RDJ’s idea wasn’t just limited to the silver screen; he was also thinking about how he could contribute to Disney’s broader entertainment ventures, including its theme parks.

But it was a conversation with Feige that ultimately set the wheels in motion for his return.

RDJ as Victor Von Doom

In that pivotal conversation, Feige floated the idea of Downey Jr. returning to the MCU—but with a twist.

Instead of donning the Iron Man suit once more, Feige suggested something entirely different: Victor Von Doom, the infamous archenemy of the Fantastic Four.

“Susan and I were sitting down with Feige at one point, and he said, ‘It just keeps occurring to me that if you were to come back…’ And Susan was like, ‘Wait, wait, come back as what?’” RDJ recalled.

The idea of playing Doom was an unexpected one, but after looking into the character, Downey Jr. was intrigued.

“I looked into the character, and I was like, ‘Wow,'” he said, expressing his excitement about taking on a role that’s a far cry from the heroic Tony Stark.

The Hype for Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars

With RDJ now officially back in the fold, fans are eagerly anticipating his portrayal of Victor Von Doom in the upcoming Avengers movies—Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.

The actor’s enthusiasm for these projects is palpable. “It’s this crazy, weird thing that’s going on,” he said, alluding to the grand scope of the upcoming films.

If all goes according to plan, Downey Jr. hinted that they might even remake what many consider the greatest film of all time, though he didn’t specify which one.

A Lucrative Return

RDJ’s return to the MCU is not just creatively fulfilling; it’s also financially rewarding.

According to reports, the actor has been offered a staggering $80 million or more for his role as Victor Von Doom, along with other perks.

This makes his comeback one of the most anticipated and lucrative in recent memory.

About Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. is a celebrated American actor known for his remarkable talent.

Born into a film family in 1965, he began acting as a child and gained early fame in the 1980s.

His career hit a rough patch due to substance abuse issues in the late 1990s, but he made a stunning comeback in the mid-2000s, most notably as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a role that cemented his legacy.

Downey Jr. has won numerous awards, including two Golden Globes, and remains one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors.

He’s set to return to the MCU in upcoming films and continues to be an influential figure in the industry.

What’s Next?

As the MCU gears up for its next phase, fans can expect to see Robert Downey Jr. in Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release on May 1, 2026.

The follow-up, Secret Wars, is scheduled to hit theaters in 2027.

With RDJ back in the mix, playing a character as complex and powerful as Victor Von Doom, the future of the MCU looks brighter—and more intriguing—than ever.

Conclusion

• Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU has been in the works for over a year, led by Kevin Feige.
• RDJ is set to take on a new role as Victor Von Doom, marking a significant shift from his iconic portrayal of Iron Man.
• The upcoming Avengers films, Doomsday and Secret Wars, will feature Downey Jr. in this new villainous role.
• Fans can expect an exciting and lucrative comeback, with RDJ reportedly earning over $80 million.
• The future of the MCU looks promising with RDJ back in action, bringing fresh energy to the franchise.

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