Robert Downey Jr says Doctor Doom is stronger than Thanos; Marvel aims to ‘earn your trust’ with Avengers Doomsday
Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jr just gave Marvel fans a thrilling glimpse into the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s next era, promising a villain that will completely redefine the franchise. The Oscar winner made a surprise appearance alongside directors Joe and Anthony Russo at a special SXSW 2026 screening of Avengers: Infinity War, quickly shifting the spotlight toward his highly anticipated turn as Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Robert Downey Jr at Comic Con 2024 at the announcement of Avengers: Doomsday. (D23) As the crowd erupted, Robert leaned into the moment’s nostalgia, jokingly reminding everyone of his massive character pivot. “Hi, I used to play Tony [Stark] and then you lost me right after this one,” he joked. Marvel is not trying to recreate Infinity War and Endgame The momentum behind Avengers: Doomsday is building fast, but Robert Downey Jr isn’t trying to out-muscle the ghosts of Marvel’s past. Rather than trying to top Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, the team is choosing to start fresh. Speaking frankly about the massive narrative hurdle ahead …









