Robert Downey Jr. - MCU friends react to Marvel comeback
Robert Downey Jr. (59) is returning to the "Avengers" with a new role. He won't be coming back as Iron Man, but as Victor von Doom, aka Doctor Doom. In the next two "Avengers" films, he will embody the Supervillain. Fans and even his former "Avengers" co-stars are thrilled.
Green is your color, Robert Downey Jr., according to Mark Ruffalo and the Russo Brothers
Mark Ruffalo (56) commented on a post by Robert Downey Jr. on Instagram. In the post, Downey had shared a picture of himself wearing the Doctor Doom mask. Downey also shared a video of his MCU return announcement, where he appeared on stage in a green robe and mask, revealing himself as the Doctor Doom actor to the audience's delight. Mark Ruffalo had portrayed the Hulk, the green monster, alongside Robert Downey Jr. in the "Avengers" films.
The Russo Brothers also commented on the outfit. "We've always said that green is your color," explained the directing duo. Anthony Russo (54) and Joseph Russo (53) will be directing the next two "Avengers" films, as announced at Comic-Con. The brothers have worked with Robert Downey Jr. since "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018) and "Avengers: Endgame" (2019).
Gwyneth Paltrow is confused, David Harbour is shocked
Gwyneth Paltrow (51) is still not entirely sure what to make of Downey's excitement. "I don't get it, are you a villain now?", wrote the actress who plays Pepper Potts, Iron Man's assistant and lover.
For David Harbour (49), Downey's return is not good news. The "Stranger Things" star only joined the Marvel universe in 2021 with his role as Red Guardian in "Black Widow". Now he has to share the screen with "the best actor in the world", as Harbour referred to Downey in reference to a quote from the Russo Brothers. "Nobody wants to work with a guy like that", Harbour joked in an interview with "Variety".
Robert Downey Jr. is set to make his debut as Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday", with a release date of May 1, 2026. A year later, "Avengers: Secret Wars" is scheduled to follow.
Robert Downey Jr. first donned the suit as Iron Man in 2008 and kickstarted the MCU as Tony Stark. He appeared in a total of ten Marvel films before dying a mourned character in "Avengers: Endgame" in 2019. In 2024, Robert Downey Jr. received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Oppenheimer".
- Fans at Comic-Con excitedly anticipated Robert Downey Jr.'s MCU return announcement, eager to see Iron Man return once more.
- Mark Ruffalo and the Russo Brothers joined in the excitement, praising Downey's new role as Doctor Doom in green apparel on Instagram.
- Robert Downey Jr. will be joining forces with the Avengers again, but this time as their formidable foe, Doctor Doom, in the upcoming films 'Avengers: Doomsday' and 'Avengers: Secret Wars'.
- The news of Downey's comeback was met with disbelief by some stars in the Marvel universe, like Gwyneth Paltrow and David Harbour, who had recently joined the franchise.
- These stars had high praise for Downey's acting talents, with Harbour referring to him as 'the best actor in the world,' while Paltrow expressed her confusion about his transformation into a villain.
- Emmy-winning star David Harbour, who took on the role of Red Guardian in 'Black Widow,' felt intimidated at the prospect of acting alongside the legendary Robert Downey Jr.
- Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2024, garnering recognition for his role in 'Oppenheimer', despite his villainous turn in the Marvel universe.
- The new-look Iron Man continues to leave an indelible impact on Marvel fans, inspiring artists to create a Doom-themed tribute on social media platforms like Instagram, carrying on the beloved legacy of the MCU.
