Summary
A newMCUtheory turns Tony Stark’s origin story back inIron Manon its head, putting a dark twist on Robert Downey Jr.’s upcoming debut as Doctor Doom.Iron Mankick-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’sAvengers: Endgame. Now that he’s returning as Doctor Doom, Downey Jr.’s career asIron Man in the MCUcould be given a dark twist.
Marvel Studios bossKevin 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 iconicMarvel villain Doctor Doom into live-actionin Phase 6’sAvengers: DoomsdayandSecret Wars. There has been some confusion abouthow Robert Downey Jr. can returnafter playing Tony Stark for eleven years, but a shocking new theory could explain how, putting a spin on his original MCU origin story.
2008
2010
2012
2013
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2026
2027
Victor Von Doom’s Doctor Doom
Doctor Doom Could Use The Same Mask As The Original Iron Man
A popular new theory suggests thatRobert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doomcould 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, andthe creation of the mask was a big deal - big enough for the sound of Stark hammering the metal to be repeated at the end ofAvengers: 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. ShouldDoctor Doom’s mask in the MCUbe the same as Iron Man’s first mask, however, as suggested bybugtrio, 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
If Doctor Doom uses the same mask as Tony Stark did in the originalIron Man,Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCUcould 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.
Every Version Of The MCU Iron Man Armor Tony Stark Built
Despite his proclivity for danger, Tony Stark built more Iron Man suits than he could wear. Here’s every armor he donned throughout the MCU.
Tony Stark forging his first Iron Man maskhas 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, butalternate realities often mirror the MCU’s primary continuity, so it would make sense that Robert Downey Jr.’s characters may find themselves in similar situationsand 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 ofDoctor 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 titledWhat 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’sIron Manwould 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.
