In a shocking turn of events that has set the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fandom ablaze, Pedro Pascal, the newly minted star of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, reportedly clashed with MCU veteran Robert Downey Jr. during a heated Instagram Live session on August 27, 2025. The confrontation, which saw Pascal allegedly call the Avengers “stupid,” has sparked a firestorm of controversy, raising questions about tensions on the set of Avengers: Doomsday and the future of Marvel’s interconnected universe. What began as a promotional interaction between two of Hollywood’s biggest stars has spiraled into a public relations nightmare, with fans and insiders speculating about egos, creative differences, and the pressure of carrying the MCU into its next phase.
The Instagram Live Incident
The drama unfolded during a seemingly routine Instagram Live hosted by Robert Downey Jr., who has returned to the MCU as the villainous Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on December 18, 2026. Downey, known for his charismatic and often playful social media presence, invited Pascal, who plays Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, to join the live session to hype their upcoming face-off in the film. The two actors, who have been filming at Pinewood Studios in the UK, were expected to share lighthearted banter and tease fans with hints about the movie. Instead, the interaction took a sharp turn when Pascal, visibly frustrated, made a comment that stunned viewers.
According to eyewitness accounts on social media, the trouble began when Downey jokingly referenced the Avengers’ legacy, saying, “The Avengers are the heart of the MCU, and we’re passing the torch to new heroes like Reed Richards.” Pascal, who has faced significant backlash for his casting as the Fantastic Four leader, reportedly snapped, “The Avengers are stupid! You guys had your run, but it’s time for something new.” The remark, delivered with a mix of exasperation and defiance, left Downey visibly taken aback. He attempted to laugh it off, responding, “Whoa, Pedro, tell us how you really feel!” but the tension was palpable. The live session ended abruptly, with Downey citing a “technical glitch” as he signed off.
Fan Reaction and Social Media Storm
The fallout was immediate and explosive. Clips of the exchange spread like wildfire across platforms like X, YouTube, and TikTok, with fans dissecting every word and facial expression. Hashtags like #PedroVsRDJ and #AvengersAreStupid trended worldwide, as Marvel enthusiasts took sides in the brewing feud. Some praised Pascal for his boldness, arguing that his comment reflected a desire to break free from the Avengers’ shadow and establish the Fantastic Four as a fresh cornerstone of the MCU. “Pedro’s right,” one user posted on X. “The Avengers formula is tired. Let the Fantastic Four shine without being tied to the same old team-up shtick.”
Others, however, saw Pascal’s outburst as disrespectful to the franchise’s history and Downey’s pivotal role in building it. “Calling the Avengers stupid when RDJ made the MCU what it is? That’s a low blow,” another user wrote. “Pedro needs to chill.” The backlash was particularly intense among Downey’s loyal fanbase, who view him as the “founding father” of the MCU due to his iconic portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man. Some accused Pascal of letting his ego get the better of him, pointing to his rapid rise to stardom in projects like The Mandalorian and The Last of Us as inflating his confidence to a fault.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions
The Instagram Live clash has fueled speculation about deeper tensions on the Avengers: Doomsday set. Insiders claim that Pascal and Downey, while initially friendly, have clashed over creative differences during filming. Downey, who has been heavily involved in shaping his Doctor Doom character, reportedly hosts “homework days” at his home, where the cast workshops scenes and studies comic book source material. Pascal, however, is said to have pushed back against Downey’s leadership, advocating for a more grounded, character-driven approach to Reed Richards that contrasts with the MCU’s traditional spectacle-heavy formula.
This creative divide may have contributed to Pascal’s frustration during the live session. Sources close to the production suggest that Pascal feels burdened by the weight of fan expectations, especially after the divisive response to his casting as Reed Richards. Critics have argued that Pascal, at 50, is “too old” or “not right” for the role, while others have questioned his fit for a character traditionally depicted as a clean-shaven, cerebral scientist. Pascal has acknowledged this backlash, previously stating in interviews that Downey’s mentorship helped him navigate the criticism. However, the “Avengers are stupid” comment suggests that his patience may be wearing thin, particularly if he feels overshadowed by Downey’s larger-than-life presence.
The timing of the incident is particularly damaging, as The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently in theaters, having premiered on July 25, 2025. While the film has received solid reviews for its retro-futuristic vibe and the chemistry among Pascal, Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm), it hasn’t matched the box office dominance of earlier MCU hits like Spider-Man: No Way Home. Some speculate that Pascal’s outburst was a reaction to pressure to elevate the Fantastic Four’s profile within a franchise still dominated by the Avengers’ legacy.
The Bigger Picture: MCU’s Identity Crisis
Pascal’s comment about the Avengers being “stupid” has struck a nerve because it taps into a broader conversation about the MCU’s direction. Phases Four and Five have faced criticism for inconsistent storytelling, with films like The Marvels and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania underperforming and series like Secret Invasion failing to resonate. The return of Downey as Doctor Doom, while exciting, has also been seen by some as a sign of Marvel’s reliance on nostalgia to prop up a faltering franchise. Pascal’s apparent frustration may reflect a desire to move the MCU forward, positioning the Fantastic Four as a new anchor rather than a supporting act to the Avengers.
Social media posts have amplified this sentiment, with some fans arguing that the Avengers’ formula—team-ups, quippy humor, and multiversal stakes—has grown stale. “Pedro’s not wrong,” one X user wrote. “The Avengers keep recycling the same ‘save the world’ plot. The Fantastic Four could bring something fresh if Marvel lets them.” Others, however, defend the Avengers’ legacy, pointing to Avengers: Endgame’s cultural impact and Downey’s ability to draw audiences even as a villain. “The Avengers built the MCU,” another user countered. “Pedro’s out of line acting like they’re irrelevant.”
The clash also highlights the pressure on Pascal as a relative newcomer to the MCU. While Downey has decades of goodwill as Tony Stark, Pascal is still carving out his place in the franchise. His casting as Reed Richards has been polarizing, and his playful but controversial “Daddy Doomsday” comments about Downey in earlier interviews have already drawn scrutiny for their perceived overfamiliarity. The Instagram Live incident has only intensified this spotlight, with some fans questioning whether Pascal’s outspokenness could jeopardize his future in the MCU.
Damage Control and What’s Next
As the controversy continues to dominate headlines, both Pascal and Downey have remained silent, leaving fans to speculate about the state of their relationship. Marvel Studios has yet to issue an official statement, but insiders suggest that the studio is scrambling to contain the fallout. A source close to the production claims that the Russo Brothers, who are directing Avengers: Doomsday, have called an emergency meeting with the cast to address tensions and ensure a unified front ahead of the film’s promotional campaign.
For Pascal, the incident risks overshadowing his otherwise successful debut as Reed Richards. The Fantastic Four: First Steps has been praised for its heartfelt portrayal of Marvel’s First Family, and Pascal’s performance has won over many skeptics. However, his “Avengers are stupid” comment could alienate fans who see the Avengers as the heart of the MCU. To recover, Pascal may need to clarify his remarks, perhaps framing them as a passionate defense of the Fantastic Four’s unique identity rather than a slight against the Avengers.
Downey, meanwhile, remains a towering figure in the MCU, and his ability to weather the storm is unquestioned. His portrayal of Doctor Doom is one of the most anticipated elements of Avengers: Doomsday, with fans eager to see how he transforms from the heroic Tony Stark to a complex villain. Posts on X suggest that Downey’s Instagram Live gaffe hasn’t dented his popularity, with many fans rallying to his defense. “RDJ is the MCU,” one user wrote. “Pedro’s got big shoes to fill, and he’s not helping himself with this drama.”
Can Marvel Move Forward?
The Pascal-Downey clash is more than just a celebrity spat; it’s a symptom of the MCU’s broader challenges as it navigates a post-Endgame landscape. With Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars poised to redefine the franchise, Marvel needs its stars to project unity, not discord. The Fantastic Four’s integration into the MCU is a critical step in this evolution, and Pascal’s role as Reed Richards could position him as a new leader if he can overcome the current controversy.
For now, the incident has left fans divided, with some cheering Pascal’s boldness and others decrying his perceived disrespect. The true test will come when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters, revealing whether the on-screen chemistry between Pascal and Downey can outshine their off-screen tensions. Until then, the MCU fandom will continue to buzz with speculation, memes, and hot takes, proving once again that in the world of Marvel, drama is never far from the spotlight.
