It is intriguing that Robert Downey Jr. is officially re-joining the franchise as Doctor Doom, but I’m distraught because this makes the most important Marvel Cinematic Universe reunion impossible. Regardless of how you feel about Marvel Studios and their projects, there’s no denying that it catapulted the superhero and comic book genre to mainstream popularity. Every studio has attempted to copy its business and creative blueprint, but no one has come close to its success. After the release of Deadpool & Wolverine, the MCU has officially passed $30 billion in earnings globally, with movies like Avengers: Endgame and Black Panther.

It seems so long ago, but I was part of the Screen Rant team that covered what many would call its golden years. I was there when people couldn’t decide who was correct in Captain America: Civil War, when Ryan Coogler and Chadwick Boseman introduced Wakanda in Black Panther, and when Avengers: Infinity War ended with a massive cliffhanger. There was also a period of frenzy waiting for Avengers: Endgame‘s title and trailer, as well as when it dropped, and made it all worth it. Despite my love for the MCU, even I admit that it has been lost recently.

Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU Return As Doom Explained

Downey Returns In The Russo Brothers’ Avengers: Doomsday

The Multiverse Saga started with so much potential. I still think that WandaVision is one of the best things to come out of the MCU because it was so creative, not to mention well-acted. Unfortunately, things have become rocky since then. Bringing back Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame‘s Joe and Anthony Russo to direct the next Avengers films feels like the most solid bet, considering their record. That said, Marvel Studios capped off their San Diego Comic-Con Hall H 2024 panel with the confirmation that Downey is coming back, not as Iron Man, but as Victor Von Doom.

Full disclosure, I’m still torn about this revelation. Aside from the casting, Marvel Studios didn’t really reveal how this would work, considering the events of the Infinity Saga. That being said, Downey’s Doctor Doom debut will likely be tied to the MCU’s current multiversal story. Regardless of the specifics, this would allow them to preserve Iron Man’s heroic arc and emotional death in Avengers: Endgame. Still, I would have preferred that Marvel Studios fully moved on from the actor, not because he isn’t good. It’s just that for me (and presumably other fans), Downey was, is, and will always be Tony Stark.

RDJ’s New MCU Role Effectively Makes An Iron Man & Captain America Team-Up Impossible

It’s Unlikely That Downey Also Plays Iron Man In The Same Film He Portrays Dr. Doom

Despite my personal feelings about Downey coming back and playing a different role in the MCU, I somehow understand why this is the route that Marvel Studios is taking. They need someone tried and tested to drum up hype for the next two Avengers films in light of their post-Avengers: Endgame performance. Just like bringing the Russos back, the actor coming back is an effective way to do that. Somehow, I’m also holding out hope that they can justify this controversial decision simply because of the people involved.

However, one thing that I am truly heartbroken about is the idea that Downey’s debut as Dr. Doom effectively makes Iron Man’s reunion with Steve Rogers/Captain America. While rumors swirled around that Marvel Studios was trying to bring back its inaugural actor, there were also murmurs that they were working on recruiting Chris Evans back. Granted that he already returned as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in Deadpool & Wolverine, the franchise still has a clear opportunity to feature him again in Avengers: Secret Wars. If anything, the Russos directing will be extra motivation for him to be involved.

Assuming that Evans does come back as Steve Rogers in Avengers: Secret Wars, the chances of him sharing the screen with Downey as Iron Man are slim to none. It’s doubtful that Marvel Studios will have Downey play Dr. Doom and Tony Stark in the same movie. Not only can it be confusing for the general public, it will also be extra-strenuous for the actor. This leaves Infinity Saga fans like me missing on the chance to see the Avengers’ leaders share the screen again since they defeated Thanos in Avengers: Endgame.

Why An Iron Man & Captain America Reunion In Phase 6 Is Important

Iron Man & Captain America’s Relationship Shaped MCU’s Infinity Saga

Those who have been following the MCU since its inception in 2008 like me know how special the original Avengers are. 2012’s The Avengers solidified Kevin Feige’s plans of building an interconnected and offered the first real glimpse of the franchise’s potential. Beyond that, it established the leaders of the evolving universe, with the founding of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Each of them had their respective dynamics with each other, but nothing was as important as Stark and Rogers’ relationship. The only time the Avengers lost was when they weren’t together, and that was in Avengers: Infinity War.

Iron Man and Captain America’s relationship was complicated. They had very clear differences, which resulted in some clashes. I think their arguments remain to be the MCU’s most compelling and tense ones in all of its 16 years. Despite all of that, however, they needed each other to properly lead the Avengers. Interestingly, they complemented each other. Despite their differences, they were always united on one goal — to ensure the safety of Earth to whoever threatened it. Adding to their on-screen dynamic was knowing the friendship that Downey and Evans continue to have.

With Downey playing Doom, Marvel Studio unofficially rules out the possibility of seeing Iron Man and Captain America not just reunite but fight for the same cause in Avengers: Secret Wars. Considering the status of the franchise and what they are planning to do in the Multiverse Saga, this may be the only time that Marvel Studios can bring both of them back. It’s a ploy that they cannot abuse, otherwise, it will diminish the importance of the Infinity Saga.

Will Marvel Ever Bring Back RDJ & Evans As Iron Man & Captain America?

Marvel Studios May Not Have Any Chance To Bring The Avengers Back After Secret Wars

Beyond Avengers: Secret Wars, I simply don’t see Marvel Studios bringing both Downey and Evans back — at least in the foreseeable future. Aside from the aforementioned concern about over-relying on Stark and Rogers’ popularity despite being years removed from Infinity Saga, seeing them again after already being in the Multiverse Saga may just hamper the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s attempt to move forward and establish new poster characters for the franchise. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help if the franchise remains stuck in the past by continuously featuring Downey and Evans long after their heroes’ stories were told.