Robert Downey Jr. becoming Doctor Doom was a shock to this Avengers’ star as well!

Yeah… Robert Downey Jr. is back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as we know it and this time, he’s not playing a hero. RDJ is all set to make his entry as the villainous Dr. Doom and the world is excited.

However, the return of such an iconic actor into the folds of the MCU was kept secret for quite some time now and fans had no idea about Downey Jr.’s potential return. But, the secret was kept so safe that not even an Avengers star was made aware of Downey Jr.’s return!

Jeremy Renner Had No Idea That Robert Downey Jr. Is Returning

After recovering from that horrible accident that left him hospitalized, Jeremy Renner has been making public appearances again. Sitting in interviews and talking about the life-changing accident, Renner is taking it all with his bravery.

Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom at the SDCC 2024 | Marvel Entertainment via YouTube

Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner are quite good friends. They even have a WhatsApp group of the OG Avengers cast and usually, they share everything. However, this time, Robert Downey Jr. did not reveal his return.

In an interview with US Weekly, Renner talked about his reaction to the news that Downey Jr. was returning. The actor also seemed to be annoyed by the fact that the Sherlock Holmes actor did not tell him about his return.

NO! I had no idea, no idea. That son of a b**ch didn’t say anything to me. And we’re good friends like he’s got everybody on The Avengers family chat, right? The original.

He further continued, I started blowing up his phone like ‘What’s going on? You hiding this from us all along?’ He [Robert Downey Jr.] said ‘I don’t know. I guess so’. That’s exciting news, man. I’m really really excited

And with that excitement, Jeremy Renner has also thought about his eventual return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe sometime in the future. After the terrible snowplow accident, Renner was left recovering on a hospital bed for several months.

However, with the return of Robert Downey Jr., it seems that Renner will also surely return to the MCU sooner rather than later. The Wind River star is certain that he will be strong enough to join the MCU soon.

Jeremy Renner Will Be Strong Enough

Back in February of 2024, Renner sat for an interview with Entertainment Tonight. During his talks, Renner recounted his terrible snowplow incident and how life-changing that event was.

Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in Avengers: Endgame | Marvel Studios

The actor was also asked whether he would like to reprise the role of Hawkeye in the MCU and Renner’s optimistic answer was enough to light up the room.

There’s always something to do to get better, be stronger, be happier, be healthier, and that’s what I look forward to.

He further continued, I’m always game. I’m gonna be strong enough, that’s for sure. I’ll be ready. All those guys come to my bedside and they’ve been with me all along through this recovery, so … if they want me, they could have me. It would be something.

So it seems that a future where Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom can come face-to-face with Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye. However, these are just speculations and hopes.

Robert Downey Jr. is expected to return to the MCU in 2026 when Avengers: Doomsday releases. The plot details have been kept currently under wraps but what we know for sure is that the world is excited.