In a multiverse-melting surprise, Marvel Studios has revealed that its most bankable star, Robert Downey Jr., will come out of MCU retirement to take on the iconic role of Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers movies. The announcement was made at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2024, where fans were treated to a night of thrilling revelations.

Downey, who became one of the biggest movie stars in the world after launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with 2008’s Iron Man, will play the classic Fantastic Four villain in the newly titled Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in May 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars, which will follow in May 2027. The news was met with overwhelming excitement, as Downey’s return fills the void left by his character Tony Stark’s heroic sacrifice in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige also confirmed that the Russo brothers, Joe and Anthony Russo, will direct these next two Avengers films. The Russos are no strangers to Marvel’s success, having directed blockbuster hits like Captain America: Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

The announcement was nothing short of theatrical. About two dozen olive-robed men with metal, Doctor Doom-like masks walked on stage, joining Feige and the Russo brothers. Joe Russo then took the stage to explain the decision to cast Downey as Victor Von Doom. “If we’re going to bring Victor Von Doom to the screen — he is one of the more complex characters in all of comics … this is potentially one of the more entertaining characters in all of fiction,” said Joe Russo. “If we’re going to do this … then we are going to need the greatest actor in the world.”

The audience was on the edge of their seats as the anticipation built. Then, a masked man in a green suit stepped forward and unmasked himself, revealing Robert Downey Jr. The reaction was instantaneous and electrifying, as over 6,500 fans erupted in applause and cheers.

“New mask, same task,” Downey told the audience from the stage, signaling his readiness to dive into the complex and formidable character of Doctor Doom. Downey’s return to the MCU not only marks a significant moment for Marvel but also promises to bring a new layer of depth and excitement to the franchise.

The Russos were also introduced as the directors of these new Avengers films, which they will produce as well as direct. “That four-movie run was incredible,” said Anthony Russo, referring to their previous Marvel films. “And it left us really spent, with all of our emotions on the floor. In the time since, through a very special story, Joe and I have come to potentially see a road forward with you all.” Joe Russo added, “It’s the biggest story that Marvel Comics ever told, it’s the first comic book run that I read as a kid that made me fall in love with comics. It’s the reason why Ant and I are standing up here. And I think you all know the name of it.” Avengers: Secret Wars title then flashed on the big screen, confirming the long-anticipated adaptation of the iconic comic series.

Stephen McFeely, who co-wrote the Russos’ Marvel movies with Christopher Markus, will pen the scripts for the new Avengers movies. The Russos have long maintained that Secret Wars was their dream project. The storyline involves an all-powerful being known as The Beyonder, who transports Marvel’s heroes and villains to a planet called Battle World, where they are forced to fight.

The news also marks a creative makeover for the newly titled Avengers: Doomsday, which will precede Secret Wars and serve as Avengers 5. This comes after the initial announcement of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, which was set to star Jonathan Majors as the time-traveling villain Kang. However, following Majors’ legal issues, Marvel decided to overhaul the film.

This revelation comes amid the record-setting opening weekend for Deadpool & Wolverine, which is set to land the top-opening of all time for an R-rated feature. This success has injected a renewed sense of energy into the MCU, further fueling the excitement for the upcoming Avengers films.

The Russo brothers’ return is also notable, as they have helmed some of the most successful and beloved Marvel movies. Their return to the franchise is expected to bring the same level of storytelling prowess and directorial excellence that made their previous films such massive hits.

Downey’s comeback to the MCU is particularly significant as he is coming off a career high with his first Oscar win earlier this year for his role as Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. The actor also recently earned an Emmy nomination for HBO’s The Sympathizer, solidifying his position as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and talented actors.

Marvel fans can look forward to seeing Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday in May 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2027. The return of Downey and the Russo brothers promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, setting the stage for the next chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.