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Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Voice Gave ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Directors “Chills”
Directors Anthony and Joe Russo have described being struck by Robert Downey Jr.'s voice for Doctor Doom, the villain he is set to portray in the upcoming Marvel film Avengers: Doomsday. Speaking to People at Comic-Con 2026, the pair said Downey Jr. had already convinced them he was right for the role through early conversations, but it was hearing the distinct voice he developed for the character that sealed their decision. The anecdote offers a small but telling insight into the anticipation surrounding the film, one of Marvel's most high-profile releases in years.
According to Anthony Russo, Downey Jr. surprised them by breaking into the voice unprompted during a discussion about the character's details, particularly given its importance under Doom's mask. Joe Russo said the moment gave him "chills" and drew comparisons to Downey Jr.'s memorable "I Am Iron Man" scene from Avengers: Endgame (2019). Avengers: Doomsday features an extensive cast spanning the Avengers, X-Men, Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four, all uniting against Doctor Doom, and is scheduled for release in cinemas on 18 December.
In short
- Russo brothers praised Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom voice at Comic-Con 2026
- Joe Russo said the voice gave him "chills," recalling Endgame's famous scene
- Avengers: Doomsday, with a huge ensemble cast, opens 18 December
Explained simply
Avengers: Doomsday is an upcoming Marvel film bringing together numerous superhero characters including the Avengers, X-Men, Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four to face off against Doctor Doom. Doom is a classic villain known for his intelligence, technological prowess and ruthlessness, and has long been a significant threat in Marvel comics.
Robert Downey Jr. has been cast in the role of Doctor Doom, marking his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after his character Tony Stark died in Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Downey Jr. became one of the most iconic faces of the Marvel franchise through his portrayal of the witty and complex Stark across multiple films.
The film is set to be one of Marvel's most ambitious ensemble projects and is scheduled for release in December 2026. Downey Jr.'s casting as the main villain represents a significant shift in how his character will function in this next phase of Marvel storytelling.
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