Marvel’s upcoming Avengers films are positioning Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., as the MCU’s new central character. Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are expected to unite multiple superhero generations and teams, potentially marking a major shift or reset for the franchise.

Doom has featured prominently in promotional material, while trailers and added Avengers: Endgame Encore scenes suggest a character driven by grief, resentment and a desire to reclaim “stolen lives”. The article argues that Downey’s performance may give Doom the emotional complexity previously seen in his portrayal of Tony Stark, despite concerns that his casting was primarily a nostalgic attempt to revive Marvel’s fortunes.