Marvel boss rules out Avengers: Doomsday theory as "very scary" MCU outing is teased

Marvel boss Kevin Feige has poured cold water on one of the biggest fan theories surrounding Avengers: Doomsday, as the filmmakers have teased a particularly dark outing for the MCU.

Ever since Robert Downey Jr was unveiled as the movie's big bad Doctor Doom at San Diego Comic-Con in 2024, speculation has been rife about how his return to the franchise will be explained.

The actor famously played Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, for over a decade before the character's emotional demise in 2019's Avengers: Endgame.

Related: Best streaming services UK 2026 – including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV

Given the MCU's exploration of the multiverse in recent years, many fans had theorised that Downey Jr's new character could actually be an alternate version of Stark.

However, speaking to Empire, Feige dismissed the suggestion, drawing a comparison with fellow Marvel star Chris Evans, who played the Human Torch prior to taking on the role of Captain America.

"People wondered, 'Is Doom just a variant of another character? Is this just a shortcut to bringing back another character?' The answer is no. He's Victor Von Doom."

Downey Jr, meanwhile, revealed that it took a few days of filming for the reality of playing a villain to sink in, having spent so many years on the opposite side of the fight.

The Oscar-winning actor also hinted at the sheer scale of the destruction his character could unleash.

As for what fans can expect from this incarnation of Doctor Doom, director Joe Russo revealed that the villain's actions are informed by the trauma of losing a child.

"When people see the film, they say it's a very scary movie. It's scary because he's so profoundly damaged," he explained.

The filmmaker also teased that Doom's considerable powers extend to dark magic, while his brother and co-director Anthony Russo highlighted a key difference between the character and the Avengers' previous nemesis.

"Doom is much more ego-driven than Thanos," he said. "Thanos believed he was serving a greater good."

The upcoming blockbuster boasts a star-studded cast, including returning MCU favourites Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie and Tom Hiddleston, alongside The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby.

Several stars of the original X-Men movies are also reprising their roles, including Ian McKellen, James Marsden and Rebecca Romijn.

Avengers: Doomsday is released in cinemas on 18 December.

Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.

The new edition of Legends, a 100-page celebration of the world of K-pop, is here. Buy K-Pop in newsagents or online.