Robert Downey Jr. Returns to ‘The Avengers,’ But Not as Iron Man

Don’t worry. The scream you heard yesterday across the city of San Diego wasn’t the sign of yet another disaster, it was just Robert Downey Jr. taking off a mask. The Marvel icon, whose character of Tony Stark/Iron Man so memorably died in the studio’s most recent Avengers film, Avengers: Endgame, is making his recently teased return to the comic book universe that arguably restored his career, but not as the franchise-launching character he started playing in 2008. “How does that work?” you might be asking? Beats me, but it looks like they’re blaming the multiverse.

The news broke at a Saturday panel at San Diego Comic-Con, which was headlined by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. From the stage of the packed convention hall, he presented footage from the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, with the news that Giancarlo Esposito will play Serpent Society King Seth Voelker, who comic book fans also know as Sidewinder. The film’s release date is set for Feb. 14, 2025.

Feige also gave the first look at footage from villains and anti-heroes-focused Thunderbolts, which is set for release on May 5. 2025. Feige also announced the full title of the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, now known as The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Its release date is set for July 25, 2025. That’s quite a year!

Fantastic Four cast Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, and Matt Shakman speak onstage during the Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H at SDCC in San Diego, California on July 27, 2024.

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But that news paled in comparison to the panel’s two-pronged kicker. After confirming rumors that directors Joe and Anthony Russo—the folks behind the last two Captain America and Avengers films—would return to helm the franchise’s next two blockbusters, Feige announced that the second Avengers film in the new series would be Avengers: Secret Wars, based on the comic universe’s 12-issue 1984 crossover storyline of the same name.

The trio then admitted that to set Secret Wars up, there’d need to be an interstitial Avengers film. As they spoke, a crowd of masked and robed figures took the stage to surround them. Was this when they’d announce a reboot of Eyes Wide Shut? (If only!)

Instead, the Russos and Feige announced that the company’s May 2026 release would be Avengers: Doomsday, a film to introduce Fantastic Four (and beyond) anti-hero Victor von Doom, aka Doctor Doom. But who could play such a complex role, especially since all these movies appear to be a reworking of the long-established “Kang Dynasty” storyline derailed after Jonathan Majors, the actor firmly positioned as that plotline’s “big bad,” was convicted of domestic assault? There’s a lot on the line, here.

Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, and Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, speak onstage during the Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H at SDCC in San Diego, California on July 27, 2024.

Jesse Grant/Getty Images

Neither the Russos nor Feige mentioned the Kang/Majors issue from the stage, but it was surely on the minds of some folks in the audience. But all that flew out the window as a slight, green-clad figure in a mask pushed his way through the other masked men. As he ripped off the mask, the crowd erupted. It was Robert Downey Jr., back for more.

“As proof of the unimaginable possibilities in the Marvel multi-universe,” Anthony Russo said, “we give you the one person who could play Victor von Doom.” It’s a decision that’s already riled up some internet users, but what doesn’t rile up internet users when it comes to important issues like who will don a costume and say words in front of a big green screen?

But while folks on X (formerly Twitter) whip themselves up into an aggrieved frenzy, Downey appears ready for his heel turn. “New mask, same task,” he said. “What did I tell ya? I like playing complicated characters.”