The Marvel panel at San Diego Comic-Con is always a wild ride, but this year was even more shocking than people had anticipated with the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This time, he would be a part of the franchise as renowned villain Dr. Doom! Downey Jr. is credited in 10 Marvel projects and was one of the most impactful actors in making the MCU what it is today. When his time as Tony Stark and Iron Man ended in 2019, many felt the gaping hole of his absence. The joy fans experienced upon his unexpected return made this announcement one of the standout events of the year for nerds like me. Now, fans are awaiting his triumphant return and the start of a new era of Doom!
- Brianna Alers
Dork Side of the Force Contributor
What emotion defined this fandom this year?
The emotion that defines the fandom is pleasant surprise. He is by no means the only actor to have multiple roles within Marvel, but the situation is uniquely unprecedented because both roles are so iconic. Fans are eagerly awaiting his take on Dr. Doom given his previous success within Marvel projects.
How this fandom is changing entertainment
Aside from the fact that this casting opens doors for other former Marvel stars to return in new roles, the return of Downey Jr. also calls into question how the MCU will address his character’s similarities to the fallen hero, Tony Stark. Whether they use prosthetics to hide this fact, or it is explained via the multiverse (among many other possibilities), Downey Jr.’s role will have far-reaching implications for the future of Marvel films and shows. The success of this transformation will rely upon Downey Jr.’s ability to recapture the special qualities that first made fans fall in love, while adapting into a vastly different persona as a villain.