SAN DIEGO – Robert Downey Jr. is back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and wearing armor again. But this time, he’s stepping into the shoes of the infamous villain Doctor Doom.
Marvel had already captivated the audience at Comic-Con with a thrilling screening of “Deadpool & Wolverine” before delivering its biggest surprise: Downey will portray Victor Von Doom in two forthcoming “Avengers” movies, “Avengers: Doomsday” (set for release in May 2026) and “Avengers: Secret Wars” (May 2027).
Fans were also treated to exclusive footage from three highly anticipated movies set to premiere in 2025: “Captain America: Brave New World” (Feb. 14) starring Anthony Mackie; “Thunderbolts” (May 5) featuring Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, and David Harbour; and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” (July 25) with Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby leading the cast.
Highlights of the Presentation:
Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom:
In a jaw-dropping moment, Downey appeared on stage in a Doom mask, only to reveal his true identity as the newest addition to the Marvel villain roster. The announcement was met with thunderous applause, especially when Joe and Anthony Russo, the directors behind the new Avengers films, joined him on stage.
Joe Russo declared, “The comic-book inspiration behind ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ is the biggest story Marvel Comics ever told.” His brother Anthony added, “We thought ‘Avengers: Endgame’ was our swan song, but now we see a road forward.”
The Fantastic Four:
Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby were introduced as Reed Richards and Sue Storm, respectively, in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Director Matt Shakman, fresh from London, emphasized the film’s blend of comic-book roots and real-world science, set in a retrofuturistic New York. The cast shared their excitement and camaraderie, highlighted by a clip featuring the iconic Galactus and a hovering Fantasticar.
Thunderbolts:
David Harbour, in full Red Guardian attire, energized the crowd with his surprise appearance. The panel, including Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, discussed the complex dynamics of their team of antiheroes. Julia Louis-Dreyfus teased her character Valentina’s quest for power, while Wyatt Russell praised the film as one of his favorite experiences.
Captain America: Brave New World:
Harrison Ford made a grand entrance, embracing his role as President “Thunderbolt” Ross and transforming into the Red Hulk in an exclusive clip. Anthony Mackie, Giancarlo Esposito, and Tim Blake Nelson also graced the stage, with Mackie highlighting Sam Wilson’s thoughtful approach to heroism. Esposito’s character, Sidewinder, was introduced as the head of the Serpent Society.
Deadpool & Wolverine:
The event kicked off with a high-energy performance to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” setting the stage for Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s MCU debuts. Reynolds assured fans of a restrained yet impactful approach to their characters, promising exciting surprises.
Comic-Con attendees left the presentation buzzing with anticipation for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, eagerly awaiting the epic stories and beloved characters set to grace the big screen in the coming years.