Robert Downey Jr. has multiple new MCU projects in the works, portraying both Doctor Doom and Iron Man. At the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, Downey surprised fans by revealing his return as Doctor Doom. His role as this iconic comic book villain is expected to be significant in future Marvel Studios films. Additionally, confirmed Marvel projects indicate that he may not have completely retired his original superhero role as Tony Stark.
Robert Downey Jr.'s 4 Upcoming Marvel Projects
Avengers: Doomsday
At San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios confirmed that Avengers 5, previously known as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, is now titled Avengers: Doomsday. Robert Downey Jr. is set to return as the Fantastic Four’s formidable foe, Doctor Doom. The movie is scheduled to be released on May 1, 2026, and will be directed by the Russo Brothers. Little is known about the story for Avengers: Doomsday at this time.
It seems that Downey’s Doom will be replacing Jonathan Majors’ Kang as the main villain in the Multiverse Saga. This suggests that there will be a strong focus on Victor Von Doom, the ruler of the fictional European country of Latveria, and his connection to the Fantastic Four and the Multiverse. Audiences are also anticipating that Doomsday will pave the way for Avengers: Secret Wars.
Avengers: Secret Wars
Scheduled to be released in theaters on May 7, 2027, and directed by the Russo Brothers, RDJ’s Doom is set to appear in Avengers: Secret Wars. Taking inspiration from the comic book crossover of the same name, details about Secret Wars are limited, but it is anticipated to feature various MCU heroes and villains in a significant multiversal showdown. RDJ’s return as a multiversal adversary adds an emotional aspect to Secret Wars, as he is expected to encounter Earth-616 heroes who have memories of Tony Stark.
Avengers Infinity Defense
After Robert Downey Jr. announced his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Disney and Marvel Studios revealed new details at D23 about the King Thanos Multiverse ride coming to the Avengers Campus at the Disneyland Resort.
Now officially titled Avengers Infinity Defense, the ride will feature high-tech vehicles designed to travel “between worlds and even realities – on planet Earth and beyond” in order to stop a Thanos variant.
The vehicles will be a combination of Xandarian jump points, Wakandan tech, and Tony Stark’s Avengers: Endgame time suits. Fans will visit iconic MCU locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City and battle alongside familiar (and Multiversal) MCU characters.
Disney’s theme park universe exists as a “Variant of the main MCU timeline,” where Thanos’ snap never happened. This means that characters like Stark’s Iron Man can coexist with Multiverse Saga heroes such as Ms. Marvel, Shang-Chi, and Sam Wilson’s Captain America.
Concept art for the ride, both old and new, has featured Stark’s Iron Man. Additionally, news of another Avengers Campus attraction has confirmed that Robert Downey Jr.’s performance will be part of the experience.
Stark Flight Lab
At D23, Disney and Marvel Studios amazed guests by promoting a new ride for Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. The ride, titled Stark Flight Lab, features Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Tony Stark. It is designed to resemble a lab test station where fans board two-person pods attached to a robot arm, similar to Tony’s DUM-E robotic, to experience a simulation of flight. The Disney Parks Blog specifically noted that “Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Tony Stark” not only for Stark Flight Lab but also “attractions in the land,” confirming his presence in Avengers Infinity Defense.
Robert Downey Jr.'s Fifth MCU Project?
“After being cast in Avengers: Doomsday, there is speculation about whether Robert Downey Jr. will also appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Since Doom is a significant villain in the Fantastic Four’s storyline, it would make sense for RDJ’s Latverian tyrant to be present. However, since The Fantastic Four is not an origin story, Doom and the Fantastic Family may not necessarily be working together at this point in their respective journeys.”
The teaser footage for “First Steps” shown at Comic-Con confirmed that Galactus will be featured in the first “Fantastic Four” film in the MCU, with the baddie being voiced by Ralph Ineson. When asked if Doctor Doom will appear in his solo film, director Matt Shakman told ComicBook that he “can’t say anything” about Downey’s inclusion in the cast. Since that wasn’t a denial, the speculation is ongoing and likely to continue.
If RDJ is involved with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, audiences could see the Iron Man actor take on his second MCU role as early as July 25, 2025. Avengers: Doomsday will be released in theaters on May 1, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. As for Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab, their opening dates are yet to be announced. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to debut on July 25, 2025.
