Every Clue that Doctor Doom Was Always in the MCU

There’s a divided response among fans regarding Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom. Some are expressing disappointment that Marvel chose to feature Doom instead of Kang as the main antagonist in their Multiverse Saga. As things currently stand, we can expect a sneak peek of Downey’s portrayal of Doom in one of Marvel’s forthcoming films, possibly “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” with his first major film being “Avengers: Doomsday.

Could it be possible that the recent change of direction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which some may see as a response to Jonathan Majors’ departure and the conclusion of the Kang storyline, actually fits perfectly within the broader narrative of the MCU? What if I told you that upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Victor Von Doom has been orchestrating events behind the scenes in the MCU all along? That’s exactly what we’ll delve into in our latest Marvel video, where we’ll show how Marvel has been dropping hints about Doom throughout their films and highlight all the clues that set up Doomsday and the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars.

Watch our look at Doom, Doomsday, and the MCU below:

If you found our analysis of Doctor Doom as the hidden Big Bad in the Marvel Cinematic Universe intriguing, don’t forget to explore more of our videos! You might be interested in discussions about the debatable choice of casting Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and whether Marvel is erring with their move away from Kang. We also delve into significant deleted scenes that could have significantly altered the MCU, and explain why Eternals isn’t as disappointing as you might think, even suggesting a sequel. You can find more videos on ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on our upcoming episodes! The next Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Captain America: Brave New World, is set to premiere in theaters on February 14, 2025.

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Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

34. Eternals

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I must admit that I wouldn’t have anticipated an Oscar-winning director breathing life into a Marvel film based on some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics. Regrettably, Eternals failed to coalesce effectively. It largely adheres to Kirby’s original concepts with a handful of small but perplexing alterations – for instance, transforming the malevolent Deviants into faceless monsters lacking any clear objectives or motivations. The ensemble cast boasts commendable supporting acts by Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, yet the primary characters, portrayed by Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris, struggle to convincingly depict their supposed centuries-old romance. (Their relationship spans 6,000 years; they appear as if they’re on their first date and it’s going disastrously.) The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes concerning the bonds between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to repeatedly forsake them in favor of predictable fight sequences featuring uninspiring monsters. It’s challenging to conceive a more tedious film about immortal alien robots striving to thwart total apocalypse than this one.

33. The Incredible Hulk

As a movie enthusiast, it’s clear that the production of this Marvel film feels like a last-minute rush job, given the massive success of “Iron Man” and the surprising buzz it generated. The casting of Tim Roth as the world’s ultimate soldier, who transforms into a bulky bony creature, is a decision I find hard to fathom, considering it falls short of the grandeur that Loki’s character deserves. (You can read more about it [here].)

32. Thor: The Dark World

Instead of nearly having Patty Jenkins’ Thor, we ended up with a film that was more like a gloomy pursuit for a mystical MacGruffin, featuring one of the least interesting villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there is any silver lining, it could be that this movie performed poorly enough to discourage Marvel from sticking so rigidly to tradition and instead take the bold steps they did with Thor: Ragnarok (for more details, check out the link below).

(Read more .)

31. The Marvels

This Marvel film isn’t the most disappointing – it actually surpasses three others on this list – but it’s arguably the most disorganized and intense. Three captivating Marvel characters (Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau) are haphazardly combined to thwart a Kree warlord with malicious intentions. Despite their stellar chemistry, the plot, albeit concise, is incredibly confusing and filled with odd decisions that lack coherence.

30. Doctor Strange

From a movie lover’s perspective, I must admit that while the stunning visuals are undeniably captivating, “Doctor Strange” struggles to escape the sensation that it’s essentially an enhanced version of “Iron Man 2.0 (with a dash of magic)”. On the positive side, the clever twist at the end with Dormammu was quite impressive. However, I couldn’t help but feel a bit underwhelmed by Stephen Strange’s eccentric cape. *(Read more .)*

29. Iron Man 2

As a cinema enthusiast, I must admit that the movie was better than I initially recalled, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Sam Rockwell’s dancing performance was indeed captivating and managed to mask some of the film’s flaws, yet not all imperfections could be concealed. If approximately 15 minutes of preamble from the Avengers were edited out, this production might have truly shone. (For further insights, you can explore more here.)

28. Ant-Man

As a fan, I can’t help but feel that Ant-Man, while not bad, is somewhat of a scaled-down version of what Edgar Wright’s movie could have been. However, Michael Peña’s character Luis truly shines among the non-superpowered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Read more here.)

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In a battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even Kang himself, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, considers Scott Lang as out of his depth. This seemingly lopsided match can be seen as symbolic of the film itself: The down-to-earth, lighthearted universe of the Ant-Man series with its clever humor and relatable characters is no competition for the grand, multiversal saga unfolding in Marvel’s Phase 5.

As a Marvel blockbuster, it delivers. However, as an extension of the Ant-Man storyline, it falls short. Unfortunately, if you were looking forward to seeing Michael Peña’s character Luis in this installment, you’ll be disappointed because he is not present at all.

26. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” truly shines when it emphasizes its compact nature. This is evident through Paul Rudd’s humorous banter with his fellow actors, Michael Peña’s heartfelt monologues, and a heartwarming small-scale story about a fractured family striving to mend itself. (You can read more about it here.)

25. Captain Marvel

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I’ve got to admit that Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers, with her incredible powers, seems to rule the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the movie itself could have benefited from a bit more emotional depth. Yet, it manages to keep me engaged thanks to two standout performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and the remarkable duo of Samuel L. Jackson and some amazing de-aging special effects that brought a young Nick Fury to life. (Read more here.)

24. Black Widow

2021 saw Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited solo outing from the Avengers, but instead of leading her own story, she primarily acted as a straight character opposite her quippy Russian superhero family – featuring David Harbour’s narcissistic Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s scene-stealing Yelena. Consequently, Black Widow may not have been the fitting farewell the character deserved. Nevertheless, it remains a strong Marvel production, boasting impressive action scenes and an intriguing villain in Taskmaster, who has the ability to copy the fighting styles of anyone he encounters.

23. Thor: Love and Thunder

Experiencing Taika Waititi’s second “Thor” movie, “Love and Thunder,” is somewhat like observing a magician performing the same trick twice. The first time was astonishing; the second time, while still impressive, lacks the initial surprise factor. Christian Bale delivers an unsettling portrayal of Gorr the God-Butcher, but his intense, emotional villain seems discordant with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his continuous banter. Essentially, “Love and Thunder” shares many aspects with Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t quite blend as harmoniously as before.

22. Deadpool & Wolverine

In this movie, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s on-screen camaraderie is everything you’d expect. The surprise appearances are mind-blowing, to say the least. However, the plot pushes the limits of how much explanation a film can handle without becoming confusing. (One might wonder if a character needs so many tragic pasts! In this case, at least two!) If you manage not to think about anything happening on screen for even a moment, you’ll have a fairly enjoyable experience. And Jackman and Reynolds certainly deliver the chemistry fans crave as Deadpool and Wolverine reluctantly team up to save the Fox X-Men universe. You might just hope that the writers (including Reynolds himself) had delivered a slightly stronger script.

21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

An alternate version of Iron Man 2: Less enjoyable than you might recall, yet still satisfactory. The promotional materials emphasized the conspiracy thriller aspect excessively, but Anthony Mackie’s Falcon is a valuable asset to the series, and Chris Evans delivers another strong performance as Captain America. However, it remains bothersome that Nick Fury, known as the world’s greatest spy, was oblivious to the fact that everyone in SHIELD except for him and his two associates were completely villainous. Really, Nick? Wake up and see the truth! (For further discussion, check out this link.)

20. Avengers: Infinity War

This movie is impressive in its grand scale and the epic finale is noteworthy, but there’s a sense that something essential is lacking. If you’re primarily seeking high-octane action with occasional witty dialogue, then this film may meet your expectations. However, if you prefer Marvel films for their character development, camaraderie, and quieter moments amidst the battles, this might not be your preferred choice. (For more insights, check out the full review here.)

19. Iron Man 3

The film was generally enjoyable, but its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe somewhat detracted from it. The plot primarily revolves around Tony Stark deciding to leave his Iron Man life behind and vanish into the sunset. However, after this movie, there were five more films featuring him. Despite Guy Pearce’s character falling short of expectations, Robert Downey Jr.’s frustrated scenes with a clever child were exceptional. (You can read more about it [here].)

18. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Straight away: The final scene, featuring dragons and monsters clashing amidst thick gray fog, is a chaotic CGI disaster. However, prior to this, Shang-Chi could very well be Marvel’s finest action movie, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight sequences. (The one on the San Francisco bus is particularly enjoyable.) Simu Liu heads an emotionally resonant Marvel ensemble, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering substantial supporting roles, and Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently providing laughter through their performances. (Kingsley as the former Mandarin Trevor Slattery, may not have been the most beloved Marvel villain initially, but Marvel has cleverly transformed him into a delightfully endearing character.)

17. Thor

In an unexpected twist, a vast, interstellar saga is primarily based in the tiniest town of New Mexico. Despite some flaws, as seen in “Thor”, this film marked the beginning of Marvel’s trend where stellar casting and captivating performances managed to surmount structural and script problems, which later became a signature trait of the Marvel series. (Continue reading .)

16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ryan Coogler encountered an incredibly tough predicament while directing “Wakanda Forever”: Not only did he need to create a sequel that matched the success of the initial “Black Panther”, he had to do it without Chadwick Boseman, our captivating lead actor who tragically passed away during pre-production in summer 2020. The film excels when it incorporates Coogler and the cast’s genuine grief over Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with the loss of its monarch. Regrettably, the remainder of the movie is somewhat disorganized; a jumble of intriguing concepts, numerous characters, and a villain, Namor, who serves as an antagonist but lacks clarity in his motivations.

15. Captain America: Civil War

As a movie critic, I must admit that the plot of this film leaves much to be desired and doesn’t seem to withstand any form of logic. However, the epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport is nothing short of breathtaking. Let me put it this way: WOW, THAT AIRPORT BATTLE IS AMAZINGLY EPIC! (Read more here.)

14. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In simple terms, Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie is similar to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both are filled with numerous villains. On the bright side, this movie does a great job of portraying Peter Parker as a character who despite frequent failures, never gives up and always strives to do better next time. It also introduces the concept of the multiverse into MCU films on a grand scale, making it a significant step in the storyline’s progression.

13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

After a 15-year absence, director Sam Raimi reentered the realm of Marvel superheroes by crafting this exhilaratingly chaotic tale that centers around a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi skillfully incorporated his unique style and motifs – such as slapstick humor, maniacal zombies, shock moments – into the conventional Marvel mold. (For further details, please refer to here.)

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Despite some criticisms, such as it not living up to the original Avengers and issues with Wanda and Pietro’s storyline, I find the climactic sequence of this movie, where the Avengers unite to rescue everyone in Sokovia, to be a brilliant representation of Marvel at its best. (You can read more about it here.)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

The film features an excessive number of post-credits scenes (at least four!), yet its audacity in transforming Marvel’s lightest franchise into a sequel with a profoundly somber ending is noteworthy. This is the only Marvel movie that manages to make me shed tears, and it also includes humor about divine alien phallic symbols. In my opinion, this combination makes for an unbeatable blend of drama and comedy. (Continue reading .)

10. Thor: Ragnarok

I just really like when Jeff Goldblum plays a space god who DJs his own parties. (Read more here.)

9. Spider-Man: Far From Home

In the second installment of Marvel’s Spidey series, Tom Holland reprises his role as the astonishing web-slinger, Spider-Man. This film takes a minor dip compared to its predecessor, offering a blend of romance, action, humor, and emotion. Despite no characters explicitly saying “with great power comes great responsibility,” Far From Home delves deeply into this concept, just like any other Spidey movie. Peter Parker (Holland) grapples with his dual desires: pursuing romantic feelings for MJ (a witty Zendaya), and answering to Nick Fury’s (an exasperated Samuel L. Jackson) orders to thwart a group of elemental villains.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

In a brilliant fashion, James Gunn concludes his Guardians trilogy with a movie that offers the perfect Marvel blend: Exciting action sequences, quirky sci-fi visuals, and deeply emotional characters we grow incredibly attached to. By the end of Volume 3, Rocket Raccoon transforms from a secondary Marvel character into one of their most compelling and tragic heroes. After a series of less impressive films, Gunn effortlessly demonstrates his skill. It’s unfortunate that he is now moving on to DC Studios.

7. Avengers: Endgame

A significant leap forward from “Infinity War” and arguably one of the finest Avengers films, boasting grand action sequences, numerous laugh-out-loud moments, and a potential record number of Easter eggs across any cinematic universe. (Continue reading .)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s movies that are hard to resist watching again, this one boasts captivating characters, thrilling Spider-Man sequences, and an unexpected street vendor asking Spider-Man to perform a flip (which he does). Aren’t you hooked?!? (Continue reading here.)

This version maintains the original’s tone while using more common phrasing and simplifying some elements for easier readability.

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

Reaching halfway through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the initial “Guardians” movie played a crucial role in making Marvel less rigid and demonstrated that the studio’s reputation was robust enough to draw audiences to lesser-known properties. Prior to James Gunn’s direction, the Guardians were practically unrecognized, but they transformed into an unexpected hit. It’s also indisputable and self-evident that Rocket is the best among the Guardians; there’s no need for debate, simply acknowledge this as a fact. (Continue reading .)

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

Although the plot could use some tightening (as it condenses an entire war into a montage), Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America in this film is arguably the most impactful character adaptation within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This movie transformed a character often criticized as dull or outdated into a charismatic, complex individual embodying genuine human values. It’s the ideal MCU film to watch when you need a boost of inspiration. (Original source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services/marvel-studios-phase-4-movie-release-schedule/#ftag=CAD-01-10af3d9)

3. Black Panther

Unlike many Marvel films that strive for intricate connections across the cosmos, “Black Panther” demonstrates the merit of a self-contained narrative. At the film’s conclusion, when Black Panther decides to reveal Wakanda to the global community (and the characters become available for future appearances), it’s intended as a joyful resolution. However, if this move leads to a sequel that is spread thin with numerous guest appearances, perhaps it isn’t such a happy ending after all. (Source: [ScreenRant](https://screenrant.com/black-panther-2-sequel-problems-explained/))

2. The Avengers

Even following the events of “Infinity War,” the original “Avengers” movie remains a remarkable feat that feels almost miraculous. Each character is skillfully balanced, the plot is well-crafted, and the climactic Battle of New York stands among the finest action sequences of the 21st century. (Read more here.)

1. Iron Man

The original film remains unsurpassed to this day. Reflecting back, it was advantageous that the movie wasn’t bound by a broader universe, which made it a superior production. The scenes featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark testing his armor and subsequently flying for the first time more effectively convey the exhilaration of superpowers than any film in the history of Marvel or any other studio. (Read more here.)

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