Robert Downey Jr.’s Doom: 8 Things We Want to See From Him in the MCU

A Strong Motivation

In their most developed forms, certain major antagonists from the Marvel Cinematic Universe have received criticism for lacking depth in their storylines. For instance, by the time we reached “Avengers: Infinity War,” Thanos (portrayed by Josh Brolin) was shown as undertaking a cosmic campaign to address overpopulation, which made sense within the narrative but fell short compared to his comic book motivation of seeking Death’s approval. Similarly, Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors), who was just starting to become more complex, was left in an underdeveloped state when Marvel Studios decided to part ways with both the character and the actor, leaving behind hints of resentment towards the Council of Kangs and other heroes across the multiverse.

In appropriate scenarios, such as comics, Doom possesses exceptionally potent motivations that can be swiftly understood – a quality crucial for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), considering the rapid immersion into his storyline in the upcoming movie “Doomsday.”

Origin Story

Based on that, it seems unlikely that Downey will portray Doom in a significant MCU project before “Doomsday.” If he does, it would be wise to introduce his backstory since the original cast member is taking on the role, which might require audience familiarization with his origin.

Including just one flashback scene could significantly clarify Doom’s agreement to Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) audience members, thereby setting up the destruction he’s expected to unleash over the following two films.

Rivalry with Reed Richards

A key element of Doom’s background that should be maintained in the MCU is his long-standing feud with Reed Richards, or Mister Fantastic. In the 1963 comic book, Fantastic Four Annual #2, it was introduced that they both went to the same university and were almost roommates, but their friendship soured due to Victor’s arrogance. This rivalry has continued and evolved, particularly when they gained their superhuman abilities.

In the upcoming film “First Steps,” Downey’s Doom doesn’t necessarily need to harbor rivalry with Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Reed. In fact, considering the unique aesthetic and atmosphere of that movie, it might be inappropriate. However, it would be a missed opportunity if Doom didn’t carry a grudge against a cross-universe version of Reed, whether it’s a familiar one from past adaptations or a fresh take.

Valeria

It remains uncertain whether the storyline of “First Steps” will emphasize the development of the Fantastic Four into a family, as the births of Franklin Richards and Valeria Richards are significant events in their comic book history. However, a recent twist in Doom’s character shows his deep affection for Valeria, whom he assisted in her delivery. Despite his ongoing conflicts with Valeria’s father, Reed, Doom has found himself drawn into the Fantastic Four family circle due to their growing bond, almost unwillingly taking on the role of a surrogate member.

If Valeria is absent when Doomsday occurs, having a line of dialog or even a subtle reference to her link with Doom could significantly deepen Doom’s emotions towards the Fantastic Four.

Doombots

Since the introduction of Doom in comics, the idea of Doombots – mechanical replicas of Doom designed to deceive and divert Marvel heroes when he prefers not to personally engage – has also emerged. This concept has grown significantly over the years, extending as far as the current Fortnite season, suggesting that Doom’s debut in the MCU may involve these robots serving as his underlings too.

It might appear redundant when considering the numerous robots belonging to Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron, but given its strong connection to his persona, it’s hard to ignore this concept in both Doomsday and Secret Wars.

Grudges

Apart from his well-known animosity towards Reed Richards and the Fantastic Four, Doctor Doom is known for being a significant source of trouble for other Marvel superheroes. Characters ranging from Namor, Iron Man, and Luke Cage have had run-ins with him throughout their careers. It’s only logical to expect that his entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe will also be marked by small acts of pettiness.

As a gamer, I can understand why they’d want to dive right into the action in games like Doomsday and Secret Wars. Instead of focusing on just those heroes Doom has defeated in their specific universes, it would be more engaging to showcase his hostility towards as many heroes as possible, even if their multiversal counterparts were the ones he vanquished before. This way, we get a broader, more epic narrative that truly captures the magnitude of Doom’s villainy.

Multiversal Casualties

As a gamer, I can’t help but imagine the sheer power of Doom being showcased in epic battles like those in “Doomsday” and “Secret Wars”. It would be incredibly thrilling if he were already lethal across the multiverse. Perhaps he obliterates alternate universes or even slays the variants of heroes we’re familiar with, leaving a trail of destruction wherever he goes. Now that’s a game I’d love to play!

In a different phrasing, Kang previously hinted in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” that he had taken the lives of other Avengers earlier, but if we were to witness this, it would distinctly separate Doctor Doom from past Marvel Cinematic Universe antagonists.

God Emperor Doom

To fully understand Doom’s part in the Secret Wars, it’s crucial to consider God Emperor Doom, a title he assumes during the 2015 Secret Wars storyline. In this narrative, Doom’s thirst for power peaks as he seizes the powers of the Beyonders and Molecule Man, thereby crafting a Battleworld tailored to his liking. Over the course of eight years, he deceives the remaining heroes by controlling their minds. He also takes control of Reed’s family and corporation, paving the way for the ensuing conflicts that define the rest of the event.

Prior to the confirmation of Doom taking over from Kang in the Multiverse Saga, some fans believed that the narrative might not hold the same impact without the God Emperor Doom. However, with this change, there’s a chance to rectify that situation. This shift would significantly escalate the tension for ‘Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’, and it would introduce an unforeseeable battle for the heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

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On May 1, 2026, you’ll only be able to catch Avengers: Doomsday in a movie theater. And mark your calendars for May 7, 2027, as that’s when Avengers: Secret Wars will hit the big screen.