Robert Downey Jr’s Doctor Doom Story & Game-Changing Doomsday Role Teased by Marvel (in an Unexpected Way)

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Robert Downey Jr. is coming back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but not as the hero we expect. He’ll be appearing in Avengers: Doomsday, taking on the role of Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s most iconic villains, rather than Iron Man. Fans are eagerly speculating about how this dramatic change will unfold, and Marvel has recently dropped a surprising hint about this major shift in character.

Marvel fans are buzzing about Robert Downey Jr.’s shift from iconic hero to what seems like a villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Interestingly, a similar storyline played out in Marvel comics a few years ago, but in reverse. The 2017 comic series Infamous Iron Man, by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev, has become more difficult and costly to find since Downey Jr.’s return was announced. Now, Marvel is reprinting the entire story in a new collection, but with a title change: it’s now called Infamous Iron Man: The Rise of Doom instead of Infamous Iron Man: Infamous (according to Bleeding Cool).

Marvel is reprinting the first two volumes of this series in a single collection with a new subtitle and updated description. The marketing for this new edition emphasizes a connection to the movie Doomsday, highlighting similarities and the theme of transformation, potentially offering clues about how the film will portray those changes. Here are the original descriptions of the first two volumes for reference.

In Infamous Iron Man, a surprising turn of events unfolds as Doctor Doom becomes the new Iron Man! While Tony Stark is absent, Doom believes he can succeed where Stark failed. But what are his true intentions? This series reveals Doom’s mysterious heroic quest while also drawing the attention of those seeking retribution for his past actions, starting with the Thing. As Doom steps into the role of Iron Man, conflicts arise, particularly with someone from Tony Stark’s history – Pepper Potts, also known as Rescue – who has been notably absent. This collection, Infamous Iron Man 1-6, marks a bizarre and unexpected chapter in the Iron Man saga.

Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev’s Infamous Iron Man Vol. 2: The Absolution of Doom (Paperback, November 21, 2017) collects issues #7-12. You think you know the rivalry between Doctor Doom and Reed Richards? Prepare for a twist! A version of Reed Richards from another universe, now calling himself ‘The Maker,’ has arrived with plans that are even crazier than anything Doom has ever tried. Now, Victor von Doom – as the Infamous Iron Man – is the only one who can stop him. This time, Doom is the hero, and Reed is the villain, in a world turned upside down!

The updated description immediately positions this story within the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. It specifically mentions Robert Downey Jr. and focuses on Doctor Doom’s journey as a hero, emphasizing the overwhelming challenge he’s up against. The revised description is included below.

In Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev’s Infamous Iron Man: The Rise Of Doom, a surprising turn of events unfolds: Doctor Doom, as portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. in the upcoming Marvel Studios film Avengers: Doomsday, takes on the mantle of Iron Man. While Doom is known for his villainy, he aims to succeed where Tony Stark did, embracing heroism. However, his true motives remain a mystery, sparking curiosity from characters like Ben Grimm, Pepper Potts, and Riri Williams. As Doom navigates this new path, he confronts a powerful cosmic threat and a resurrected enemy from his past, all while grappling with secrets surrounding his mother and the weight of his own infamous legacy. This collection features Infamous Iron Man issues #1-12.

The movie will likely reflect some of these themes, though the exact approach is still open. The story will first explain the origins and motivations of Doom, and with so much happening across different universes, it’s easy to imagine him believing he’s the only one who can prevent total destruction – which sets the stage for Secret Wars. Fans might find early clues about the filmmakers’ plans in the Infamous Iron Man comic, particularly regarding the underlying ideas, and Marvel is intentionally highlighting this connection to encourage fans to check it out.

I’m so excited for the upcoming releases! Infamous Iron Man: The Rise of Doom is coming to comic shops on July 14, 2026, and then we’ll get to see Avengers: Doomsday in theaters on December 18, 2026. It’s going to be an amazing year for Marvel fans!

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2025-12-10 19:44