Marvel Studios Announces Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo Brothers to Return for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Marvel Studios returned to Hall H Saturday at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 to share details about its upcoming film slate—including exciting news about the next two Avengers films and the surprise MCU return of Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr., in a new role as Doctor Doom.
Flanked by others dressed as Doctor Doom, Downey unmasked himself onstage at the end of the presentation. “New mask, same task,” said the Academy Award® winner, last seen in the MCU as Tony Stark/Iron Man. “What can I tell you? I like playing complicated character.”
At the start of the presentation, in a nod to a scene from Deadpool & Wolverine, a choir performed Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, then appeared onstage to announce that due to the success of the film’s opening weekend, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has now crossed $30 billion at the global box office since it launched with Downey’s Iron Man in 2008.
Feige then shared an update on Captain America: Brave New World, in theaters February 14, 2025. He was joined onstage by stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Blake Nelson, and Disney Legend Harrison Ford, who shared new footage that confirmed Ford’s character, the newly-elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, transforms into Red Hulk. Esposito also announced that will be playing the King of the Serpent Society, Seth Voelker, aka Sidewinder. In Brave New World, Mackie reprises his role as Sam Wilson, who has officially taken up the mantle of Captain America and clashes with Ross.
Next, Feige introduced Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier and stars Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Olga Kurylenko, Wyatt Russell, David Harbour (dressed in character as Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian), Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, and Sebastian Stan. Thunderbolts will release in theaters on May 2, 2025.
Fans in Hall H then saw an exclusive concept reel for the highly anticipated Fantastic Four film, which begins filming Tuesday in London and will be released in theaters on July 25, 2025. Director Matt Shakman revealed the film is now titled The Fantastic Four: First Steps. “We’re doing a retro-future ’60s. [Industrialist] Syd Mead was an inspiration. The ’60s, to me, is all about optimism,” Shakman told fans in Hall H, adding, “I love the Fantastic Four. I love their power set. We want to be true to the comics, but we want to be true to life.”
The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast members Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach joined Feige and Skakman onstage, where Feige revealed that the Fantastic Four will also appear in the next two Avengers films—which will be directed by MCU veterans Anthony Russo and Joseph Russo, aka the Russo Brothers. “Are we really gonna do this?” Anthony asked. “Hear me out, when we directed Avengers: Endgame Joe and I truly believed it was the end of the road for us in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
“That four-movie run was incredible, and it left us creatively spent with all our emotions on the floor,” Anthony continued. “In the time since, through a very special story, Joe and I have come to potentially see a road forward with you all.”
After an Avengers: Secret Wars logo appeared onscreen, Joe said, “There is one very important character that is required to do Secret Wars justice… It could be the most important character in all of the Marvel Universe.” The stage was flooded in green light as people dressed as Doctor Doom suddenly appeared while eerie music played throughout Hall H. “If we’re gonna bring Victor Von Doom to movie theaters worldwide, then I think we’re going to need the greatest actor in the world to play that character,” Joe said. “As proof of the unimaginable possibilities in the Marvel multiverse, we give you the one person who could play Victor Von Doom.”
Downey then revealed himself, eliciting thunderous applause in Hall H.
Avengers: Doomsday will release in theaters May 2026.
[source: https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/marvel-studios-announces-robert-downey-jr-and-the-russo-brothers-to-return-for-avengers-doomsday/]
