Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame directors The Russo Brothers are officially returning to direct both the newly named Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. As if that wasn't enough, it was also confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. will be taking on the role of Dr. Doom.
This megaton news was dropped at Marvel's San Diego Comic-Con panel, and the crowd erupted when it was confirmed that Robert Downey Jr., who started off the MCU as Tony Stark/Iron Man, will be taking on the role of Dr. Doom.
The reveal of Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU as Dr. Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars! (but gotta imagine we meet in Fantastic Four first) #SDCC pic.twitter.com/maMooLWenN
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) July 28, 2024
So, as it stands, The Russo Brothers will be directing both Avengers: Doomsday for May 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars, and Downey Jr. will be leading the charge, but this time as a villain.
The fifth Avengers film was originally supposed to be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who previously served as a director for the MCU film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. However, Cretton stepped down from the role a year later, citing a desire to focus on other MCU projects, such as a sequel to Shang-Chi.
Avengers: Doomsday was originally called The Kang Dynasty when unveiled back at SDCC 2022. However, the film took a drastic pivot after Kang the Conquerer actor Jonathan Majors was fired from the MCU following his conviction in his domestic violence trial last year.
For more, check out everything annonuced during Marvel's massive Hall H panel, including Captain America: Brave New World footage, the first official Thunderbolts* clip, a first look at The Fantastic Four, who Giancarlo Esposito is playing in the MCU, and more.
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Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.
