Marvel Studios president, Kevin Feige, has officially confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. was very close to portraying the iconic Fantastic Four villain, Doctor Doom.
For over a decade, Downey portrayed the role of Iron Man, becoming synonymous with the character and achieving iconic status. His portrayal in the Marvel films made him a household name and a beloved figure.
Given his immense popularity as a hero, it’s intriguing to consider the idea of Downey playing a villain in the Marvel Universe. The thought of him taking on such a contrasting role is both fascinating and thought-provoking for fans of the franchise.
Robert Downey Jr Could Have Been Doctor Doom
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In a video released by Marvel titled Iron Man: 15 Years Later with Kevin Feige and Jon Favreau, the director discussed Feige already meeting with Robert Downey Jr., saying:
I remember you had all met with [Downey] already for like Doctor Doom or something on another project. I think he had come through on maybe Fantastic Four, so everybody sort of knew who he was.
In the same video, it was revealed that Downey also auditioned for another role, potentially that of a general, possibly General Ross. I can’t remember other generals in any film before the Fantastic Four. The only one I can think of is Hulk, and The Incredible Hulk was already in pre-production at the same time as Iron Man.
However, the mention of Robert Downey Jr.’s audition for Doctor Doom indicates that this occurred prior to 2005. Eventually, the role of Doctor Doom was portrayed by Julian McMahon in 20th Century Fox’s Fantastic Four films, alongside Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis. McMahon reprised the role in the 2007 sequel, Rise of the Silver Surfer.
Feige, who has been associated with Marvel since 2000, played a significant role in the production of numerous Marvel films, with the exception of the Blade franchise, which was under the jurisdiction of New Line Cinema.
The prospect of seeing Downey in a different role within the Marvel Universe is intriguing. It’s difficult to imagine how the MCU would have shaped up without him, considering the significant impact he had on the success of Marvel Studios. Feige and Favreau especially recognize the contributions of Downey to the franchise.
Fantastic Four Could Have Had Robert Downey Jr As Their Main Villain
Credit: Marvel Comics
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Following his retirement from the role of Iron Man, speculation lingers about the possibility of Downey making a return, even if just for one last appearance in Avengers: Secret Wars. It’s a scenario that fans contemplate, considering it would be the only film where his return would be fitting.
However, it’s intriguing to imagine an alternate reality where Downey had portrayed one of Marvel’s most formidable villains, Doctor Doom. The potential for his portrayal in that role leaves room for speculation and curiosity.
MCU’s Fantastic Four is currently in pre-production, with casting news currently being rampant. Rumours say that the cast could be Adam Driver, Margot Robbie, Paul Mescal, and Daveed Diggs as Marvel’s first family. It has also been reported that Antonio Banderas could already be working on the role of Galactus. So far, there is no news about Doctor Doom, but his character has been hinted at for a while now. It is also presumed that Doom might have a significant role in Avengers: Secret Wars.
What do you think of Robert Downey Jr almost turning into a Marvel villain in Fantastic Four as Doctor Doom? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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