By: Chloe Ong

San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H was buzzing with excitement and fervor when Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) revealed a familiar face as the latest actor to take on a highly iconic comic book role.

Fans packed the venue, eager for updates and fresh insights on upcoming MCU films, and they were treated to an impressive stage setup filled with hooded figures dressed as Doctor Doom, a notorious and formidable villain from the Fantastic Four comics.

The crowd erupted with enthusiastic cheers and applause when one of the figures stepped forward to reveal himself as actor Robert Downey Jr.

Known widely for his role as Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, Downey Jr.’s return in a new role was a shocking and unexpected twist for fans. He first appeared in the Marvel universe with 2008’s Iron Man and continued his portrayal as Tony Stark until the character’s demise in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.

Addressing the Comic-Con crowd, Downey Jr said, “New mask. Same task. What’d I tell you? I like playing complicated characters.”

Downey Jr.’s new role as Doctor Doom, the primary antagonist and nemesis of the Fantastic Four, comes as the Fantastic Four themselves are set to return in a highly anticipated new film, The Fantastic 4: First Steps, scheduled for release in July 2025.

Superhero enthusiasts and fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming year, including the release of the Thunderbolts movie featuring Florence Pugh, set to hit theaters in May 2024.