[Ironman picture. Photo Credit to unsplash]

On July 27, San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), the premier event for movie enthusiasts, Robert Downey Jr. was revealed to be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) - this time as the iconic villain Doctor Doom.

The announcement was part of a larger set of stunning reveals during the highly anticipated Marvel panel, where fans were treated to exciting news about the future of the Avengers franchise.

The Russo brothers, who directed Marvel’s masterpiece movies, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, will return as the directors for the next Avengers movies, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

The Russo brothers introduced Doctor Doom as the central villain for the upcoming Avengers films, emphasizing the importance of the character.

“Doctor Doom is the most important figure in these two movies, and we needed the best actor to portray him,” they said.

In a dramatic moment, dozens of people dressed as Doctor Doom appeared on stage with one figure in a brighter cape stepping forward.

When the mask was removed, great cheering erupted from the audience.

It was Robert Downey Jr., who famously played Iron Man.

Downey had retired from the MCU after Avengers: Endgame.

His first Marvel appearance was Iron Man, which was instrumental in establishing the MCU as a dominant force in the superhero film genre.

However, since his departure, Marvel has struggled to replicate the same box-office success, especially in the wake of the Infinity Saga.

The MCU’s transition into the Multiverse Saga featuring new characters introduced through Disney Plus series and films has not been as well-received.

The absence of Iron Man and Captain America left a noticeable void and the saga’s planned central villain, Kang the Conqueror, was cast aside after actor Jonathan Majors faced legal issues.

As a result, Marvel decided to replace Kang with Doctor Doom and renamed the next Avengers film Avengers: Doomsday.

Doctor Doom is one of Marvel's most beloved villains and he is known as Victor Von Doom in the comics.

He is the son of a poor Latverian peasant (a fictional Eastern European country in Marvel comics).

He grew up in hardship with his mother dying from her use of dark magic.

After mastering both science and magic, Doom eventually returned to Latveria, overthrew its ruler, and became its new king.

Some fans might wonder why Robert Downey. Jr, who once portrayed the beloved hero Iron Man, would take on the role of a villain.

However, comic book readers know that Iron Man and Doctor Doom share a special connection.

When Iron Man fell into a coma, Doctor Doom temporarily wore the armor and became the new Iron man.

Marvel fans are eagerly anticipating Robert Downey. Jr’s portrayal of Doctor Doom.

Many are hopeful that his return could signal a new era of success for the MCU.

His involvement is seen as a potential turning point, potentially lifting the franchise out of what some have called its “dark age.”