Robert Downey Jr. is taking on one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most iconic villains, but playing Doctor Doom comes with a challenge he didn’t face as Iron Man. RDJ recently explained what separates the two characters.
During a cast interview for Avengers: Doomsday, the actor was asked about the similarities between Doctor Doom and Iron Man. RDJ pointed to their shared intelligence and scientific backgrounds but said their stories ultimately take them in different directions.
He told Entertainment Weekly, “I mean there’s the science thing, and then they’re considered, you know, pretty brilliant guys.”
Robert Downey Jr. compares his two MCU roles
Robert Downey Jr. explained that Tony Stark’s trauma ultimately helped shape him into a hero, while Doctor Doom’s experience had the opposite effect. He said, “Tony had the trauma that kind of turned him into a hero and combined the abilities of the MCU’s heroes.”
Further, in the interview, RDJ also discussed the unusual experience of returning to the MCU as its villain. Meanwhile, Chris Evans also reflected on seeing his longtime co-star take on a role from the other side of the conflict.
Playing the villain has been a different experience for the Iron Man star. He described being behind Doom’s mask as isolating, particularly when watching the rest of the cast socialize. “I’m the enemy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Evans reflected on what it was likely to see Downey Jr. return to the MCU in such a different role. He said the experience brought back memories of the original The Avengers, when he found himself watching RDJ perform with the excitement of a fan before remembering that he had a line to deliver.
The interview ended with a question about whether the characters acknowledge that Doctor Doom looks like Tony Stark. Evans quickly replied, “We can’t touch that,” prompting RDJ to joke, “Can’t touch this.”
The exchange left the question unanswered, with neither actor willing to reveal whether Doom’s resemblance to Stark is addressed in the film. For now, Marvel is keeping that connection under wraps.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit the theaters on December 18, 2026.
