The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has ignited excitement with the reveal of the first conceptual artwork featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, the central villain of the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Shared on March 1, 2025, by Marvel Studios artist Mushk Rizvi, the image showcases the iconic antagonist seated on a throne, clad in the classic comic book armor with an extravagant cape that echoes his commanding presence. Slated for release in May 2026, the film marks a bold new chapter for the MCU, with Downey Jr. returning not as Iron Man but as one of Marvel’s most formidable foes, a move that has fans buzzing with anticipation since its announcement at San Diego Comic-Con 2024.
The artwork, labeled as a work in progress developed between 2022 and early 2024, offers an initial glimpse into the character’s design. While it’s not confirmed as the final look, it captures the essence of Doctor Doom, a genius tyrant known for his complex rivalry with the Fantastic Four and his reign over the fictional nation of Latveria. Downey Jr.’s casting, revealed dramatically during the Comic-Con event, signals Marvel’s intent to leverage his star power in a fresh, unexpected role following his emotional exit as Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame in 2019.
Avengers: Doomsday will be followed by Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2027, both directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the duo behind Infinity War and Endgame. Their return promises an epic conclusion to the Multiverse Saga, building on the MCU’s current slate, which includes Captain America: Brave New World in theaters now, directed by Julius Onah, and the upcoming Thunderbolts*, set for May 2025. Together, these projects are paving the way for what could be the MCU’s most ambitious undertaking yet.
What the conceptual art reveals
Depicting Doctor Doom enthroned, the artwork by Mushk Rizvi highlights a majestic figure in a silver armored suit, complete with a flowing cape that nods to his comic book origins. The design stays true to the character’s debut in 1962 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, featuring the signature mask that hides his scarred face—a defining trait of Victor von Doom. The throne adds a regal touch, hinting at his role as Latveria’s ruler, a detail that could play a significant part in the film’s narrative.
Though still a preliminary concept, the piece has sparked speculation among fans. The blend of traditional elements with a cinematic flair suggests Marvel is aiming for a balance between fidelity to the source material and the polished aesthetic of the MCU. Refinements are likely as production progresses, a common practice for the studio, which often evolves designs from initial sketches to the big screen.
Robert Downey Jr.’s involvement amplifies the artwork’s impact. Known for his charismatic portrayal of Iron Man, he now steps into the shoes of a villain defined by intellect, arrogance, and a thirst for power. With the Russo brothers at the helm, renowned for weaving emotional depth into massive action sequences, Doomsday promises to showcase Downey Jr. in a role that could redefine his legacy within the franchise.
AVENGERS : DOOMSDAY : CONCEPT ART 🔥❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/2Xss7k2uKj
— RatpacCheck (@RatpacCheck) March 1, 2025
A surprising return to the MCU
Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom stunned audiences at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 when he appeared masked on stage, only to unveil himself as the new face of Marvel’s villainy. The reveal also confirmed that Avengers: Doomsday had replaced the previously planned Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, a shift prompted by the departure of Jonathan Majors, who was set to play Kang the Conqueror. This pivot underscores a strategic recalibration for the Multiverse Saga, which began with Phase 4 and will conclude with Doomsday and Secret Wars.
Originally scheduled for 2025, both Avengers films were pushed to 2026 and 2027, allowing Marvel additional time to craft their stories. Swapping Kang for Doctor Doom positions a more iconic and emotionally resonant antagonist at the forefront, capitalizing on Downey Jr.’s proven draw. The Russo brothers, who will begin filming in April 2025 in London, have teased a groundbreaking approach, hinting at surprises that could rival their past triumphs.
The move also reflects Marvel’s reliance on familiar talent to reinvigorate the MCU after mixed reactions to recent phases. With Downey Jr.’s return and the Russos’ direction, the studio is betting on a formula that delivered record-breaking success with Endgame, which grossed over $2.79 billion worldwide. As production ramps up, the focus on Doctor Doom signals a narrative shift that could tie together the sprawling threads of the Multiverse Saga.
Timeline of the Multiverse Saga
Avengers: Doomsday is a pivotal piece of the Multiverse Saga’s endgame. Here’s the updated schedule of MCU releases leading up to it:
- Captain America: Brave New World – In theaters since February 2025, directed by Julius Onah.
- Thunderbolts* – Debuts May 2, 2025, featuring Harrison Ford as General Ross/Red Hulk.
- Fantastic Four: First Steps – Arrives July 25, 2025, introducing the team tied to Doctor Doom’s lore.
- Avengers: Doomsday – May 1, 2026, starring Robert Downey Jr. as the main villain.
- Avengers: Secret Wars – May 7, 2027, concluding the Multiverse Saga.
This lineup illustrates Marvel’s careful orchestration, with Doomsday serving as the climactic showdown before Secret Wars ties up the saga. The Fantastic Four’s debut in 2025 could lay crucial groundwork for Doom’s introduction, given their shared history.
Doctor Doom’s role in the MCU
Bringing Victor von Doom into the MCU opens up vast storytelling possibilities. In the comics, he’s a scientific mastermind and sorcerer, clashing with Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) and posing a recurring threat to the Avengers. The conceptual art’s throne and armor suggest his tyrannical rule over Latveria will be a focal point, potentially integrating the Fantastic Four and Doctor Strange—whose magical expertise mirrors Doom’s—into the plot.
For Robert Downey Jr., the role is a chance to flex his acting range. Fresh off an Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor in 2024 for Oppenheimer, he steps into a character that demands a stark contrast to Tony Stark’s charm. Fans expect a blend of menace and charisma, qualities Downey Jr. honed over a decade as Iron Man, now reimagined as a darker force.
The box office stakes are high. Endgame’s massive haul set a benchmark, and Doomsday’s combination of Downey Jr. and the Russos could push it close to that mark again. After uneven performances from recent MCU entries, Marvel is leaning on this high-profile reunion to recapture its former glory and set the stage for a triumphant saga finale.
Fascinating facts about the villain
Doctor Doom’s rich history adds depth to his MCU debut. Here are some key details about the character:
- Introduced in 1962 in Fantastic Four #5 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
- Rules Latveria, a fictional Balkan nation, with absolute authority.
- Masters both advanced technology and magic, trained by Tibetan monks.
- Wears a mask to conceal scars from a failed experiment.
- Once defeated cosmic entities like the Beyonder in Secret Wars, showcasing his immense power.
These traits could shape his portrayal in Doomsday, linking him to broader MCU elements and amplifying his threat level.
Gearing up for the premiere
Filming for Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars is set to kick off in April 2025 in London, with the Russo brothers overseeing back-to-back production. The scale is massive, with rumors suggesting up to 60 MCU characters could appear in Doomsday, making it one of the franchise’s most sprawling spectacles yet.
Meanwhile, current releases keep the momentum going. Captain America: Brave New World, now in theaters, establishes Sam Wilson as the new Captain, while Thunderbolts*, arriving in May 2025, assembles a team of anti-heroes. Fantastic Four: First Steps, due in July 2025, may offer early hints about Doctor Doom’s cinematic arc, given his ties to the group.
Mushk Rizvi’s artwork is just the beginning. As production unfolds, fans can expect more reveals about Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom and the storyline of Doomsday, fueling anticipation for what could be a defining moment in the MCU’s evolution.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has ignited excitement with the reveal of the first conceptual artwork featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, the central villain of the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Shared on March 1, 2025, by Marvel Studios artist Mushk Rizvi, the image showcases the iconic antagonist seated on a throne, clad in the classic comic book armor with an extravagant cape that echoes his commanding presence. Slated for release in May 2026, the film marks a bold new chapter for the MCU, with Downey Jr. returning not as Iron Man but as one of Marvel’s most formidable foes, a move that has fans buzzing with anticipation since its announcement at San Diego Comic-Con 2024.
The artwork, labeled as a work in progress developed between 2022 and early 2024, offers an initial glimpse into the character’s design. While it’s not confirmed as the final look, it captures the essence of Doctor Doom, a genius tyrant known for his complex rivalry with the Fantastic Four and his reign over the fictional nation of Latveria. Downey Jr.’s casting, revealed dramatically during the Comic-Con event, signals Marvel’s intent to leverage his star power in a fresh, unexpected role following his emotional exit as Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame in 2019.
Avengers: Doomsday will be followed by Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2027, both directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the duo behind Infinity War and Endgame. Their return promises an epic conclusion to the Multiverse Saga, building on the MCU’s current slate, which includes Captain America: Brave New World in theaters now, directed by Julius Onah, and the upcoming Thunderbolts*, set for May 2025. Together, these projects are paving the way for what could be the MCU’s most ambitious undertaking yet.
What the conceptual art reveals
Depicting Doctor Doom enthroned, the artwork by Mushk Rizvi highlights a majestic figure in a silver armored suit, complete with a flowing cape that nods to his comic book origins. The design stays true to the character’s debut in 1962 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, featuring the signature mask that hides his scarred face—a defining trait of Victor von Doom. The throne adds a regal touch, hinting at his role as Latveria’s ruler, a detail that could play a significant part in the film’s narrative.
Though still a preliminary concept, the piece has sparked speculation among fans. The blend of traditional elements with a cinematic flair suggests Marvel is aiming for a balance between fidelity to the source material and the polished aesthetic of the MCU. Refinements are likely as production progresses, a common practice for the studio, which often evolves designs from initial sketches to the big screen.
Robert Downey Jr.’s involvement amplifies the artwork’s impact. Known for his charismatic portrayal of Iron Man, he now steps into the shoes of a villain defined by intellect, arrogance, and a thirst for power. With the Russo brothers at the helm, renowned for weaving emotional depth into massive action sequences, Doomsday promises to showcase Downey Jr. in a role that could redefine his legacy within the franchise.
AVENGERS : DOOMSDAY : CONCEPT ART 🔥❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/2Xss7k2uKj
— RatpacCheck (@RatpacCheck) March 1, 2025
A surprising return to the MCU
Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom stunned audiences at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 when he appeared masked on stage, only to unveil himself as the new face of Marvel’s villainy. The reveal also confirmed that Avengers: Doomsday had replaced the previously planned Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, a shift prompted by the departure of Jonathan Majors, who was set to play Kang the Conqueror. This pivot underscores a strategic recalibration for the Multiverse Saga, which began with Phase 4 and will conclude with Doomsday and Secret Wars.
Originally scheduled for 2025, both Avengers films were pushed to 2026 and 2027, allowing Marvel additional time to craft their stories. Swapping Kang for Doctor Doom positions a more iconic and emotionally resonant antagonist at the forefront, capitalizing on Downey Jr.’s proven draw. The Russo brothers, who will begin filming in April 2025 in London, have teased a groundbreaking approach, hinting at surprises that could rival their past triumphs.
The move also reflects Marvel’s reliance on familiar talent to reinvigorate the MCU after mixed reactions to recent phases. With Downey Jr.’s return and the Russos’ direction, the studio is betting on a formula that delivered record-breaking success with Endgame, which grossed over $2.79 billion worldwide. As production ramps up, the focus on Doctor Doom signals a narrative shift that could tie together the sprawling threads of the Multiverse Saga.
Timeline of the Multiverse Saga
Avengers: Doomsday is a pivotal piece of the Multiverse Saga’s endgame. Here’s the updated schedule of MCU releases leading up to it:
- Captain America: Brave New World – In theaters since February 2025, directed by Julius Onah.
- Thunderbolts* – Debuts May 2, 2025, featuring Harrison Ford as General Ross/Red Hulk.
- Fantastic Four: First Steps – Arrives July 25, 2025, introducing the team tied to Doctor Doom’s lore.
- Avengers: Doomsday – May 1, 2026, starring Robert Downey Jr. as the main villain.
- Avengers: Secret Wars – May 7, 2027, concluding the Multiverse Saga.
This lineup illustrates Marvel’s careful orchestration, with Doomsday serving as the climactic showdown before Secret Wars ties up the saga. The Fantastic Four’s debut in 2025 could lay crucial groundwork for Doom’s introduction, given their shared history.
Doctor Doom’s role in the MCU
Bringing Victor von Doom into the MCU opens up vast storytelling possibilities. In the comics, he’s a scientific mastermind and sorcerer, clashing with Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) and posing a recurring threat to the Avengers. The conceptual art’s throne and armor suggest his tyrannical rule over Latveria will be a focal point, potentially integrating the Fantastic Four and Doctor Strange—whose magical expertise mirrors Doom’s—into the plot.
For Robert Downey Jr., the role is a chance to flex his acting range. Fresh off an Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor in 2024 for Oppenheimer, he steps into a character that demands a stark contrast to Tony Stark’s charm. Fans expect a blend of menace and charisma, qualities Downey Jr. honed over a decade as Iron Man, now reimagined as a darker force.
The box office stakes are high. Endgame’s massive haul set a benchmark, and Doomsday’s combination of Downey Jr. and the Russos could push it close to that mark again. After uneven performances from recent MCU entries, Marvel is leaning on this high-profile reunion to recapture its former glory and set the stage for a triumphant saga finale.
Fascinating facts about the villain
Doctor Doom’s rich history adds depth to his MCU debut. Here are some key details about the character:
- Introduced in 1962 in Fantastic Four #5 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
- Rules Latveria, a fictional Balkan nation, with absolute authority.
- Masters both advanced technology and magic, trained by Tibetan monks.
- Wears a mask to conceal scars from a failed experiment.
- Once defeated cosmic entities like the Beyonder in Secret Wars, showcasing his immense power.
These traits could shape his portrayal in Doomsday, linking him to broader MCU elements and amplifying his threat level.
Gearing up for the premiere
Filming for Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars is set to kick off in April 2025 in London, with the Russo brothers overseeing back-to-back production. The scale is massive, with rumors suggesting up to 60 MCU characters could appear in Doomsday, making it one of the franchise’s most sprawling spectacles yet.
Meanwhile, current releases keep the momentum going. Captain America: Brave New World, now in theaters, establishes Sam Wilson as the new Captain, while Thunderbolts*, arriving in May 2025, assembles a team of anti-heroes. Fantastic Four: First Steps, due in July 2025, may offer early hints about Doctor Doom’s cinematic arc, given his ties to the group.
Mushk Rizvi’s artwork is just the beginning. As production unfolds, fans can expect more reveals about Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom and the storyline of Doomsday, fueling anticipation for what could be a defining moment in the MCU’s evolution.
