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Robert Downey Jr. revealed in a surprise announcement at San Diego Comic-Con that he’s returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe — not in his iconic Iron Man role, but as villain Victor Von Doom, aka Doctor Doom, in the Avengers series.
Downey heralded Marvel’s film success Iron Man and played the popular character in nine films, but on Saturday he appeared at a panel wearing Doctor Doom’s mask and a green cloak.
“New mask, same job,” Downey said to loud cheers.
Joe and Anthony Russo, who will direct the film with Downey, said his appearance in the film is “proof of the unimaginable possibilities of the Marvel multi-universe.”
The reveal was the highlight of a lavish return for Marvel to Comic-Con’s Hall H.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige opened the panel by saying that due to the success of this weekend, Deadpool and Wolverinethe sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has now grossed over $30 billion US in box office revenue. In a nod to a scene in the film, a choir sang Madonna’s Like a prayer before Feige spoke.
Deadpool and Wolverinewhich opened Thursday and stars Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, has already broken one record and could shatter more in its opening weekend. Feige used Saturday’s panel to chart the course for the MCU, announcing that legendary actor Harrison Ford will star in the next Captain America film and revealing Avengers: Secret Wars And Avengers: Doomsday as the titles of the next two films in the epic superhero series. Judgement day will hit theaters in 2026.
Feige said all of the actors introduced on Saturday will be in the upcoming Avengers films, which will be directed by the Russo brothers. The duo led the Avengers franchise for its extensive storyline, awarded by Avengers: Endgame in 2019, Downey’s Tony Stark/Iron Man character died.
“When we were directing Avengers: EndgameJoe and I really believed that this was the end of the road for us in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, because we had put all of our passion, our love and our imagination into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The winter Soldier, go inside Civil wargo inside Infinity Warpeaking at Avengers: Endgame“, said Anthony Russo. “That four-film series was incredible and allowed us to be creative with all of our emotions in the film. In the time since then, through a very special story, Joe and I have come to the conclusion that we can possibly see a path forward with you.”
They shouted Secret Wars the “greatest story Marvel Comics ever told,” and Joe said it was the first comic series he read as a kid that made him “fall in love with comics.”
Saturday’s session comes after Marvel skipped last year’s convention due to Hollywood strikes, which prevented writers and actors from speaking on panels.
The cast of Captain America: Brave New World — Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Blake Nelson, Danny Ramirez, and Anthony Mackie — took the stage first to give details about the upcoming film. Esposito revealed that he will play the villain, Seth Voelker, aka Sidewinder.
When asked what it was like to be involved in a Marvel project, Esposito said it was a “dream come true.”
“When your dreams come true and you get the call, you walk through the door,” he continued. “I’m so thankful for all the fans who really made this dream come true, because it was fan casting that connected us.”
The cast then stepped aside to share a scene from the film on the big screen, which revealed that President Thaddeus (Thunderbolt) Ross, played by Ford, hopes to rebuild the Avengers with Mackie’s Sam Wilson. It also showed how Ford’s character transformed into the Red Hulk.
Ford joined the panel after fans were treated to clips from the film, flexing his muscles to the roaring audience. He also expressed his excitement about his latest role, saying, “I’m excited and proud to be joining the Marvel Universe.”
The cast and director of Lightning bolts* also surprised fans with a short clip from the film, which is set to be released in May 2025. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour (in full costume and initially speaking as the Red Guardian) took to the stage and shared a few more details about their characters.
The last film announced during the panel was The Fantastic Fourstarring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Filming begins Tuesday in London, Feige said.
He said the film will hit theaters exactly one year from now, in July 2025.
Following a video director Matt Shakman created especially for Comic-Con showing the cast in all their ’60s glory, he and Feige revealed the film’s official title, The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The session made no mention of Jonathan Majors, who played the villain Kang the Conqueror and previously had a major role in Marvel’s Avengers plans. The actor was fired by the studio after he was convicted in December of assaulting an ex-girlfriend. He was sentenced to a year-long counseling program in April, avoiding a prison sentence.
Marvel took over Hall H on Thursday with an electric panel in honor of Deadpool and Wolverine. The audience was treated to a full screening and surprise guests took the stage, along with stars Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
The growing enthusiasm for the film at Comic-Con was mirrored in the U.S. as fans rushed to see the film in theaters, making it the new record-holder for Thursday previews for an R-rated film. The comic book film sold an estimated $38.5 million in tickets during Thursday preview screenings.
The Deadpool and Wolverine success capped a sleepy year for Marvel and eased concerns about disappointing box office performance in late 2023. The superhero factory hit a record low in November with the launch of The miracleswhich opened with just $47 million.
