Avengers: Doomsday is set to bring Robert Downey Jr. back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom, and recent comments from the film’s directors about Captain America: Civil War help to explain why this choice was made. Robert Downey Jr. was beloved as Iron Man, but his casting as Doctor Doom has seen some mixed response. Still, there is considerable interest in seeing how this story is executed in the MCU timeline, and what implications it will have for the larger universe.

The Russo brothers have been making many Avengers comments recently, as they are in the midst of promoting their new film, The Electric State. The filmmakers have made some of the most beloved Marvel movies of all time and, although their work outside the franchise has been hit or miss, they have not yet made a bad film in the MCU. With this in mind, it seems that they have a great understanding of the franchise, and some of their recent comments about Robert Downey Jr. might hint toward why his new casting could end up being a successful one.

The Russo Brothers’ Comments About Captain America: Civil War Shed Some Interesting Light On That Part Of The MCU Timeline

The Plans For Iron Man In Civil War Resemble The Plans For Doctor Doom

Captain America: Civil War saw the Russos bring in Robert Downey Jr. to essentially work as an antagonist to Captain America. In fact, many of the comments that the Russos made concerning his appearance in that film seem to align with his more recent casting as Doctor Doom. When asked about approaching Downey to appear in Civil War during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Joe Russo described the process as “literally pitching the biggest movie star in the world to take his giant cash cow character and convert it into a villain.”

This same event has happened since, a little more directly, with Robert Downey Jr. coming back as Doctor Doom being a further twist on the same idea. Joe also explained that, when it came to this Civil War story decision, “[Downey] liked the risk, to Robert’s credit, and that choice led the explosive upside to Infinity War and Endgame.” Bringing in Robert Downey Jr. in a different kind of role in that film was an inspiring and notable moment for the franchise, and seems to have been an influence on his Doctor Doom casting and upcoming role in the story of Avengers: Doomsday.

The Russo Brothers’ Civil War Story Helps Robert Downey Jr Being Cast As Doctor Doom Make More Sense Before He’s Even Debuted

RDJ’s Doctor Doom Makes Even More Sense After These Comments

Subverting audience expectations, and taking risks in what they do with their characters, were instrumental in making Civil War a success. Looking at this past decision, it appears that a similar philosophy was taken with the Iron Man-inspired Doctor Doom casting. Taking Robert Downey Jr.’s excellent performance, and subverting it even further, is a compelling way to use the actor in future Marvel stories. Based on the shared successes in the trio’s history, it makes surprising sense to bring Downey back.

Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom may or may not work, but the idea makes sense at its core. The Russos have an excellent working relationship with the actor, and he has a presence like no other. Even in describing their pitch to him during that same interview, Joe described his Doom-like posture, saying “Downey was sitting on a chaise lounge, splayed out like a king, on the roof of his office in Venice.” This image is evocative of Doom, helping to render this casting as a surprisingly sensible choice.

There is a great deal that Marvel will have to accomplish with Avengers: Doomsday, but the team that they have ᴀssembled are surely up to the task. With an excellent writer, competent directors who have seen great success within the franchise, and the return of their biggest star, the film is setting up to be a special addition to the franchise. How Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom works within that framework remains to be seen, but all of the pieces are there for something genuinely special.

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