Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for The Fantastic Four: First StepsSue Storm actor Vanessa Kirby discusses her Avengers: Doomsday co-star Robert Downey Jr. Following The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ ending, the тιтular team’s next direct threat is Doctor Doom. But the Fantastic Four won’t face Robert Downey Jr.’s villain alone, as Doom is set to become an enemy to the entire Marvel multiverse in Avengers: Doomsday.

In an interview with Variety, Vanessa Kirby explains that Robert Downey Jr. is playing an active role in Avengers: Doomsday‘s production beyond filming his scenes. According to Kirby, Downey is always on set as a leader figure, looking after the whole cast. Read Vanessa Kirby’s full comments:

Yeah! Robert’s never not been on set. He’s always there. He is our leader. We call him our Godfather. He’s looked after us. It’s such a joy working with the Russos and him, because they’ve had such deep collaboration for so long.

What Vanessa Kirby’s Robert Downey Jr. Comments Mean For Doctor Doom

Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Is Practically Avengers: Doomsday’s Protagonist

It makes perfect sense for Robert Downey Jr. to take on a leadership role on the set of Avengers: Doomsday. While Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame were built around Thanos, Avengers: Doomsday centers on Doctor Doom as the main selling point. After Robert Downey Jr. retired his Iron Man portrayal, his Doctor Doom performance will drive the entire film’s momentum.

Robert Downey Jr. has built the necessary experience to guide the Avengers: Doomsday cast. Downey understands the Marvel machinery like no other. On the Avengers: Doomsday set, Robert Downey Jr.’s constant presence can help keep the cast and crew focused and motivated, honoring what made earlier MCU crossover projects successful.

Robert Downey Jr’s Marvel legacy is at stake. Taking on a character as iconic as Doctor Doom is a huge risk in the eyes of fans who already view his Iron Man as untouchable. To make his return worthwhile, Robert Downey Jr. needs to deliver a standout performance, and that can only happen if the entire cast and crew rise to the occasion as well.

Our Take On Vanessa Kirby’s Robert Downey Jr. Comments

Doctor Doom’s Relationship With The Fantastic Four Will Likely be Key To Avengers: Doomsday

One of the main throughlines in Avengers: Doomsday may be Sue Storm and Doctor Doom’s conflict. After sacrificing her life to save Franklin from Galactus, Sue Storm is the one who witnesses Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom kidnapping her son in The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ post-credits scene. In Avengers: Doomsday, Sue’s drive to rescue Franklin will likely anchor much of the story’s emotional tension.

As the rest of the multiverse trembles in Avengers: Doomsday, Sue Storm’s personal quest to save her son might be the heart of the Avengers: Doomsday. The Fantastic Four: First Steps raises the stakes for both the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom with Franklin’s kidnapping. After Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, Sue Storm and Doctor Doom’s dynamics might be maintained.

Source: Variety