Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom was created by Thanos, according to Avengers: Endgame MCU Theory

A new MCU theory could provide the perfect explanation for how Robert Downey Jr. can debut as Doctor Doom in the upcoming Marvel Studios film Avengers: End of the World. After a five-year break from the MCU, during which he previously portrayed Tony Stark’s Iron Man, Oscar winner Robert Downey Jr. has been confirmed to be returning, although not as Iron Man. Robert Downey Jr. will debut as Victor Von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom Avengers: End of the Worldwho replaces Thanos and Kang the Conqueror as the MCU’s new main antagonist, but this casting has caused some confusion.

Since it was confirmed that he would be returning to the MCU, there have been many theories about how Robert Downey Jr. could play Doctor Doom after spending over a decade as Iron Man. Doctor Doom is arguably Marvel Comics’ most iconic supervillain, so it makes sense that Marvel Studios would want a recognizable and popular actor to play the rolebut Downey Jr. has already had his time in the MCU. While Marvel Studios has yet to explain the Downey Jr. recast, a new MCU theory may have already found the perfect answer to this huge development.

RDJ’s Doctor Doom comes from Thanos’ new universe: MCU theory explained

Thanos almost created a new reality in Avengers: Endgame

A wild new theory shared by Reddit User Forever-Royalty connects the recasting of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom with the dramatic events of 2019 Avengers: Endgame. The Phase 3 crossover film sparked many storylines that were further developed in the Multiverse saga, so it makes sense that Marvel Studios could tie Doctor Doom to it too Endgame. Especially those The Battle for Earth almost ended with a younger Thanos snapping his fingers and rebooting the universe. In a multiverse reality, he must have completed this mission.

Most of them Reddit The theory is absurd and will certainly not be adapted for the upcoming MCUs Avengers: End of the World And Secret wars. However, the theory suggests that the new universe created by Thanos in an MCU Multiverse reality could house variations of the MCU’s own heroes, which could clearly explain how Robert Downey Jr. can return while portraying an entirely new character. This could show audiences what could have been if Tony Stark hadn’t stolen the Infinity Stones and snapped his fingers Avengers: Endgamewhich paves the way for an even more powerful villain.

The MCU theory perfectly explains Thanos’ touted return

Josh Brolin has teased Thanos’ return to the MCU

Back in February 2024, Josh Brolin, who played the Mad Titan Thanos in several MCU films, revealed this Comic Book he had heard that “Through the Vine” that Thanos could return to the MCU. His comments suggested that there were already firm plans for Thanos to return and that the most obvious place for that would be Phase 6 avenger Crossover films. That could play right into the hands of this one Reddit theory, as the end of Avengers: Endgame could be twistedgiving Thanos a more prominent role.

You know, I’m kind of hearing through the grapevine that they’re going to bring (Thanos) back. And there is that What if…? Series and that’s a different kind of Thanos and stuff. But I don’t know if they’ll bring him back in the Marvel world, but I didn’t know he was the most killed Marvel villain… You learn something new every day.

Josh Brolin echoed these comments during an interview with Colliderwhich made him realize that he “I would do anything the Russians wanted me to do.” The Russo brothers previously directed Brolin as Thanos Avengers: Infinity War And Endgameand it has been confirmed that they are returning to directing End of the world And Secret wars. Nothing stops them from bringing Thanos with them. This all means that it may not be long before the Mad Titan appears in the MCU again, perhaps in his more powerful King Thanos form or as a different variant.

The Thanos theory opens the door for even more twisted MCU characters

Robert Downey Jr. isn’t the only returning MCU veteran

HYDRA's Captain America in Marvel Comics

The idea that Thanos could have created the new universe in the end Avengers: Endgame could feature twisted, perhaps villainous versions of some of the MCU’s most famous superheroes is a very interesting avenue to explore. With Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU to play a villain, Doctor Doom, other MCU veterans could follow suit. This idea may have been bolstered by the recent news that Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell will also be returning Avengers: End of the Worldand there were many theories about who they might be playing.

10 MCU Actors We Really Want to Return in Phase 6 After Casting ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Starring Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans

Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans have been confirmed to be returning to Marvel in Avengers: Doomsday, and many more MCU veterans could be joining them.

Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter would of course be the obvious choice. However, there is a theory that Chris Evans will debut in Marvel Comics as an evil, HYDRA-indoctrinated version of Captain America from an alternate universe. There has also been speculation about the involvement of an evil Avengers team End of the worldwhich could have easily formed in this new reality ruled by Thanos. This could provide some fun opportunities for some MCU veterans who could explore darker sides of their classic MCU characters Avengers: End of the World.

The connection between Doctor Doom and Thanos could be important in Avengers 5 and 6

Doctor Doom and Thanos’ Secret Wars moment could be adapted for the MCU

God Emperor Doom removes Thanos' skeleton in Marvel Comics' Secret Wars

With Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom at the helm of a reality created and controlled by Thanos Avengers: End of the World would be a fantastic way to adapt their tumultuous Marvel Comics relationship. Thanos and Doctor Doom have never seen eye to eye, and that has perhaps never been more evident than during the Marvel Comics series. Secret wars event in 2015, which will likely be the inspiration for the Russo brothers Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. At one moment in this story, Doctor Doom removed Thanos’ skeleton from his body, which would be incredible to see in live-action.

After Incursions destroyed the multiverse in Marvel Comics Secret wars In the storyline, Doctor Doom absorbed the power of the otherworldly Beyonders and built Battleworld from fragmented realities. He established himself as the God-Emperor of Destiny and ruled over a kingdom of variants that had no memory of their past until Mister Fantastic returned from Earth-616 to bring down his empire.

If this scene is adapted into the live-action MCU, this act could potentially be fueled by years of anger and resentment towards Thanos, as Doctor Doom may have suffered under the Mad Titan’s rule his entire life. The idea that Avengers: End of the World could explore an alternative history that began Avengers: Endgame very reminiscent of the cartoon What if…? serieswhich was speculated to move into live action after its conclusion with Season 3. This theory perfectly explains and could lead to Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Avengers: End of the World delivers some of the MCU’s darkest moments.

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Avengers: Doomsday is the fifth Avengers film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and brings together new and old heroes to face Victor von Doom – played by the returning Robert DOwney Jr.. Avengers 5 also marks the beginning of Phase 6 of the MCU.