After declaring last April that he would be happy to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr., who has portrayed Iron Man since 2008, shocked fans last month when he confirmed his return, this time as the villain Doctor Doom. In a podcast with "The Hollywood Reporter," the actor shared details about the conversation he had with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, during which the idea of bringing Downey Jr. back to the successful cinematic universe was proposed.
Downey Jr. and Feige, who had maintained contact despite the actor's departure after "Avengers: Endgame," met about a year ago with Downey’s wife and producing partner, Susan Downey. During the meeting, Feige suggested that the actor return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe even though his character, Tony Stark, had died. "He said, ‘It just keeps coming to my mind, if you were to come back…’" Downey Jr. shared in the podcast. "Then Susan said, ‘Wait, wait. As what would you come back?’"
The two continued to discuss the challenges they would need to overcome if the actor were to return.
"How do you not go backwards? How do you not disappoint the expectations? How do we continue to exceed expectations?" Downey recalled, adding, "He brought up Victor Von Doom. I checked out the character. Later, he said, ‘Let’s do Victor Von Doom right.’" Following this, the actor met with Disney CEO Bob Iger, who was already aware of the Doctor Doom idea and was supportive.
As a reminder, the surprising announcement of Downey’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time as the villain, was made last month during a Marvel panel at the San Diego Comic-Con. At the event, Downey took the stage in a green cloak and mask alongside many dressed similarly and revealed his face to the applause of the audience.