Robert Downey Jr’sMCUreturn inAvengers: Doomsdaycould lessen the impact of Tony Stark’s death, but the Russo Bros. latest comments and Marvel’s track record give me confidence that it will be handled correctly. Downey Jr’s role as Tony Stark was the beating heart of the MCU’s Infinity Saga. 2008’sIron Manstarted the MCU, and Tony’s sacrifice inAvengers: Endgamegave him an emotional departure while capitalizing on 11 years of well-constructed character development. However, Downey Jr’s MCU retirement is ending early, as he’s set to portray Doctor Doom in 2026’sAvengers: Doomsday.
Undoubtedly, Downey Jr. can play such an iconic villain, but Marvel’s latest stunt casting worries me and many other viewers. While it’s great to see him return fresh off his Academy Award win forOppenheimer, Tony’s death was a special moment inthe MCU timeline, and seeing the actor in the franchise seven years later could damageEndgame’s emotional weight. Fortunately, the Russo Bros. plan to incorporate Tony’s death intoAvengers: Doomsday’s story, and it gives me faith that they won’t damage Tony’s legacy.
Tony Stark’s Death Will Play A Role in Avengers: Doomsday, According To Russo Bros.
The Russo Bros. are staying secretive about the impact of Tony’s death.
While many speculated that Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom would bean evil variant of Tony Stark, it was confirmed that he would be playing Victor Von Doom. Still, bringing back the actor without addressing the elephant in the room is impossible. He looks exactly like Tony Stark, and that would be something the Avengers would discuss. The Russo brothers are logically aware of a need to address the matter of Tony’s lookalike, making it all the more interesting that they recently toldThe Timesthat Tony’s death will be a part of the story.
“We can’t explain that as it’s part of the story. But there’s nobody else in the world who could play this character the way he’s about to.”
The Russo Bros. are the best options for handling Tony’s death once more in the MCU’s story, since they’re the ones who killed him in the story ofEndgameitself. They know how impactful his death was, and the directing duo played an essential role in making it so meaningful. Indeed, the duo developed Tony inCaptain America: Civil War,Avengers: Infinity War, andEndgame, so Tony’s legacy is in the hands of people who know him well.
Making Tony’s Death A Part Of The Next Avengers Films Could Give It More Impact
The Avengers will assemble without one of their greatest leaders.
The MCU has already shown the impact of Tony’s death and legacy on a selection of characters. Spider-Man struggled to be a hero without his mentor inSpider-Man: Far From Home, andRiri Williams used Iron Man as an inspirationinBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever. For several heroes, seeing someone they recognized and admired as the universe’s greatest villain will be a massive shock, even if it’s not the same person. Downey Jr’s Doctor Doom could create many interesting dilemmas based on Tony’s relationship with other Avengers.
Speaking of the Avengers,Doomsdaywill be the Avengers' first outing without Iron Man. Tony was an excellent inventor and one of the most intelligent members of the team. He can never be replaced, and it will be hard for the Avengers to fight without the technology and leadership he provided. As such, Iron Man’s death will have more meaning inDoomsdayif the Russo Bros. emphasize the void his passing creates in the Avengers.
Marvel Already Proved It Can Bring Back An Actor Without Ruining Their Story In Deadpool & Wolverine
Hugh Jackman returned after Wolverine’s heartbreaking death in Logan
Marvel already has a blueprint for bringing back an actor without ruining their character’s story. Hugh Jackman is synonymous with Wolverine, and his death inLoganwas a perfect sendoff for the long-time X-Man. When his return inDeadpool & Wolverinewas announced, people were justifiably concerned that it would hurtLogan’s ending. However,Deadpool & Wolverineproved early on that it wouldn’t simply undo this part of Fox’s Wolverine legacy, and managed to bring Jackman back while honoring his multiple decades of work within Marvel.
After Robert Downey Jr’s Doctor Doom Casting, I’m Glad He Passed On A Deadpool & Wolverine Cameo
While a cameo from Robert Downey Jr. in Deadpool & Wolverine would have been epic, I now think it’s for the best he turned down the opportunity.
The film introduces the concept of an anchor being, suggesting that the Fox Universe would die without Jackman’s Wolverine. This concept makes the Fox version of Wolverine irreplaceable and confirms him as one of the greatest heroes in the Marvel universe, especially sincethe new Wolverine variantintroduced in the film is a downtrodden hero who has to prove himself as a worthy successor to the other Wolverine’s legacy. Given how Marvel honored Fox’s Wolverine while keeping the door open for Jackman’s return, I’m confident thatAvengers: Doomsdaycan follow this model for Downey Jr’s return.
