Robert Downey Jr isn’t the real Doctor Doom in the MCU, according to fan theory

Despite the surprising choice of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, many fans are convinced that it is just a clever misdirection.

At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, it was announced that Robert Downey Jr. would finally reprise his role in the MCU in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, set to release in 2026.

The announcement of the former Iron Man star’s death, which served as the conclusion of the iconic Infinity Saga, has caused fans to become extremely excited.

Despite the casting of RDJ being a clear choice, fans continue to search for any possible explanation that could suggest a surprise twist. One Twitter user firmly believes that this decision is merely a diversion to conceal the true casting of another popular choice for the role of Doom.

My friend thinks Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom for Avengers: Doomsday is just a cover up for another actor to be revealed during the movie…Cillian Murphy? 👀#SDCC#Avengers pic.twitter.com/9k1gV4622p

— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) July 28, 2024

In a post on X, user BLUERAYANGEL shared their belief that Robert Downey Jr being cast as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday may be a decoy for the true actor, potentially Cillian Murphy, who will be revealed during the movie.

In the MCU, this twist would be huge, but it is not the first time something like this has happened. Robert Downey Jr. was also involved in a major casting twist in Iron Man 3 where the character of Ben Kingsley’s Mandarin was revealed to be a fake.

Despite his success in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy as Scarecrow, Cillian Murphy has chosen to steer clear of superhero roles. The Irish actor, who is currently most recognized for his role in Oppenheimer alongside Downey, has consistently been a popular choice among fans to portray the notorious Dr. Doom, a cunning dictator with ambitions for cosmic dominance.

Rumors of Doom joining the MCU have been circulating for years, but fans can rejoice as the character will finally make an appearance in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday. Although one source has stated that Doom may make an earlier appearance in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the official debut will be in Avengers: Doomsday.