Marvel fans were stunned and excited to learn that Robert Downey Jr will be returning to the MCU after his demise in ‘Avengers: Endgame‘. Rather than reprising his role as Tony Stark, Downey will take on the iconic Marvel villain Doctor Doom in ‘Avengers: Doomsday‘ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars‘.
Downey birthed the MCU with his memorable portrayal of Iron Man in 2008. His return as one of Marvel’s greatest villains, promises to pave the way for the new age of MCU. Doom will provide a formidably cunning and calculating opposite for Earth’s mightiest heroes. But which heroes do fans most want to see go toe-to-toe with this new version of Doctor Doom?
7. Black Panther
In the comic story Doomwar, T’Challa found himself facing off against Doctor Doom when the villain had Wakanda invaded to steal their supply of vibranium. Doom underestimated the power and intelligence of the Black Panther, which ultimately led to his defeat.
Though the Black Panther mantle has been passed onto Shuri, we still don’t know when ‘Avengers: Doomsday‘ takes place. This could open up possibilities for T’Challa’s son to suit up and clash with Downey’s Doctor Doom on the big screen. The Black Panther and Doctor Doom dynamic will truly make for an interesting battle.
6. Spider-Man
Spidey has always been an unofficial member of the Fantastic Four and that has led him to tangle with Doctor Doom one too many times in the comics. Spider-Man has always managed to outwit the villain through him problem-solving skills and spider-sense.
Seeing Tom Holland’s youthful, but now experienced Spider-Man go head-to-head with Downey’s manipulative and powerful Dr. Doom. Their dynamic could play out in humorous and thrilling ways. Doom would surely underestimate Spidey at first only to quickly learn to never take him lightly.
5. X-23
In the dystopian future of Old Woman Laura, Doom took over the entire world after most heroes had fallen. X-23 assembled a team in an effort to end his tyrannical rule once and for all. X-23’s animalistic ferocity and healing abilities could provide an exciting clash with Doom and his powers.
With the return of Dafne Keene in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, it is very much possible that her character could show up in the upcoming Avengers movie and Doom meeting his match in her R-rated brand of violence would be an intense showdown.
In case you missed it: Robert Downey Jr. Was Supposed To Play An Important Role ‘Fantastic Four’ Before Joining The MCU As The Iconic Iron Man
4. Deadpool
The comedic dynamic between Wade Wilson’s chattering and Doctor Doom’s darkness could lead to perfectly framed scenes of brutality and hilarity. Deadpool would push every one of Doom’s buttons with his antics while holding his own in battle against the villain.
Wade’s unpredictable methods would throw a serious wrench in any of Doom’s plans. Their matchup would be highly entertaining and it would be amazing to see Ryan Reynolds’ Merc with a Mouth go up against Downey’s Doom.
3. Ant-Man
After the tragic death of Cassie Lang at Doctor Doom’s hands in the comics, Scott Lang was overcome with a need for vengeance. His pym-particle-enhanced fight against a powerless doom was completely dark, as opposed to Lang’s usual nature.
Seeing Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man go full-force against Downey’s cunning foe could translate to an explosively fun showdown between giants. Doom would have to watch every step to avoid being overpowered by the Pym shrinking technology.
2. Squirrel Girl
Unknown to most common movie-going fans, Squirrel Girl is one of Doctor Doom’s formidable foes. There may be no opponent more absurdly perfect for Doctor Doom than Doreen Green. Squirrel Girl’s ability to defeat any villain through humor and rodent companions would be interesting to watch.
The idea of Downey’s power-hungry villain being bested once more by Doreen Green, but on the big screen is just too good an opportunity to pass up. Though not announced or even cast yet, Squirrel Girl battling Doom would be the most enjoyably bizarre sequence in the MCU.
1. Iron-Man
Who better to reintroduce Downey to the MCU than against the character that started it all? A time-traveling battle between Tony Stark and Doctor Doom could see Iron Man outwit his villainous foe using nothing but brilliance as he’s transported to Camelot.
Their memorable dynamic of ego and intellect colliding would be a full-circle fan service moment in the franchise, with Downey battling himself. It’s the matchup that truly feels like it was meant to be between these iconic characters and the legendary actor behind both of them.
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