Robert Downey Jr.'s casting as Dr. Doom may spell "Doom" for Marvel studios

The reveal of Robert Downey Jr. returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to play Dr. Doom sent the internet into a frenzy. From blowing off the roof in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con to fans theorizing how this is possible, it's safe to say that this announcement has sent ripples down the fandom. However, while the announcement is huge, it also showcases a huge problem within Marvel Studios.

Note: The views of the author are his own and don't reflect the overall stance of Sportskeeda.

Robert Downey Jr. is best known for starring as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the MCU. After receiving a well-earned farewell in Avengers: Endgame, it looked like the actor was moving on to more prestigious roles. But with the last few phases of the MCU focusing on bringing back legacy Marvel actors to portray their characters once more, this casting was inevitable.

Robert Downey Jr.'s casting as Dr. Doom in Avengers: Doomsday feels like a desperate attempt to earn back goodwill following a divisive new era that seemingly hasn't stuck. Not only that, but it also plays into the issue of Marvel Studios further whitewashing their minority characters for more recognizable faces to grace the big screen.

From a creative standpoint, it just spells "Doom" for Marvel Studios (all the pun intended here).

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Robert Downey Jr.'s casting as Doctor Doom feels creatively bankrupt

The official logo for Avengers: Doomsday (Image via @MarvelStudios on X)

Following Avengers: Endgame, the new era of the MCU has been divisive, to say the least. Films and Disney+ shows alike have left fans disappointed, while multiversal trips like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Stanger in the Multiverse of Madness smashed the box office. However, the studio has continuously been trying to chase that high.

Sure, Deadpool & Wolverine has been smashing it at the box office too, but as a film, it has nothing going on outside of its cameos. It feels like a greatest-hits montage of Marvel with characters that defined the past era of the comic book giant, but there is no emotion involved here. Robert Downey Jr.'s casting as Dr. Doom plays into the same notion as well.

Dr. Doom himself is a brilliant character who deserves his own time in the spotlight. He has his own story that is encapsulating and emotional, explaining his reason for becoming a villain. However, bringing back Downey Jr., who has already played Iron Man in the universe, just makes for a decision that comes off as desperate.

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Avengers 5 has already been going through behind-the-scenes issues

Before being named Avengers: Doomsday, the fifth assemble film in the MCU was called Avengers: Kang Dynasty. It was set to be headlined by Jonathan Majors, who played Kang in Loki and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The actor, however, was booted off the franchise after he was found guilty of domestic abuse allegations. Since then, Marvel Studios has been scrambling on what to do.

With Kang not being well-received, Dr. Doom seemed like a perfect pivot given his role in the Secret Wars comics. But bringing Robert Downey Jr. back to portray the villain just doesn't seem like a right fit. There is, of course, the in-universe explanation of Doom probably being a variant of Tony Stark, and it just further brings back the idea that Marvel Studios is relying on nostalgia for this character.

It not only robs Doom of his agency but also robs him of his tragic backstory and culture that's deep-rooted in oppression.

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Robert Downey Jr.'s casting continues Marvel's trend of whitewashing characters

Dr. Doom, aka Victor Von Doom, is a Romani character who was born into a poor family in the fictional country of Latveria. His mother, who used to be a sorceress, practiced magic that was ultimately tied to the Romani culture. She ultimately sacrificed her life so that she could envision a better future for her son—free from oppression.

Doom's father died while trying to save him as well, and this ultimately planted the seeds of him truly embracing his darkness. Doom's entire arc in Latveria is based on how he practiced magic and technology so that he could overthrow the oppressors of his nation and lead his people to freedom. With Robert Downey Jr. being cast in the role, there isn't the same cultural connection to the character.

You lose an essence of what makes Doom who he is—and this isn't the first time Marvel Studios would have been guilty of doing this. Previously, they also cast Elizabeth Olsen to play Scarlet Witch—another Romani character who was whitewashed. Not to mention the casting of Sir Ben Kingsley as Mandarin—a Chinese character—and Oscar Isaac as Moon Knight—a Jewish character.

While the casting of the Mandarin was eventually fixed with Tony Leung playing him in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, this is still an important discussion to be had. Even for Oscar Isaac's Moon Knight, his Jewish heritage was rather ignored for most of the series and only highlighted in one episode. Which is a shame given how big of a part it really is to him in the comics.

Maybe Marvel Studios might do Dr. Doom right in Avengers: Doomsday, but Robert Downey Jr.'s casting doesn't inspire too much hope for now.