MCU's Alternate Reality: Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom
Marvel fans, prepare to have your minds blown Robert Downey Jr was almost cast as an iconic villain in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie Imagine how different the MCU would have been if he played Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man Get ready for an epic twist in the world of superheroes!
Kevin Feige has revealed that Robert Downey Jr. was considered for an iconic villainous role in Fantastic Four before being cast as the lead in Iron Man, which kickstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe almost two decades ago. Had Downey Jr. not landed the role of Iron Man, the trajectory of the MCU could have been very different. In a recent special featurette, Feige and director Jon Favreau discussed the first chapter of the MCU, with Favreau mentioning rumors of Downey Jr. auditioning for the role of Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four years prior. Feige confirmed that Downey Jr. did, in fact, audition for the role in the mid-2000s.
I recall that you all had previously met with [Downey] for a potential role as Doctor Doom or on another project. It seemed like he had made an impression during his time on Fantastic Four, so everyone was familiar with him.
How The MCU Would Have Been Different If Robert Downey Jr. Played Doctor Doom Instead Of Iron Man
Although it would have been intriguing to witness Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Doctor Doom, it is undeniable that the Marvel Cinematic Universe would not have been as successful without his unforgettable performance as Iron Man. In 2008, the superhero genre was still uncharted territory for many studios, and Iron Man's arrival marked a turning point in the industry's approach to comic book adaptations on the big screen.
Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Tony Stark in Iron Man was a pivotal moment in the creation of the MCU. He was instrumental in shaping the character into one of the franchise's most beloved and iconic figures. Without Downey Jr.'s charismatic and nuanced performance, the entire trajectory of the MCU could have been vastly different. His impact on the franchise extended far beyond Iron Man's death in Avengers: Endgame, leaving an indelible mark on the entire cinematic universe. Fans eagerly await the possibility of Downey Jr. reprising the role of Iron Man, perhaps as alternate versions of the character in The Multiverse Saga.
Source: Marvel Studios/YouTube
