Rumors has it Robert Downey Jr. may return to the MCU as a Doctor Doom variant.

Rumors have been circulating on the internet about Robert Downey Jr. making a return to the MCU, especially with the different timelines unleashing in the multiverse. There’s a fan campaign urging the Iron Man actor to return as a Doctor Doom variant, a role for which he previously auditioned. While Doom has yet to make an appearance in the MCU, recent reports suggest that the Marvel Studios has held discussions with Mads Mikkelsen for the role.

Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man

Mikkelsen was already associated with the MCU in Doctor Strange, playing the antagonist Kaecilius. Doctor Doom is rumored to be the villain in Fantastic Four. Directed by Matt Shakman, the movie is part of phase six of the MCU.

Mads Mikkelsen Reportedly Considered For Doctor Doom Role

Mads Mikkelsen in Doctor Strange

The latest Marvel speculations focus on the much-anticipated upcoming film, Fantastic Four, and its potential cast announcements. Over the past few months, several actors were named in different roles. A major name that surfaced recently was Pedro Pascal in the role of Reed Richards. Discussions took an exciting turn with the Emmy-nominated actor’s reported involvement and film critic John Campea also shared his thoughts on the potential casting of Pascal.

While Campea was on cloud nine about The Last of Us actor joining the MCU, he had another piece of information to share on his podcast, The John Campea Show. The YouTuber had previously suggested that Marvel was seeking actors of similar age for both Reed Richards and Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four. However, an insider source corrected Campea, revealing that Marvel had approached a much older actor to play Doom.

According to Campea’s source, Mads Mikkelsen was considered for the role. Mikkelsen, with his impressive portfolio of villain roles in Hollywood, was already speculated by many as Doom. While Campea mentioned that it might be a typecast role for the Casino Royale actor, he added that he would love to see Mikkelsen in the role. John Campea shared:

“What they confirm to me is that they [Marvel] have talked to Mads Mikkelson as Doom. Now to be clear, I’m sure they talked to a dozen people. They did not tell me Mads Mickelson has been cast as Doom. Not at all. But they just were able to confirm to me Mads Mikkelson is one of the people they talked to for Doom. That’s not going to surprise many of you because a lot of people speculated Mads Mikkelson as Doom. I know it’s a total typecast though and there are many actors who would be great playing Doom, but man I could totally see Mads playing Doom.”

Fans hold a mixture of excitement and skepticism about the possible casting of Mikkelsen. However, this development deals a blow to the fan campaign that calls for Robert Downey Jr. to return as a Doctor Doom variant. Marvel Studios is reportedly considering moving away from Kang as the supervillain in the Multiverse Saga due to Jonathan Majors’ domestic violence trial. Doctor Doom will potentially take Kang’s place as the Thanos-level threat to the multiverse.

Fans Want Robert Downey Jr. To Return As A Doctor Doom Variant

Fans want Robert Downey Jr. back in the MCU

In the 15-year celebration video of Iron Man, Jon Favreau revealed that Robert Downey Jr. first auditioned for the role of Doctor Doom with Marvel. The revelation sparked excitement among fans, leading to speculation about the possibility of the Sherlock Holmes actor in the role. He could return as a Doctor Doom variant, now that the multiverse has made it possible.

Doctor Doom and Iron Man share certain similarities, such as their genius intellect and scientific background. However, the likelihood of Downey Jr. playing a full-fledged supervillain in Fantastic Four appears uncertain. Despite the setback to the specific campaign, fans wish to see Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU in some capacity, even if it involves a small Iron Man cameo in Avengers: Secret Wars.

Fantastic Four is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 2, 2025. All MCU movies are now available for streaming on Disney+.