Robert Downey Jr. said Kevin Feige persuaded him to consider returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe by proposing a new creative challenge: bring back the actor without simply repeating the past, and make Victor Von Doom work. Downey recalled Feige asking how they could avoid going backward and exceed expectations, then telling him, “Let’s get Victor Von Doom right.”
Feige framed the return as a creative challenge
Downey said he and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige had kept in touch. His initial interest in meeting Disney CEO Bob Iger concerned parks and location-based entertainment—not a stated plan to reprise Tony Stark.
In an account published by the Los Angeles Times on August 22, 2024, based on Downey’s appearance on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Downey recalled Feige asking: “How can we not go backwards? How can we not disappoint expectations? How can we continue to beat expectations?” The pitch, as Downey described it, was about finding a genuinely new way to return rather than relying on nostalgia for his former role.
Feige suggested Victor Von Doom
Feige raised Victor Von Doom as the character for Downey to play. Downey said he looked into the character and responded positively. He later recalled Feige saying, “Let’s get Victor Von Doom right.” The Credits’ August 21, 2024, excerpt also recounts the conversation.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- VINTAGE-INSPIRED PACKAGING: Marvel Vintage 6-inch Collection classic Marvel action figures are inspired by the Marvel comics and vintage Fantastic 4 toy packaging (Each sold separately. Subject to availability.)
- CLASSIC DR. DOOM FIGURE: This collectible 6-inch-scale Dr. Doom fan figure, inspired by the Fantastic 4 comics, part of the Marvel Comic Universe, makes a great gift for Marvel collectors and fans.
- INCLUDES 10 COMIC-INSPIRED, CHARACTER-SPECIFIC ACCESSORIES: Includes 10 Dr. Doom-inspired accessories including the Ultimate Nullifier weapon accessory and is great for display in any Marvel collection.
- PREMIUM DESIGN AND ARTICULATION: With high poseability and Marvel comic-inspired detail, the Marvel Vintage Collection 6-inch-scale Dr. Doom figure can be displayed in action figure and vehicle collections.
- MARVEL UNIVERSE IN 6-INCH-SCALE: Look for other Marvel Vintage Collection 6-inch figures, featuring Marvel comic-inspired packaging. (Additional figures each sold separately. Subject to availability.)
That is the reported explanation for how the idea took shape: Feige presented a creative problem, proposed Doom, and emphasized getting the character right. The published accounts do not say that a particular payment, nostalgia, or another unstated factor caused Downey to accept.
Where Iger and Imagineering fit into the story
Downey said Iger already knew about the Doom idea and arranged for Downey and Feige to visit Disney’s Imagineering campus. Downey described being impressed by what he saw. The visit is part of the account’s context, but Downey’s reported comments do not establish it as the reason he took the role.
Rank #2
- 6-Inch-scale collectible Doctor Doom figure – fans, collectors, and kids alike can enjoy this 6-inch-scale Doctor Doom figure, inspired by the character from the Marvel Comics.
- Marvel comic-inspired design – Doctor Doom figure with premium design, detail, and articulation for high pose ability and display in a Marvel collection.
- Premium articulation and detailing – the high quality, realistic, 6-inch legends series Doctor Doom figure features multiple points of articulation and is a great addition to any action figure collection.
- Marvel universe in 6-inch scale - look for other Hasbro Marvel Legends series figures (each sold separately) with comic- and movie-inspired characters, including Marvel thing, Marvel invisible Woman, human torch, and Hulk. (Additional figures each sold separately. Subject to availability.)
When Marvel announced Downey as Doctor Doom
Marvel revealed Downey as Doctor Doom at its Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024. D23’s July 28, 2024, event report described it as a new role. Downey had last appeared in the MCU as Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man. At the reveal, he said, “New mask, same task,” then added, “What can I tell you? I like playing complicated character.” That wording follows D23’s account.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the account does—and does not—explain
The interview-derived reporting explains Feige’s pitch as Downey remembered it and the sequence that led to the public announcement. It confirms that Doctor Doom is a different role from Tony Stark, but it does not explain any in-story relationship between them. Nor do the cited accounts identify a particular comic issue or adaptation that shaped Downey’s decision.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- COMICS-INSPIRED EMPEROR DOOM: Collectible Emperor Doom figure is inspired by the character's appearance in Marvel's Fantastic Four and One World Under Doom comics
- PREMIUM DESIGN AND DECO: Fans and collectors can display premium figures with comics-inspired design and deco in their collection
- MARVEL COMICS-INSPIRED ACCESSORIES: Officially licensed Hasbro Marvel Legends set comes with 4 accessories, including 2 alternate hands, 2 magic effect; plus Doctor Strange’s Cloak of Levitation and the Eye of Agamotto
- 6-INCH SCALE ACTION FIGURES: Featuring a window box package, fans and collectors can display this premium figure designed at the Marvel 6 inch action figure scale (15 cm)
- DISPLAY-WORTHY ARTICULATION: Collectible action figure features over 20 points of articulation with fully poseable head, arms, and legs for dynamic poses on your shelf
Rank #4
- MARVEL STUDIOS' AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY: Collectible figure is inspired by Doctor Doom's movie appearance -- for fans ages 4 and up
- FILM-INSPIRED ACCESSORIES: Officially licensed Hasbro Marvel Legends set comes with 2 accessories, including 2 alternate hands
- PREMIUM DESIGN AND DECO: Fans and collectors can display this premium figure with movie-accurate design and deco in their collection
- 6-INCH SCALE ACTION FIGURE: Features a window box package and movie branding for display. Figure is designed at the Marvel 6 inch action figure scale (15 cm)
- DISPLAY-WORTHY ARTICULATION: Collectible action figure features over 20 points of articulation with fully poseable head, arms, and legs
Rank #3
- MONSTER HUNTERS: Doctor Doom has developed a bio-organic armor using magic and science to team with Marvel’s greatest villains to conquer the world once and for all
- MONSTER-IZED DESIGN: The Avengers Mech Strike Monster Hunters 6-inch-scale action figures feature monster-ized design and detail, inspired by the Marvel Universe (Each sold separately. Subject to availability.)
- ICONIC MARVEL CHARACTERS: Kids ages 4 and up can imagine monster-sized action and adventure with iconic Marvel characters, including Captain America, Iron Man, Black Panther, and more
- CHARACTER-INSPIRED ACCESSORY: This Avengers Mech Strike Monster Hunters Doctor Doom action figure comes with a detachable character-inspired accessory
- LOOK FOR OTHER MONSTER HUNTERS TOYS: Look for other Avengers Mech Strike Monster Hunters toys for even more monster-inspired Super Hero action and adventure (Each sold separately. Subject to availability.)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
