Robert Downey Jr. makes villainous debut as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday promo reveal

Marvel fans have been buzzing after reports surfaced that Robert Downey Jr.’s long-rumored transformation into Doctor Doom has finally been teased. According to IGN, promotional art featuring the iconic villain was unveiled at the Walt Disney Marketing Expo in Shanghai, marking the first official glimpse of RDJ in his new role for Avengers: Doomsday.

Outside the expo venue, large-scale art showcased Doom in all his menacing glory. Social media users shared posts on X claiming that merchandise tied to Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man: Brand New Day was also on display, signaling Marvel’s push to build anticipation across its expanding slate. Several attendees even captured footage of laser projections showing close-ups of Doctor Doom—depicting him both seated on his throne and standing, radiating an ominous presence. The visuals reportedly concluded with logos for some of Marvel’s biggest franchises, including Avengers, Black Panther, Fantastic Four, and X-Men, hinting at the crossover scale of the upcoming saga.

The expo reveal builds on Marvel’s earlier tease of Doom’s arrival. Fans will recall the post-credits scene from The Fantastic Four: First Steps, where audiences caught the briefest of hints. In that clip, Doom appeared only from behind, interacting with Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s son, Franklin. While his face was never revealed, the moment was enough to spark speculation that Robert Downey Jr. had been cast in the pivotal role.

Now, with promotional imagery reportedly confirming it, the excitement has skyrocketed. Downey Jr., who previously defined an era of the MCU as Tony Stark/Iron Man, stepping into the mantle of one of Marvel’s greatest villains marks a massive shift both for the actor and for the franchise.