Gwyneth Paltrow recently shared her perspective on Robert Downey Jr’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Robert Downey Jr’s tenure in the MCU concluded dramatically in Avengers: Endgame when his character Iron Man used the infinity stones to defeat Thanos. The immense power required for this heroic act resulted in Tony Stark’s death, marking the end of his journey as one of the franchise’s original characters.
Following his final appearance in Avengers: Endgame in 2019, Downey Jr is set to make a comeback to the MCU.
However, he will not be reprising his role as Iron Man/Tony Stark. Instead, Downey Jr will be stepping into the shoes of a new character.
The actor will portray the villainous Dr. Doom, also known as Victor von Doom, a recurring adversary of the Fantastic Four.
During a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) on Saturday (July 27), Downey Jr revealed that he would take on the role of Dr. Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
After dramatically removing his mask, Downey Jr stated: “New mask… same task. What can I tell ya, I like playing complicated characters.”
Gwyneth Paltrow, who co-starred with Downey Jr in all three Iron Man films, responded to his Instagram post announcing the casting.
Referencing his shift from the heroic Iron Man to the villainous Dr. Doom, she humorously remarked: “I don’t get it, are you a baddie now?”
Paltrow wasn’t the only MCU alum to comment on the post.
Mark Ruffalo, known for playing the Incredible Hulk/Bruce Banner, wrote: “Hey brat, green suits you.”
The Russo Brothers also chimed in, saying: “We’ve always said green is your colour…”
This comment refers to Dr. Doom’s iconic look, which includes a green cloak and a menacing metallic mask.
Currently, the exact way Dr. Doom will be integrated into the MCU remains unclear.
There is, of course, the challenge of Downey Jr already being synonymous with Tony Stark within the franchise.
This could be addressed by never showing Dr. Doom without his mask, or perhaps by introducing him as an alternate version of Stark from the multiverse.
Among those weighing in was actor and comedian Seth Green, who succinctly captured the sentiment by commenting: “I am entertained.”