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Julian McMahon, known for his portrayal of Doctor Doom in the 2000s Fantastic Four films, has expressed his enthusiasm for Robert Downey Jr.'s upcoming role in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
In an interview with Screen Rant, McMahon remarked, “It’s Robert, you know what I mean? What can you say? His body of work speaks for itself. He’s an incredibly talented individual, and I truly enjoy watching his performances.”
The Evolution of Doctor Doom and the MCU
Reflecting on his time in the Fantastic Four films, McMahon noted the stark contrast between the Fox-produced era and today’s expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) under Kevin Feige. He described the earlier Fantastic Four films as a period of experimentation, where the team struggled to find the right tone.
“When we made those movies years ago, we were at the forefront of many developments. We were navigating through a variety of themes, attempting to determine the appropriate tone for our film," McMahon explained. "Was it aimed at children? Was it more family-oriented? Should it lean towards comedy or delve into deeper themes? We were exploring all these aspects while filming.”
He continued, “With Robert Downey Jr. being one of the most innovative talents of our time, combined with today’s filmmaking capabilities, I believe what we’re going to see will be truly remarkable.”
Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in Marvel Phase 6
McMahon originally played Victor von Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). Since then, the iconic villain has been absent from live-action until the recent confirmation that Robert Downey Jr. will return to the MCU—not as Iron Man, but as Doctor Doom.
Downey Jr. is expected to appear in both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, slated for 2027, alongside characters from Thunderbolts and the new Fantastic Four. Rumors also suggest a possible cameo in this year’s Fantastic Four, though no official confirmation has been made.
With Marvel Phase 6 approaching, the return of Doctor Doom—especially with an actor of Downey Jr.'s caliber—has fans eager to see what the future holds.