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Possibly the biggest news of San Diego Comic Con has just dropped at the Marvel Studios panel in Hall H (liveblogged by Popverse's very own Graeme McMillan). Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Not as Iron Man, mind you, but as classic comics villain Doctor Doom for the fifth Avengers movie Avengers: Doomsday. 

"If we're going to bring Victor Von Doom to the screen, he is one of the most complex characters to the screen," says Joe Russo, "we're going to need the greatest actor in the world to play that character."

And, of course, the room erupted into cheers and applause and screams as Downey Jr. stepped on stage. "What can I tell you? I like playing complicated characters," Downey said to the crowd. 

"New mask," says Downey. "Same task."

Avengers: Doomsday opens in theaters May 1, 2026.

Popverse has assembled everything you need to know about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from our MCU watch order to a guide to upcoming Marvel movies and TV shows. Plus, we've taken the time to rank the entire MCU and compile the biggest outstanding questions from Marvel's connected films. Enjoy.