How Robert Downey Jr. Can Be Both Tony Stark and the True Doctor Doom in the MCU

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As a long-time Marvel fan who has witnessed the evolution of the MCU since its inception, I must say that the prospect of Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom is nothing short of intriguing. While some might argue that this decision dilutes the villain’s impact, I see it as a brilliant opportunity to explore one of Marvel’s most complex characters in a unique and fresh way.

Since Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe was announced at Comic-Con this year, the response has been mixed. While some fans are thrilled that the franchise’s leading actor is coming back, others are upset because Doctor Doom, who many believe is Marvel’s greatest villain, will just be a Multiversal version of Tony Stark. However, what if the situation is more intricate than that? What if Downey’s portrayal of Doom combines elements of both Tony Stark and Victor von Doom authentically? Here’s how Marvel Studios could and should approach the Doctor Doom aspect when Avengers: Doomsday premieres.

Avengers: Endgame and Captain America: Civil War May Provide the Answer

Through the intricate time travel narrative in “Avengers: Endgame”, it’s clear that Tony Stark was born to Howard and Maria Stark around 1970. However, as depicted in “Captain America: Civil War”, we understand that Tony’s parents were killed by the Winter Soldier in 1991 when Tony was approximately 21 years old. It’s possible that Howard Stark found himself in a precarious situation with Hydra and they sought to eliminate him, potentially so they could gain access to Stark Industries. It’s also plausible that Obadiah Stane, who appeared to be of the same inclination, was working for Hydra at the time. But consider this: what if Tony’s parents were assassinated much earlier in a different timeline?

Picture a situation where Howard and Maria Stark, accompanied by their newborn son Tony, are on a commercial trip to the turbulent nation of Latveria. Remember, Howard was an arms dealer, potentially providing weapons to either Baron Vladimir Fortunov or the local rebels. However, considering his character, it’s more likely he was supplying the rebels. The villainous organization Hydra could send the Winter Soldier earlier in the timeline to eliminate him. But this time, he’s not acting alone; he’s with his wife and child. The human side of the Winter Soldier, who is still Bucky Barnes, may struggle with the idea of killing a child. Instead, he leaves the infant at the doorstep of a local family, the von Dooms. In the eyes of the world, the Stark family perished in an unfortunate accident in Eastern Europe, and no one is searching for baby Tony.

Tony Stark/Victor von Doom: From Riches to Rags to Riches

In essence, while Tony and Victor share the same genetic makeup and inherent intellectual prowess, their upbringing differs significantly due to disparate circumstances. Tony, rechristened as Victor, grew up in stark contrast to his counterpart from the Sacred Timeline. While Tony enjoyed a life of luxury and privilege, Victor was born into poverty and lacked access to the advantages that came with Tony’s upbringing. Despite Tony losing his parents prematurely, he continued to live a carefree life of indulgence as a playboy, unlike Victor von Doom who did not have such luck.

It’s quite plausible that young Victor von Doom, surrounded by the struggles of the Latverians under Baron Fortunov’s rule, grew up resentful and ambitious, yearning to reshape the world according to his desires. As depicted in the comics, he would leverage his genius to eventually seize control of the country, assuming the throne as its ruler. The people of Latveria might even idolize him for liberating them. His adoptive mother could have introduced him to dark magic, granting him an advantage over his comic counterpart who was solely skilled in science. In essence, Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Victor von Doom would closely match the comics, save for the twist that he isn’t Tony Stark’s twin.

“New Mask, Same Task”

Doctor Doom is well-known for his inflated self-worth and his unwillingness to accept anyone surpassing him in ability, often finding himself at odds with Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four in the comics. However, it’s imaginable that he might encounter a version of himself who enjoyed wealth, became a superhero, and sacrificed himself for their reality. This revelation could motivate him to strive for an even greater self, becoming the ultimate embodiment of himself, despite his humble beginnings. As Robert Downey Jr. put it at Comic-Con, “A new mask, but the same mission.” Victor von Doom aims to save the world from its own destructive tendencies, much like Tony Stark attempted with Ultron. Yet, he would approach this task in a much more merciless manner. So if you thought Ultron was menacing, prepare for the wrath of the Doombots.

In more straightforward terms, Robert Downey Jr., who is known as the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has confirmed that he will be portraying Victor von Doom in upcoming movies. This isn’t just a case of Tony Stark adopting the Doom persona temporarily; instead, there seems to be a connection between the two characters that will be addressed in the film. The similarity in their appearances is not coincidental and will likely be explained when “Avengers: Doomsday” is released in 2026.

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2024-08-28 01:02