Anthony and Joe Russo recently disclosed that Robert Downey Jr. is heavily immersed in writing Doctor Doom’s backstory for the upcoming movie Avengers: Doomsday. Downey Jr.’s casting as the iconic villain in Marvel was announced at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2024. The Oppenheimer actor is set to portray Doctor Doom in Avengers 5 and 6.
Joe Russo says Robert Downey Jr. is writing Dr. Doom’s backstory, pitching costumes
Directors Anthony and Joe Russo recently sat down for an interview with Entertainment Tonight to promote their upcoming movie The Electric State. During the conversation, the focus shifted to the Russos’ upcoming Marvel projects, with the journalist asking about Robert Downey Jr.’s approach to preparing for the role of Doctor Doom. Joe Russo explained, “It’s a very intense process developing the character…He is so immersed in it. He is so dialed in.”
He further revealed that Downey Jr. is “writing backstory [and sharing] costume ideas” for his character. The director added, “We were just on the phone with him this morning before we got here talking about it…He just loves really rich, three-dimensional characters. I think he sees a real opportunity here with that character.”
While discussing their ambitions for the movie recently with GamesRadar+, Joe Russo said, “We want to beat those younger versions of ourselves. We have to be, right? Because we have to outdo those movies (Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame) in a way, or we at least have to take you on an equally engaging journey.”
Furthermore, Anthony Russo chimed in, referring to the upcoming Avengers movies as “an incredible opportunity” for them and the audiences. He stated that they are working “to deliver the experience everyone…hopes for.”
Notably, Doomsday is expected to be released in theaters in May 2026, followed by Secret Wars in May 2027.
Originally reported by Ishita Verma on SuperHeroHype.
