# Kevin Feige confirms Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Universe
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige shared unprecedented details about the decision to bring Robert Downey Jr. to portray Victor von Doom – the legendary Doctor Doom – right after the actor concluded his Iron Man journey.
## Conversations that never stopped
Feige explained that Marvel kept constant contact with Downey Jr. since the end of the Iron Man saga. *“Robert is rooted in the essence of the MCU for obvious reasons, and we always debated when, how, and if a return would be possible.”*
## The creative spark that became reality
The idea gained momentum about three and a half years ago, when Marvel decided to bring the iconic villain from the pages to the big screen. During that period, Downey Jr.’s success in *Oppenheimer* – and the anticipation of his Oscar – fueled the decision:
– The actor was about to be awarded as “the greatest actor in the world”.
– The team thought: “It’s the perfect moment. Let’s do it.”
## Multiverse: Marvel’s ace up the sleeve
Feige emphasized that the multiverse concept allows this kind of creative daring:
> *“It’s our universe. It’s a multiverse. We can do whatever we want. He played the most iconic hero; now, we’ll see him as the most iconic villain.”*
## What to expect from *Avengers: Doctor Doom*
The film will bring together heroes from three different universes, putting them on a collision course against a brand‑new existential threat. The premiere is set for **December 17** in Brazilian cinemas.
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Source: Entertainment Weekly
