Robert Downey Jr. Teases Doctor Doom Role in Avengers: Doomsday with Subtle On-Set Photo

May 14, 2025: With nearly a year to go until the release of Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday, actor Robert Downey Jr. has already ignited a frenzy of speculation with a subtle but telling on-set photo. The image, recently shared online, shows Downey holding My Next Breath, a memoir by fellow Avenger Jeremy Renner, while standing in front of what appears to be his trailer.

But what really caught fans’ attention was the background — a poster of Doctor Doom, emblazoned with a cryptic sign reading: “Do Not Knock … Trust Yourself.” The poster and message have sparked a wave of buzz, hinting at Downey’s confirmed new role as the iconic Marvel villain.

The 60-year-old actor, beloved for his portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man since 2008, is now set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a dramatically different light — as the infamous Doctor Doom. The casting, announced earlier this year, was both surprising and widely praised, with many calling it a bold move that could redefine the next phase of the MCU.

Downey captioned the photo:
“Reading Renner’s book and feeling stronger already…what a journey to wisdom…very instructive…a must read!”

Fans quickly noted the significance of the gesture — not only as a nod to Jeremy Renner, whose future in the MCU remains uncertain, but also as a sign of Downey’s full embrace of this next chapter. Renner, who portrays Hawkeye, was notably absent from the Avengers: Doomsday six-hour cast reveal, though producers noted not all actors were present at the event, leaving room for surprise appearances.

While Marvel has yet to release an official image of Downey in full Doctor Doom costume, this photo alone has been enough to keep speculation alive and anticipation high. With filming underway, fans are clinging to every clue and hoping for more reveals soon.

Until then, Robert Downey Jr.’s quiet transformation from Iron Man to Doom is proving to be one of the most talked-about moves in superhero cinema — and one that could change the future of the MCU forever.