The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is heading into a pivotal year in 2025, with three major films slated for release and several highly anticipated TV shows arriving on Disney Plus. As the studio works to wrap up The Multiverse Saga, fans and critics alike are dissecting what has been a rocky chapter in the franchise’s history. With the introduction of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, the MCU is leaning into nostalgia to bridge its troubled past with an uncertain future.
The Multiverse Wobbles as Kang Stumbles
Marvel’s grand plan for The Multiverse Saga faced an unexpected challenge with the legal troubles of Jonathan Majors, who was set to portray Kang, the franchise’s next major antagonist. This created a void in a story arc built around Kang’s dominance, leaving Marvel scrambling to find an alternative. Enter Doctor Doom, one of the comic world’s most iconic villains, now played by none other than Robert Downey Jr.
This announcement sparked both skepticism and intrigue. Fans wondered how Downey, forever associated with his role as Tony Stark, would tackle a darker, more sinister character. But as Marvel reshuffles its deck, leaning into a familiar face might just be the emotional jolt the franchise needs to regain its footing.
Avengers Assemble… Sort Of
One major question looms: who exactly are the Avengers in this era of the MCU? Unlike previous phases, where the team was well-established, there’s currently a lack of clarity around the lineup. Anthony Mackie’s Captain America seems like a lock, and legacy heroes like Hulk and Hawkeye may return, but the next-generation Avengers remain undefined.
This uncertainty has led some to question whether the “Avengers” name is merely a marketing tactic now, used to signal large-scale team-ups rather than a cohesive group. Still, fans are eager to see the brand return, even if it serves primarily as a banner for big-budget superhero spectacles like Avengers: DOOMSDAY and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Theories About Doctor Doom’s MCU Role
A leaked plot for The Fantastic Four: First Steps offers tantalizing hints about how Doctor Doom may factor into The Multiverse Saga. According to the leak, the Fantastic Four originates from Earth-616 (the primary MCU timeline) but becomes stranded in an alternate universe. In this universe, a variant of Tony Stark exists—one who has been broken by tragedy.
This Stark variant, living in a reality where the Avengers were wiped out or Thanos’ snap was never reversed, could be the perfect setup for Doctor Doom. Grief and desperation might push him toward manipulating the multiverse in a misguided attempt to regain control and save his loved ones. It’s a storyline that mirrors the tragic arcs of characters like Wanda Maximoff, adding emotional weight to Doom’s villainy.
Is There Enough Time to Build Doctor Doom’s Story?
One common critique is that Doctor Doom isn’t getting enough buildup as a major villain. However, it’s worth noting that Thanos, despite his central role in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, had minimal screen time leading up to his climactic arc. The same approach could work for Doom, especially if Avengers: DOOMSDAY focuses on establishing him as a credible threat while Secret Wars concludes his story.
Marvel’s use of mid-credits and post-credits scenes to tease characters has been a consistent strategy. It’s likely that Doctor Doom will make appearances in upcoming films between the two Avengers movies, fleshing out his motivations and raising the stakes.
Nostalgia’s Role in Wrapping Up the Multiverse
The return of familiar faces like Chris Evans as Steve Rogers adds another layer of nostalgia to Marvel’s strategy. Imagine a confrontation where Rogers tries to reason with an unhinged Tony Stark variant—one driven to villainy by grief. It’s the kind of emotionally charged moment that could resonate with audiences, offering a fitting farewell to these beloved characters.
These nostalgic beats also serve a practical purpose: they’re a soft landing for fans as Marvel prepares for a post-multiverse MCU. By giving long-time viewers one last chance to see their favorite characters, the studio is easing the transition to a new era.
A Post-Secret Wars Reboot?
Speculation is rife that Secret Wars will act as a hard reset for the MCU, effectively merging the multiverse into a single, streamlined timeline. This would open the door for recasting iconic roles like Iron Man and Captain America, a practice already familiar to comic book fans.
While some fans may balk at the idea of new actors stepping into these roles, the alternative is a stagnant franchise. By rebooting with fresh faces, Marvel can breathe new life into its stories while honoring what came before.
The Future: Mutants and New Heroes
Beyond Secret Wars, Marvel is reportedly gearing up for a Mutant Saga, shifting its focus to the X-Men and other characters who have yet to make their MCU debut. Younger heroes like Spider-Man and Ms. Marvel will likely take center stage, ushering in a new generation of fans.
The challenge will be striking a balance between honoring the legacy of the MCU’s first phases and forging a bold, innovative path forward. But if there’s one thing Marvel has proven, it’s that they know how to take risks—and sometimes, nostalgia is the best risk of all.