Director James Gunn recently discussed Robert Downey Jr.‘s casting as Doctor Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Gunn, known for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy and the upcoming Superman: Legacy, shared his thoughts on the decision.
James Gunn says casting Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom ‘was a smart move’
James Gunn recently opened up about Robert Downey Jr. joining the MCU as Doctor Doom in an appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast. Gunn called it “a smart move,” adding, “I was excited about it. And I also love Robert, so I think that’s cool. I think it’s a great idea. I think there’s nobody better than him.”
Marvel revealed Downey’s casting as the villain Victor von Doom at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, surprising many fans. He explained that Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige approached him with the idea, calling Feige “a creative thinker” (via The Direct). Gunn’s positive response highlights his belief in Downey’s ability to bring depth to the character, much like he did with Iron Man in the MCU.
Gunn, known for his successful casting choices, drew a comparison between his own experience and Feige’s. Both now lead major franchises—Gunn at DC Studios and Feige at Marvel.
The director has previously discussed Downey’s influence on casting. While casting Chris Pratt as Star-Lord for Guardians of the Galaxy, Gunn noted that Downey’s portrayal of Iron Man inspired him. He sought an actor who could bring something unique to the role and “take it beyond what was on the page” (via Slash Film).
With Superman set for release in July 2025, Gunn will likely face competition from Downey’s portrayal of Doctor Doom in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which premieres shortly after in 2026. Fans eagerly anticipate the next chapters in these iconic cinematic universes, and both films are poised to dominate headlines.
