Marvel Studios announced a new title for The Fantastic Four, Avengers: Secret Wars, and Avengers Doomsday are announced, and Robert Downey Jr has been cast as Doctor Doom!
At San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios made significant announcements regarding the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Their return to Hall H was met with great excitement as they unveiled new footage from the highly anticipated film “Captain America: Brave New World.“ Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, also revealed that Giancarlo Esposito would be portraying Sidewinder in the upcoming movie.
The presentation showcased exciting footage of Harrison Ford’s President Ross changing into Red Hulk in front of the White House. Kevin Feige quickly shifted focus to “Thunderbolts“ and surprised the audience with a thrilling preview of the film’s first trailer. However, the most groundbreaking moments came with the next series of announcements, sending ripples of excitement through the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS
During the event, director Matt Shakman and stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn were invited to the stage. In an exciting update, Feige revealed that the title of THE FANTASTIC FOUR has been changed. With the film commencing filming this coming Tuesday, the official title treatment was confirmed, and the film is now titled THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS.
During the event, attendees enjoyed an exclusive sizzle reel for The Fantastic Four. Pedro Pascal played Mr. Fantastic, hosting a children’s science TV show with Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm. Joseph Quinn portrayed Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach played Ben Grimm. The period footage preserved a classic 1.33:1 aspect ratio. It was shot on 16mm stock, adding an authentic vintage feel—until an iconic Marvel villain, Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, made a shock appearance.
Lastly, it was announced that Michael Giacchino, famous for his soundtracks for Spider-Man: No Way Home, The Batman, and the Jurassic World saga, would provide the score.
THE AVENGERS RETURN!
The event then shifted its focus to the future of the Avengers, signaling a monumental change in the game. It was officially announced that the Russo Brothers would be at the helm to direct the following two Avengers films. Renowned for Infinity War and Endgame, the dynamic duo will take charge of AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY and AVENGERS: SECRET WARS. However, the excitement doesn’t end there! In a jaw-dropping revelation, Robert Downey Jr. was unveiled as the iconic Marvel supervillain Victor Von Doom.
NEW MASK, SAME TASK
Downey Jr. is regarded as the messiah of the MCU after his tenure as Iron Man. So his shock casting as Doctor Doom was highly unexpected. Doctor Doom’s casting confirms the end of the road for Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors. After a series of controversies came to light, the studio swiftly dropped the actor and pivoted away from his infamous villain.
The unveiling of Downey Jr.’s new role has sparked significant controversy among fans. Opinions are divided, with many fans viewing the portrayal as a disservice to the supervillain character, while others applaud the decision. There is growing speculation that the character may be a variant of Tony Stark from the Multiverse. Nevertheless, it seems fitting that the MCU’s greatest hero has now become its greatest villain.
RELEASE
In addition to confirming Downey Jr.’s involvement, Feige revealed that The Fantastic Four will play a significant role in both upcoming Avengers movies. Despite not appearing in the MCU, Marvel’s first family will be thrust into the spotlight from the start. It seems fitting that the Fantastic Four will promptly join the Avengers to confront their long-standing nemesis.
But which heroes will line up beside them to take on Doctor Doom? Will Wade Wilson and Logan join the team after their jaw-dropping efforts in DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE? Will Spider-Man swing into action and reenact the classic Marvel Comics? All will be revealed when AVENGERS DOOMSDAY and AVENGERS: SECRET WARS arrive in cinemas in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
What do you think of Roberts Downey Jr.’s casting as Victor Von Doom? Is Marvel about to alter the character forever as a variant of Tony Stark? Sound off in the comments section below.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
