Robert Downey Jr. Returning to The MCU as… Doctor Doom?!?

After YEARS of rumors and speculation, Marvel has finally announced Robert Downey Jr.’s return to The MCU. However, he will not return to his iconic role of Tony Stark aka Iron Man. Instead, he will portray Doctor Doom, arguably the biggest villain in Marvel Comics’ history.

Marvel Studios officially revealed Downey’s return during their Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con. It’s arguably the most surprising reveal since Downey was never advertised for any appearance. The actor made a surprise appearance at the end of the MCU panel, telling fans he will see them in Avengers: Doomsday.

Marvel didn’t reveal how Doom will fit into the next phase of the MCU, let alone why Downey is playing him. The actor himself only said “New mask, same task. What can I tell you? I like playing complicated characters.”

We’ll speculate on how Doom fits in during the next Geekville Rado episode.