Welcome to a new edition of “What if … ?” in the Hollywood Edition. Today we take a look at Robert Downey Jr., whose name is firmly linked with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He made his superhero debut in 2008 as Tony Stark aka Iron Man – and with considerable success.
Iron Man became the cornerstone of the biggest film franchise of our time. Deadpool & Wolverine, the 32nd (!) spin-off, will be released in cinemas in a few days. In another part of the multiverse, the MCU may not even exist. Because Downey Jr. has already been four years before Iron Man cast in another Marvel role.
Before Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. auditioned for the role of villain Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four
In a video special released in 2023 to mark the 15th anniversary of Iron Man, director Jon Favreau revealed that Downey Jr. was in talks for the Fantastic Four film long before any MCU plans. The Dr. Dolittle star auditioned for the role of Villain Doctor Doom.
20th Century Studios
Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four
Ultimately, Downey Jr. was not chosen. Marvel chose US-Australian actor Julian McMahon, who is known for the biting medical series Nip/Tuck and the crime drama FBI: Most Wanted. McMahon also appeared in the sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of The Silver Surfer.
We will probably never know how Downey Jr. would have come across as Doctor Doom, unless Marvel boss Kevin Feige arranges a Cameo of the mega star. The thought experiment is still exciting: What if this casting had actually become reality?
Downey Jr. would never have played Iron Man. Instead, he would have helped Fantastic Four become a billion-dollar hit, so we are now talking about a crossover between the Superhero movies from the 2000s – Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man, Eric Bana’s Hulk and the Fantastic Four battling Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.
When will the next Marvel movie be released in theaters?
The next Marvel film to hit the big screen is Deadpool & Wolverine. July 24, 2024 Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have fun in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And who knows which characters from old, forgotten Marvel films will appear in it. Thanks to the multiverse, anything is possible.