Kevin Feige has confirmed that Doctor Doom is not a variant of Tony Stark in Avengers: Doomsday.
When speaking with Empire Magazine, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige debunked the popular fan theory that Doctor Doom and Tony Stark have a shared connection in the multiverse. Fans have speculated that Doom is a “variant” of Stark, since Robert Downey Jr. plays both characters. Variants are other versions of a character across the multiverse. We’ve seen this with the three Spider-Men, Wolverine, and Loki, so naturally, some fans thought this may all be an elaborate way to explain how Robert Downey Jr. is also playing Doom… turns out, it’s not.
“Is Steve Rogers a Johnny Storm variant?” asked Feige. “People wondered, ‘Is Doom just a variant of another character? Is this just a shortcut to bringing back another character?’ The answer is no. He’s Victor Von Doom.”
As for what Doom’s whole deal is, the creative team behind the film teased what kind of energy he brings and why he is the way he is. The Russo Brothers, who are directing the film, teased that Doom has lost a child, is a “victim of trauma” and has a greater ego than Thanos. They also noted that he’s a pretty terrifying presence.
“Doom is a Gothic character,” said director Joe Russo. “He says, ‘Hell answers to me,’ and he’s not kidding. He’s a very powerful character with some very dark magic, and he’s not above selling his soul to get what he wants. He’s worth being scared of.”
Robert Downey Jr. also noted that he was excited to lean into being a villain this time around, and suggested that Doom’s plans have a tremendous scope to them.
“I like a bit of scorched earth,” teases Downey Jr. “Whatever you think he may be entertaining, I would ten times it, and you’ll probably be closer to the ballpark.”
There’s still a lot that we don’t know about the film, which is just a little over a month away from being released. A recent listing on the WGA’s website credited Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds for contributing to the film’s script, which seems to suggest Wolverine and Deadpool may be in the film. Additionally, Marvel confirmed earlier this week that Scarlet Witch will also return in Avengers: Doomsday, though seemingly under the control of Doom himself.
Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18.
