The Marvel fan-base was shocked whenRobert Downey Jr.revealed he would be playing Dr. Doom inAvengers: Doomsdayat SDCC,but not nearly as shocked as his MCU co-starJeremy Renner. Renner plays Hawkeye in the MCU, first appearing in Kenneth Brannaugh’sThorback in 2011. Hawkeye and Iron Man (Downey Jr.) first appeared on-screen together in the firstAvengersmovie, and both characters became central to the ‘Infinity Saga’ story arc, culminating inAvengers: Endgame. Despite their long-running friendship (which isas strong off-screenas it is in the movies), Renner knew nothing about his co-star’s return to the MCU.
Speaking toUS Weekly, Renner revealed that he was completely blindsided byRobert Downey Jr.’s surprise appearanceat San Diego Comic Con earlier this month. While the entire Marvel fan base was trying to understand what they had just witnessed, Renner ran straight to his phone to interrogate his friend about the news. The actor said:
“I had no idea. This son of a b*tch didn’t say anything to me, and we’re good friends. We’re good friends. There’s the Avengers family chat. The original six. He said not a peep. I got online and started blowing up his phone like, ‘What’s going on? You’ve been hiding this from us the whole time?’ It’s exciting news. I’m really, really excited about it.”
Not every MCU Star Is Happy About Robert Downey Jr.’s Return
Jeremy Renner is the first of Downey Jr.‘sAvengersco-stars to publicly respond to theIron Manstar’s return. Following Tony Stark’s sacrifice at the end ofAvengers: Endgame, many thought Downey Jr. would break away from his association with the MCU, especially after hefinally won an Oscar forOppenheimer. Considering the close bonds of their friendship, it is likely that the rest of theAvengerscore cast (which includes Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, and Chris Evans) are as equally delighted for their friend.
However, there is one former MCU star who has been left “heartbroken” by Robert Downey Jr.’s return. Jonathan Majors, who portrayed Kang the Conqueror inLokiandAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, was fired from the role after a lengthy court case involving allegations of assault and harassment against a former girlfriend. Majors denies the charges despite thecourt ruling against him. In a recent interview, the actor said he feltsaddened by Kang being replacedwith Dr. Doom in the MCU.
Avengers 5: Will Doctor Doom Be Connected to Iron Man or Is Everyone Overthinking It?
Since Robert Downey Jr. was announced as Doctor Doom, many have assumed he is an Iron Man variant, but the actor might be where any connections end.
The actor also addressed the possibility of returning to the role in the future when speaking withTMZ, saying he would love to if Marvel Studios wanted him back. Majors said:
“Hell yeah! Hell yeah! I love him. I love Kang. If that’s what the fans want, and that’s what Marvel wants, then let’s roll. Hell yeah.”
Joining Robert Downey Jr. in his triumphant return to the MCU are two of the franchise’s most successful directors. Joe and Anthony Russo are responsible for some of the MCU’s biggest financial and critical hits, including the second highest grossing movie of all-time,Avengers: Endgame.The Russos and Downey Jr. are returningto the MCU to direct and star inAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Wars.
