Instead of Iron Man: Robert Downey Jr. Almost Played Legendary Marvel Villain

It has been 15 years since the beginning of the MCU with "Iron Man." On the occasion of this anniversary, director Jon Favreau and producer Kevin Feige reflected on the start and revealed what could have been different...

In a video released by Marvel, "Iron Man" director Jon Favreau and MCU mastermind Kevin Feige look back on the first film of their franchise. 15 years ago, it all began with "Iron Man." A significant part of their conversation naturally revolves around the casting of the lead role. Because for many, the character Tony Stark, alias Iron Man, is now inseparable from Robert Downey Jr.

Favreau reveals that Feige and Marvel were already familiar with Downey Jr., as they had previously met with him for a villain role in another film:

"You all had already met with him for Doctor Doom or something in another project. I think he had auditioned for 'Fantastic Four.'"

ROBERT DOWNEY JR. AS DOCTOR DOOM IN "FANTASTIC FOUR"?

Favreau is referring to Tim Story's "Fantastic Four" from 2005, in which Kevin Feige and his Marvel team were already involved. In the end, however, the role of Doctor Doom went to Julian McMahon instead of the also considered Robert Downey Jr. – a stroke of luck for Marvel fans.

Because, of course, it would have been possible for an actor from that non-MCU project to still have a role in the MCU afterward – the best proof of this is Chris Evans, who played Johnny Storm in "Fantastic Four" and then went on to portray Captain America in the MCU. However, immediately following "Fantastic Four" and the 2007 sequel "Rise of the Silver Surfer," it would have been highly unlikely, especially for such an important role that was meant to lay the foundation for an entire franchise.

By the way, the Fantastic Four and possibly the villain Doctor Doom will soon make their way into the MCU. A "Fantastic Four" film directed by Matt Shakman ("WandaVision") is set to be released on February 12, 2025. Casting is currently underway, and it is expected that Marvel will officially announce the cast at Comic-Con San Diego from July 20 to 23, 2023 – although rumors are already circulating. There have been reports that Adam Driver is allegedly being considered to play Reed Richards.

Doctor Doom could also appear, and there have been rumors that he will be introduced as a major villain for the entire MCU beforehand. There have been repeated claims that he would be seen in post-credit scenes of films, but each time, these rumors turned out to be false.