Robert Downey Jr. posted a striking piece of holiday artwork on Christmas Day, featuring his iconic Iron Man helmet side-by-side with the mask of Doctor Doom, the new character he will play in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The social media post, which has garnered over 683,000 likes, has ignited intense fan speculation about the actor potentially playing dual roles in the next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Christmas illustration shows two festive ornaments designed as the masks of Iron Man and Doctor Doom, set against a split red and green background with the words “Silver & Gold” below. This festive tease follows a similar post from Thanksgiving, where the actor shared art of the two characters’ arms breaking a wishbone.
What the Christmas Artwork Shows
The image shared by Downey is a comic-book style illustration created specifically for the holiday. On the left, a silver ornament shaped like Doctor Doom’s iconic metal mask is set against a green backdrop. On the right, a gold ornament in the form of the original Iron Man helmet pops against a red background. The actor did not include a written caption with his Instagram post, letting the visual speak for itself.
This marks the second time in recent weeks that Downey has fused these two characters in a holiday-themed post. Around Thanksgiving, he shared another piece of art that depicted only the arms of Iron Man and Doctor Doom engaged in the tradition of pulling a wishbone apart—a gesture often associated with good luck.
Fan Reaction and Speculation Run Wild
In the comments section of the Christmas post, fans quickly began theorizing about what the artwork could mean for future Marvel films. Many expressed hope that Downey was hinting at a return to the Iron Man role, even as he prepares to play the villainous Doctor Doom.
“This confirms that they both will be in Avengers DR DOOM & IRONMAN,” one Instagram user wrote.
Another fan commented, “Hope u’re hinting at tony coming back to us”.
The speculation centers on whether Robert Downey Jr. could portray both characters in Avengers: Doomsday or its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars. While his casting as Doctor Doom was officially confirmed at Marvel Studios’ 2024 San Diego Comic-Con presentation, there has been no official word from Marvel about Iron Man’s return.
The Road to Doctor Doom
Robert Downey Jr.‘s journey to playing Doctor Doom represents a dramatic shift for the actor who helped launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He first appeared as Tony Stark in 2008’s Iron Man and concluded his heroic arc with a sacrificial death in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
His casting as the new major villain for the Multiverse Saga came after Marvel Studios pivoted away from the previously established villain, Kang the Conqueror. Audiences got their first brief look at Downey’s version of Doctor Doom in a post-credits scene for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The official synopsis for Avengers: Doomsday describes Doctor Doom as having “evil plans for the Multiverse” and notes he is “a master of cutting-edge science and powerful magic”. This combination of scientific genius and mystical power makes him a formidable threat to the combined forces of the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men.
Will Iron Man Really Return?
The central question among fans is whether Downey will actually reprise his Iron Man role while simultaneously playing Doctor Doom. Some argue that bringing Tony Stark back would undermine the emotional weight and narrative closure of his death in Endgame.
However, the concept of the multiverse provides a plausible narrative pathway. Through alternate realities and variants, a version of Iron Man could appear without resurrecting the original Tony Stark from Earth-616. This would allow for what many fans are hoping to see: a dramatic on-screen confrontation between Doctor Doom and Iron Man, both portrayed by Robert Downey Jr..
The Russo Brothers, who are directing Avengers: Doomsday, have already demonstrated they can handle major character returns convincingly. The film has confirmed the comeback of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America, setting the stage for a reunion of several original Avengers cast members.
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What’s Next for the MCU
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, with its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, following on December 17, 2027. Both films will be directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and are expected to conclude the current Multiverse Saga.
The confirmed cast already includes returning stars like Chris Hemsworth as Thor, alongside new additions from the Fantastic Four such as Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm.
As for Robert Downey Jr.’s role beyond Doomsday, he is also expected to return as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Secret Wars, though it remains unclear if Iron Man will appear in either film. For now, Marvel fans will likely continue scrutinizing every social media post from the actor for clues about his dual Marvel legacy.
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