Robert Downey Jr. is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday, but this time stepping into the role of Victor von Doom, a.k.a. Doctor Doom. While the plot for Avengers: Doomsday remains tightly under wraps, Marvel has started dropping hints about the former Iron Man star’s comeback. According to Bleeding Cool, Marvel will reprint the iconic Iron Man series Infamous Iron Man by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev, but with a twist—it’s getting a new subtitle, The Rise of Doom, with marketing directly tying into Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom in the upcoming film.
Iron Man's very own Robert Downey Jr. returns as Doctor Victor Von Doom (you read that right!) in Marvel Studios' Avengers: Doomsday, in theaters December 18, 2026. The Marvel Universe's greatest villain is no stranger to armor, but now he's trying something new on for size: heroism. And where Tony Stark failed, Doom will succeed. But what is Victor's master plan?
That's what a great number of folks want to know — including Ben Grimm, Pepper Potts and the other Iron Man: Riri Williams! In his heroic quest, Doom faces a cosmic-level adversary — and his most mortal enemy, whom he thought he would never see again! But what is the shocking truth behind Victor's reincarnated mother? With enemies on all sides, how can Victor continue to carry on the legacy of Iron Man when the legacy of Doom haunts him at every turn?
The reprinted collection, featuring the entire 12-issue run, will be available as of July 14, 2026, nearly five months before Avengers: Doomsday opens in theaters. It's currently available for pre-order at $19.99.
After wrapping filming on September 19, 2025, Avengers: Doomsday is gearing up to drop its first trailer this month, premiering with previews of Avatar: Fire & Ash and offering a real glimpse at the big Phase 6 chapter. The footage is expected to tease more about Downey Jr.’s take on Doctor Doom. With Marvel reprinting Infamous Iron Man, it’s worth recalling how Downey Jr. said, “New mask, same task,” at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 when announcing his role as Doom in the next Avengers films. The Rise of Doom may hint that the MCU is drawing from Victor’s unique portrayal in the comics. If his Doctor Doom sees himself as a hero instead of a villain and multiverse threat, it raises the stakes even higher, especially with possible major deaths in Doomsday leading into Avengers: Secret Wars.
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