PETALING JAYA, July 28 — Actor Robert Downey Jr. is set to make a major comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

At the highly anticipated Marvel Studios Hall H Presentation at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) today, Marvel Studios announced that Downey will return — in the role of Doctor Doom for the upcoming Avengers films.

Downey, who bid farewell to his iconic role as Iron Man in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, will now appear in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty has been officially retitled Avengers: Doomsday that will be released in May 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars, that's set to follow a year later in May 2027, presumably ending the Multiverse Saga.

This announcement comes after Downey's Oscar win for his role in Oppenheimer.

While it's unlikely that Downey will be seen on screen as Doom, the move marks a significant shift in the MCU.

The character of Doctor Doom is expected to play a pivotal role in these upcoming films, potentially dealing with Kang’s Variants before seeking to impose his rule over the Multiverse.

The films will be directed by Joe and Anthony Russo who also mark their return to the franchise, after Avengers: Endgame.

Stephen McFeely will pen both the scripts, though he will be working without his usual co-writer, Christopher Markus.