Robert Downey Jr. to star as Marvel's Doctor Doom in Avengers Doomsday and Secret Wars

Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel superhero universe after five years — but not to play the Iron Man that launched the mega-franchise.

The actor will return as Dr. Victor Von Doom, the iconic villain from the comics that spawned the popular film series.

Downey Jr. is set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, due out in May 2026, and a sequel titled Secret Wars a year later.

The stars joining the Marvel franchise were revealed at Comic Con in San Diego.

Downey Jr. appeared on stage hidden behind the iconic Doctor Doom mask and green cape before revealing himself to the crowd.

Speaking to reporters, he said: “I love playing complex characters.”

The 59-year-old actor was instrumental in launching the Marvel movie universe, starring in his first film, Iron Man, in 2008.

He last appeared in a Marvel movie in Avengers: End Game in 2019.

The American actor won an Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer earlier this year.

Marvel is scheduled to release three more movies in 2025 before the Avengers return to the big screens.

In Captain America: Brave New World, Harrison Ford will replace the late William Hurt as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross.

Florence Pugh will take on a major role in Thunderbolts, while Pedro Pascal will make his Marvel debut in The Fantastic 4: First Steps.

Disney's Marvel franchise has taken $30bn (£23.3bn) at the box office – the first franchise to do so – but profits have slowed in recent years.