ICYMI: Marvel brings back Robert Downey Jr. at Comic-Con, Fantastic Four movie receives title

By Dan Girolamo Published July 29, 2024

Robert Downey Jr. smirks as the camera while holding a Doom mask. — Robert Downy Jr. / Instagram

Robert Downey Jr. is back in the MCU, but not in the role you think.

Over the weekend, Kevin Feige hit the stage for Marvel’s Comic-Con panel in Hall H to discuss the studio’s upcoming film slate. Feige saved his best surprise for last, announcing the next two Avengers films — Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars — would be directed by the Russo Brothers, with Robert Downey Jr. headling as the villainous Victor Von Doom, a.k.a. Doctor Doom.

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“Ladies and gentlemen, as proof of the unimaginable in the Marvel multi-universe, we give you the one person who could play Victor Von Doom,” Joe Russo said before Downey dressed as Doom stepped to the front of the stage and unmasked himself to the thunderous applause. Downey was the backbone of the MCU for over a decade as Tony Stark/Iron Man before his character died in Avengers: Endgame. Now, Downey plays Doctor Doom, the next major villain in the MCU.

Avengers: Doomsday will be released on May 1, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars will hit theaters on May 7, 2027.

Presenting Victor Von Doom.

Robert Downey Jr. stars in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, in theaters May 2026. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/xWQx9owZjG

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 28, 2024

Before the Avengers news, Feige spoke about several Marvel 2025 films, including The Fantastic Four, which will be titled The Fantastic Four: First Steps. A concept reel for The Fantastic Four: First Steps was shown to the audience, with stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach joining Feige onstage. The footage confirmed the film’s 1960s New York City futuristic setting.

The first two presentations during the Marvel panel belonged to Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts*. The next Captain America installment comes out on February 14, 2025, while Thunderbolts* premieres on May 2, 2025.

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Marvel’s Kevin Feige reveals plans for two panels at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

Kevin Feige holds a microphone onstage at Comic-Con.

Marvel Studios is heading back to San Diego Comic-Con 2024 after skipping last year's event due to the actors' strike. Marvel will hold its traditional Hall H panel on Saturday, July 27. However, Marvel will host a special Thursday panel in honor of Deadpool & Wolverine.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige spoke to Deadline about the Thursday panel titled, "Marvel Studios: The Ultimate Deadpool & Wolverine Celebration of Life," and which stars will be there.

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6 reasons why Robert Downey Jr. needs to return as Iron Man

Rob

Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man remains one of the most beloved superheroes ever to grace the silver screen. Though Tony Stark sacrificed himself in Avengers: Endgame (one of the best Marvel movies ever), some fans are hopeful that he will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe at some point during its ongoing Multiverse Saga.

Though it seems unnecessary for this character to return following such a satisfying conclusion to his heroic journey, here's a list of reasons why RDJ should return to the MCU as Iron Man.
He could appear as a villain

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Don’t let these 3 hidden March 2025 streaming TV shows fly under your radar

A group of well-dressed people crowd by a doorway, looking shocked in The Residence.

Every month, there's always one, maybe two, new shows that get all the attention. Sometimes, it's a popular show returning with a new season. This March, many less high-profile shows are flying under the radar. You might have heard of these shows but weren't quite sure what they were about or even if they're worth watching.
We suspect that you'll be pleasantly surprised if you give any of these shows your time. Check out an episode or two, and it will likely lead to binging the whole thing. Two of the three series release all season one episodes at once, while the third will tease you with the first two episodes this month. What are these three hidden March 2025 streaming TV shows you shouldn't let fly under your radar? Have a look.
Need more recommendations? Then check out the best new shows to stream this week, as well as the best shows on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, the best shows on Amazon Prime Video, the best shows on Max, and best shows on Disney+.
Deli Boys (March 6)
Deli Boys | Official Trailer | Hulu
Already receiving rave reviews, Deli Boys is a hilarious comedy about two Pakistani American brothers, Mir (Asif Ali) and Raj (Saagar Shaikh), who discover that their father was much more than a convenience store owner. When he suddenly passes, the brothers discover that dear Dad was actually embroiled in a life of crime.
If they don’t want to lose everything their family has worked for, they need to take over as the new crime bosses. But this is not a life they know anything about. As one of the most anticipated Hulu shows of 2025, Deli Boys’ first season delights thanks to its clever one-liners, talented cast, and bizarre storylines.
Stream Deli Boys on Hulu.
The Residence (March 20)
The Residence | Official Trailer | Netflix
The best way to describe The Residence is that it's like Knives Out in the White House with a gender-swapped Benoit Blanc-like character. The lead is Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), an equally eccentric yet brilliant detective who consults with the local police. When the White House chief usher, A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito in a role that was originally supposed to be played by the late Andre Braugher), winds up dead, she’s called in to investigate. A state dinner is going on downstairs with officials from Australia, and Cupp orders that no one leave until she questions all 140+ people present.
The Residence is plenty of fun, mixing the usual whodunit formula with Shonda Rhimes' unique creative flair that will keep you guessing from one episode, even a moment, to the next. Aduba is perfect as Cupp, who combines an oddball personality — including repeatedly birdwatching in the middle of a murder case — with a subtle sarcasm. Through it all, however, she throws down astute observations that teach everyone she knows exactly what she’s doing, even if it doesn’t look like it. If you love the whodunit genre, The Residence won’t disappoint.

Stream The Residence on Netflix.
The Studio (March 26)
The Studio — Official Trailer | Apple TV+
One of Apple TV+’s quieter new show releases is The Studio, which has gotten overwhelmingly positive reception in early reviews. Seth Rogen created and stars in this comedy as Matt Remick, a man who longs to run a Hollywood studio. When he finally realizes this dream, however, the reality of the complicated balancing act of managing budgets, changing economic and societal times, corporate demands, and eccentric actors sinks in.
The Studio has an incredible cast that includes Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, and Kathryn Hahn. There's also a rotating selection of guest stars playing exaggerated versions of themselves to add to the Hollywood feel, from Zac Efron to Martin Scorsese. Early reviews already give The Studio a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, with Slant Magazine’s Ross McIndoe singling out the dark and “more than a little pointed” comedy as the highlight.