Hayley Atwell is confident in Robert Downey Jr.'s playing Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. The decision was one of Marvel's boldest yet. While some embraced it, others criticized the studio for casting the same actor who was the MCU's greatest hero as one of its most iconic villains, and even went as far as to call the move lazy. After all, he played the role of Iron Man for more than a decade.

However, the unexpected casting has many fans eager to see how the actor reinvents himself as one of Marvel's most complex and formidable antagonists. If anything, Atwell has also weighed in, sharing a few reassuring words for fans about Downey Jr.'s new role.

Hayley Atwell, who attended Comic-Con 2026, spoke about working with Robert Downey Jr., recalling how kind he has always been to everyone on set. She also appreciated him as a natural leader and praised his commitment to playing the role of Doctor Doom. And while the actress admitted that casting was indeed a bold move, she believes that Downey Jr. could make a difference.

“You’re taking a big swing turning him into Doom but if there’s one person who can get away with it - it's Downey,” she told Discussing Film.

And she might be right about her opinion. The role is one of the biggest challenges of Downey Jr.'s career, demanding that he leave behind the heroic persona that defined the MCU and transform into one of Marvel's most iconic villains. It also allows him to do something audiences have never seen from him before.

And if anyone can pull off that transformation, it could be Downey Jr. Interestingly, the casting is also a full circle. He was reportedly considered for the role of Doctor Doom in 2005's Fantastic Four, years before he was cast as Iron Man. While Julian McMahon ultimately played the role, Downey Jr. finally has his chance to show his talent as Doctor Doom.

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Now, not just Doctor Doom, Atwell also had much to say about her own character, Peggy, and her connection with Steve Rogers.

Hayley Atwell is returning to reprise her role as Peggy Carter for Avengers: Doomsday. While speaking to Discussing Film, she revealed how her character’s love for Steve Rogers is essential in their story. While she did not reveal much about her character’s role in the film, Atwell shared a few hints.

"I think it's really touching to me that their love story is an enduring one," she said. "You can't really have Steve without Peggy, or without the longing for Peggy."

Atwell also revealed that her motivation for returning as Peggy Carter was the chance to explore a new side of the character, adding that Peggy has evolved much in the upcoming film. While her views on the character have occasionally sparked debate among fans, the actress has never shied away from sharing her honest opinions, just as she did when defending Robert Downey Jr.'s casting. Whether the actor ultimately succeeds in pulling off Marvel's biggest gamble, however, is something remain

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What do you think about Hayley Atwell's opinion? Let us know in the comments.