Robert Downey Jr. has opened up about the enormous expectations surrounding his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom, acknowledging the challenge of helping Avengers: Doomsday live up to the legacy of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

The actor's comeback has been one of the most talked-about developments in Marvel's Multiverse Saga. After defining the MCU for more than a decade as Tony Stark, Downey is now preparing to return in an entirely different role.

With Avengers: Doomsday positioned as the franchise's next major crossover event, the pressure to deliver has become a topic of conversation not only among fans but also among the filmmakers and actors leading the project.

During a recent discussion about Marvel's past and future, Robert Downey Jr. reflected on what made Infinity War successful and why that lesson remains relevant as he prepares to step back into the MCU as Victor Von Doom, one of Marvel's most iconic villains.

"I think Doomsday, more than any (film) so far... just because I've now realized our tendency to be telling the story of the world while hiding behind the fact that, 'No, we're just telling superhero movies that you can enjoy!' But you're only as good as your bad guy," Downey said.

Speaking to CBR during a conversation centered on Avengers: Infinity War, the actor connected that philosophy directly to Doomsday, noting how much of the success of the 2018 blockbuster was tied to Josh Brolin's portrayal of Thanos.

That comparison carries significant weight. Infinity War was largely driven by Thanos' quest to collect the Infinity Stones, with Earth's mightiest heroes spending most of the film reacting to his actions rather than controlling the narrative. For many fans, the villain's presence elevated the story and helped make the film one of Marvel's defining achievements.

As a result, expectations surrounding Doctor Doom are exceptionally high. Downey is not only returning to the MCU after Iron Man's emotional farewell, but he is also stepping into a role that many believe must become the defining antagonist of Marvel's next era.

The challenge extends beyond simply introducing a new villain. For years, Thanos served as the narrative backbone of the Infinity Saga, appearing across multiple projects before finally taking center stage in Infinity War and Endgame. 

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Unlike Thanos, however, Doom arrives with decades of comic-book history and a reputation as one of Marvel's most layered antagonists. Balancing those expectations while also redefining the character for a new generation of moviegoers is part of what makes Downey's return such a high-profile undertaking.

Robert Downey Jr. also acknowledged the difficulty of following two films that reshaped blockbuster storytelling. Reflecting on his preparation for Doctor Doom, he explained that he tries to understand the bigger creative vision before focusing on his own performance.

"There are so many big shoes to step into that I just have to go, 'What hasn't been done as well as it can be done yet?' We're always looking for that opportunity," he said.

The actor added that extensive work has gone into ensuring Doomsday feels like a meaningful evolution rather than simply an attempt to recreate past successes. According to Downey, the film's structure and character dynamics are central to that effort.

The challenge is amplified by the fact that Marvel's Multiverse Saga has already undergone significant changes behind the scenes. Following the studio's original plans for Kang the Conqueror as the saga's central threat, Doomsday now carries the responsibility of establishing Doctor Doom as the franchise's next defining villain while keeping the larger narrative on course.

Joe Russo echoed those sentiments during the same discussion, admitting that Doomsday and Secret Wars have been especially challenging because expectations continue to grow with every Marvel event film. The filmmaker described the upcoming story as one of the most emotionally complex projects he and his brother have tackled within the MCU.

For Marvel Studios, that may ultimately be the key challenge. Avengers: Doomsday is not simply another superhero movie. It is being tasked with carrying forward the legacy of Infinity War and Endgame while introducing a new central villain and a new direction for the franchise and a mission that also highlights the crucial role its returning MCU veterans will play.

Whether Doctor Doom can become the next great MCU antagonist remains to be seen, but Downey's comments make one thing clear: everyone involved understands exactly how high the stakes have become.

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Do you think Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom can match the impact that Josh Brolin's Thanos had on Infinity War and Endgame? Let us know in the comments.