Robert Downey Jr. has long since been the talk of the superhero town. With an exit as grand as the one he had given in the last few minutes of Avengers: Endgame, there were very few who could say with any surety that Iron Man would be making a return at all. But if there is anyone, it is Robert Downey Jr. who could be expected to have a throne carved out all for himself in the MCU. And this time, he has competition and it seems a little...ice-y. 

Granted, the MCU has a fanbase that is unrivaled, but it if often misunderstood that before there even came a world-ending threat by a stone-headed monster, there was an ice age that the earth had survived.

The wait is over: Marvel Studios’ much-anticipated next Avengers installment, Avengers: Doomsday and Robert Downey Jr.'s historic return to the field as Dr. Doom, and the latest sequel in the Ice Age saga, Ice Age 6, are set to premiere on December 18, 2026. This unexpected scheduling decision has sent shockwaves through both onlookers and industry analysts. After the 2023 bash, for the first time, two wildly different yet universally adored franchises will battle for box office supremacy, promising a spectacle that could be written down under the Barbenheimer category.

The decision to release these blockbusters simultaneously has sparked debates among industry experts. Some argue that the move will maximize audience turnout, as fans of both franchises will flock to theaters, potentially leading to record revenues. Others worry about cannibalising ticket sales, as viewers may be forced to choose between the two. The studios involved, however, remain confident, banking on the unique appeal of each film to draw in distinct but overlapping audiences. And with Dr. Doom as a potential weapon against this lock of horns, Ice Age 6 stands with an army of 2000s babies with it. 

Robert Downey Jr. Just Spoiled 'Thunderbolts*' for Millions, Fans Are Visibly Angry

Robert Downey Jr. might be playing it off with nonchalance, but deep down, there might be a certain tale of adventure that he might be missing?                                                                                                                                                                

The trustworthy Daniel RPK on X, had revealed news that could have had the audiences mourning for the loss of a legend, had there not been the reprise character Dr. Doom to look forward to and rejoice for. Robert Downey Jr. reportedly turned down the role of Poseidon in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film, The Odyssey, to reprise his iconic role in Marvel’s upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. According to insider Daniel Richtman, Nolan envisioned Downey Jr. as the sea god, which would have reunited him with Tom Holland and built on their successful collaboration in Oppenheimer. However, Marvel’s offer, both creatively and possibly financially, proved irresistible.

  Ultimately, Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday marks a bold new chapter for the MCU, proving that his presence alone can redefine expectations and box office battles. While the showdown with Ice Age 6 highlights the diversity of today’s cinematic landscape, Robert Downey Jr.’s star power and Marvel’s storytelling ambition ensure that audiences will be treated to a truly unforgettable summer. With fan bases equaling armies, aided by years of nostalgia and loyalty, an impact is the least of what is expected to ensue.  

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What side are you going to be on, Avengers: Doomsday or Ice Age 6? Let us know in the comments below!