Throw out everything you know about Doctor Doom! A rumor suggests that the character is set to be entirely reinvented for Robert Downey Jr. in Avengers: Doomsday.

There were a lot of mixed reactions when it was first announced that Robert Downey Jr. would be taking on the mantle of Doctor Doom in the MCU. These feelings were only exasperated as the rumor mill suggested that he would be considered the “definitive” version of the character on the silver screen, with many worrying that Avengers: Doomsday will only serve to undercut such a prolific and beloved character from the comics.

Though it seems fans likely won’t have to worry how well Robert Downey Jr. will portray the comic version of Doctor Doom. According to a new rumor from Alex Perez at The Cosmic Circus, Avengers: Doomsday is set to completely reinvent the character for viewing audiences, giving him a similar treatment to Thanos in prior MCU projects.

“The biggest advice I can give everyone [right now] heading into these films is to pretty much erase everything you think you know about Doctor Doom moving forward. Yes, Doom is a massive villain in the comics and in media, but they’re going to give him the Thanos treatment.”

How Avengers: Doomsday Will Change Doctor Doom

This rumor seems to be playing rather literal with the term “Thanos Treatment”. Continuing on with how Avengers: Doomsday will adapt Doctor Doom, Alex Perez revealed that Robert Downey Jr.’s take on the character will be framed in a sympathetic light. While he will unabashedly be the antagonist of the film, it seems that there may be a reason he’s putting incursions into place.

“He’ll be presented as the antagonist to the Avengers, sure. But the way they do it is going to make it seem as though Doom has a point in what he’s doing. So much so that it’ll make you question whether Doom is the villain, or if he’s actually the hero.”

Of course, comic fans will be quick to point out that Avengers: Doomsday isn’t doing anything new by making Doctor Doom correct in his arguments, even if not his methods. Yet this rumor does show that the MCU does plan to radically change the character for his role in the multiverse saga, perhaps providing some hope that the villain could be recast following Robert Downey Jr.’s time in the part.

Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters in May 2026. Stay tuned for the latest news regarding the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content!