Marvel fans have certainly grumbled about Doctor Doom's sudden debut in Avengers: Doomsday, but Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige thinks it mirrors the build up of Thanos on the road to Avengers: Infinity War.
"The 'Thanos buildup' has built up in people's heads over the years," Feige offered to Brandon Davis at San Diego Comic-Con. "He sat on a chair at the end of [Guardians of the Galaxy]; he put on a gauntlet and said 'I'll do it myself', and he yelled at Ronan [the Accuser] on a video screen briefly. That was kind of it."
Feige continued, "I remember the memes making fun of Thanos for just sitting in a chair… when we got to Infinity War, we really said this is the introduction of Thanos to people. That's how that movie was built."
Whatever Feige's opinion on Thanos, few would disagree it was a Marvel masterclass in drip-feeding story elements and making The Mad Titan feel like a universe-ending threat long before he stepped off his throne. Each Infinity Stone was given the requisite time and care as, too, were those personally affected by Thanos's actions – including Gamora and Drax.
Those may be lacking in some people's eyes this time around, but Feige is confident that the Thanos blueprint of really digging into the villain's narrative and backstory in his first full movie is the way to go as the Multiverse Saga draws to a close.
"That's what we're doing with Doom: Doomsday is an introduction and story of Doom," Feige said. "You peel the onion and learn about him as you go."
Feige added, "It is meant for audiences who know and love him from the comics and audiences who have no clue who it is."
The first look at Doctor Doom in action arrived as part of last week's Avengers: Doomsday trailer. A second teaser was shown to attendees at Marvel's Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con. Now, the question remains: how will Doom stack up to Thanos?
Avengers: Doomsday hits cinemas on December 18.
If you're still playing catch up, you'll need our essential guide on how to watch the Marvel movies in order.
