Doctor Doom actor Robert Downey Jr. knows there is no point in trying to one-up the MCU gold standard of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame with Doomsday.
"What we've been laboring long and hard over… we can't beat it – we can't stand on the shoulders of these giants of Infinity War and Endgame," Downey Jr. said during a surprise appearance at SXSW London (via CBR).
To that end, it appears Avengers: Doomsday will be thinking outside the box – and is hoping audiences will go along with it. Perhaps recognizing that a post-Endgame era characterized by a new generation of heroes and experimental stories hasn't exactly soared, Downey Jr. is asking for fans' trust in the new approach.
"So we're literally zeroing out the board and we're going to try to earn your trust and respect all over again. With the likes of [directors Joe and Anthony Russo], I think we've got a pretty good shot."
Robert Downey Jr. was announced as Doctor Doom at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, alongside the return of the Russos as directors for both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Production remains ongoing for Doomsday, with a collection of MCU mainstays, legacy Marvel actors, and other heroes and villains all partaking in what appears to be the biggest Marvel Studios crossover event to date.
A behind-closed-doors trailer at CinemaCon was shown, but a recent Doomsday pop-up event sparked whispers that more footage would be released publicly. That speculation was cooled significantly by the disappointing reveal of a coffee-themed store, complete with Doctor Doom hot drinks.
Meanwhile, the Russos have spoken openly about reverting back to "Phase Zero" for Avengers: Doomsday. What that means remains to be seen, but the clock keeps ticking on the road to Doomsday. With fresh footage being available as part of Avengers: Endgame's re-release, we may find out sooner than later.
Avengers: Doomsday opens in cinemas on December 18. For more, check out the upcoming Marvel movies heading your way.
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