Iron Man is back ladies and gentlemen, but not as you expect. Plot twist – Robert Downey Jr. will be trading in his metallic red armor for a villainous role. Yes, you heard right! Downey, once the golden child of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Tony Stark who bravely gave himself to stop Thanos in Avengers: Endgame, is now stepping into the boots of one Victor Von Doom in a delightful twist of fate. According to freshly brewed trade reports, it seems Downey’s return hinges heavily on the choice of director – or in this case, directors.

Variety reports, Downey agreed to resurrect his time in the Marvel-sphere if, and it’s a big if, Joe and Anthony Russo were handed the reins of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. The insider goss from Variety had it that, "They were the only ones he would work with." Can’t blame the man. Once you find directors you vibe with, why change?

The Downey’s Days of Marvel: A Road Back Home

Now Downey making a U-turn back to Marvel isn’t just a win for the fans; it’s quite a payday for Downey too. Unsurprisingly, his bank account will be very happy indeed. Sources suggest that Downey could rake in north of a cool $80 million just for putting on the mask again—not too shabby! And naturally, as befitting a superstar of his caliber, Downey’s requested perks include a private jet, his own security detail, and his mini fortress on set for the upcoming Avenger flicks. The man knows how to hustle!

Amidst his years-long Marvel hiatus, Downey started warming up to the idea of an MCU comeback round about June. "It’s just crazily in my DNA, " he confessed in a Variety video. "Probably the most like-me character I’ve ever played, even though he’s way cooler than I am," referring to Tony Stark. When it comes to betting on Marvel Studios, Downey remains loyal. "Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige. It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win."

Given Downey’s track record, one can’t help being excited about the future Marvel Studios line-up, promising mega hits like Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and more. Strap in Marvel fans, the journey is just getting started!

Written by ATC.