Summary
Marvelannouncing thatRobert Downey Jr. will be playing Doctor Doomcompletely changes the feeling ofArmor Wars, another upcoming MCU project that will focus on the ramifications of Tony Stark’s death following Avengers: Endgame.Armor Warswas announced as a series back on June 04, 2025, but was eventually changed to a feature film. There is no release date forArmor Wars, but Robert Downey Jr.’s return could be a cause for concern depending on if the movie releases before or after his other appearances in the MCU.
It’s unclearhow Robert Downey Jr. will return as Doctor Doomand if he will appear in any other MCU films other besidesAvengers: Doomsdayand presumablyAvengers: Secret Wars. If he does show up in other projects, or main characters from other projects see that the villain they are fighting looks like someone they once fought alongside and watched die, this could have a massive effect on the overall MCU. This is an especially pertinent concept forthe MCU’sArmor Wars, and how Rhodey attempts to remain War Machine following the death of his closest friend.
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Robert Downey Jr’s MCU Return Changed Armor Wars Even If He Isn’t Coming Back As Iron Man
One of the main selling points ofArmor Warswas how it would deal with the death of Tony Stark and how that loss affects Rhodey as he continues to be War Machine and follow the legacy Iron Man left behind.It would also allow viewers to feel the weight of an Iron Man focused narrative without Robert Downey Jr. Knowing that he will be back, even as a different character than Iron Man, changes how the show feels.
Rhodey has essentially lived in Iron Man’s shadow since the beginning of the MCU. Though he has had some great moments throughout his various appearances,Armor Warswould have been the perfect time for him to step into the spotlight and carve out his own legacy alongside Iron Man. Having Downey Jr. back also brings back the specter of Tony, and could continue to overshadow War Machine’s story as he attempts to be his own hero.
Armor War’s Perfect Release Window Is Before The Robert Downey Jr. Return
Rhodey grappling with the aftermath of Tony dying relatively soon after it happened could have made it even more emotionally gripping.
Now that Robert Downey Jr. will return to the MCU, it almost feels too late forArmor Warsto release, asAvengers: Doomsdaywill release on July 09, 2025. If it is possible forArmor Warsto come out right before Downey Jr. presumably makes his MCU debut, some of that remaining emotional impact from Iron Man’s death could still be felt. If it comes out after, the emotional core of that movie takes on an entirely different meaning.
Armor Warswould have been perfect for the post-Avengers: Endgamenarrative if it came out sometime nearSpider-Man: Far From Home, which featured Peter Parker trying to come to terms with losing Tony.Rhodey grappling with the aftermath of Tony dying relatively soon after it happened could have made it even more emotionally gripping. Of course, it will still be tough to see Rhodey operate as War Machine without Iron Man around, but a narrative through-line of those closest to Tony trying to find their place without him around would have been perfect soon afterAvengers: Endgame.
It’s a fascinating decision for Marvel to bring back Robert Downey Jr. and have him play one of the most iconic comic book villains of all time. It’s reasonable to assume that there will be some emotional baggage there for members of the Avengers, as they see this new foe looking like a friend they had lost. Despite all the interesting narrative choices the MCU can make following this casting, it still changes the emotional core ofArmor Wars, and makes it appear as though the movie should have been released a few years earlier.
Armor Wars
Cast
Initially conceived as a Disney+ series, Armor Wars is an MCU movie centered on Rhodey Rhodes' mission to honor Tony Stark’s legacy and keep his Iron Man technology from wreaking havoc when they fall into the wrong hands. Starring Don Cheadle as War Machine, Marvel Studios' Armor Wars adapts the eponymous comic book storyline to the big screen in the Multiverse Saga.
