Robert Downey Jr. Auditioned for Doctor Doom in 2005’s Fantastic Four

Robert Downey Jr. was revealed as Doctor Doom during SDCC 2024, but he could have played the role 20 years ago.

In an Iron Man retrospective, shown during Marvel Studios’ panel, fans saw director Jon Favreau and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige discussing how they first met the actor.

"I remember that Robert had come in for a general [meeting] on it and you had already met with him for Doctor Doom or something," says Favreau. "I think he had come through on Fantastic Four. So everybody knew who he was."

Of course, Downey Jr. didn’t get the part. In the end, the role went to Julian McMahon, best known for starring in plastic surgery drama Nip/Tuck from 2003-2010. McMahon also played Doom in 2007 sequel Rise of the Silver Surfer. Instead, Downey Jr. was cast as Iron Man in the 2008 film of the same name, and the rest is cinematic history.

"I remember sitting down with the guy and I was like, ‘He’s got that spark in his eye and he’s ready.’” continued Favreau. “That’s when we were in your office and we were putting together his headshot and saying we’ve gotta try and figure this out."

Robert Downey Jr. is set to debut as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, which releases 2026.