Marvel is facing a backlash for ‘whitewashing’ Doctor Doom.

At the San Diego Comic-Con on July 28, the auditorium was left shocked – a figure dressed as the supervillain unmasked on stage, revealing himself as Robert Downey Jr.

The actor told the unsuspecting fans: “New mask, same task. What’d I tell you, I like playing complicated characters.”

Robert Downey Jr. will play Doctor Doom in two upcoming movies. Credit: Alamy
Filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo will be directing two Doctor Doom movies – Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

The brothers are behind some of the biggest MCU films, including Avengers: Endgame.

Joe told the Comic-Con crowd (per Variety): “When we directed Avengers: Endgame, we really believed it was the end for us in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“That four-movie run was incredible, and it left us creatively spent.”

He said this changed when the duo found a ‘very special story’ that convinced them to return.

Although some fans have been left ecstatic by the announcement, others aren’t so happy with the casting of Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man.
Robert Downey Jr. has returned to the MCU after beginning his journey as Iron Man in 2008. Credit: Marvel
The star is returning to the MCU after beginning his journey as Iron Man in 2008, who he played until the character died in Avengers: Endgame.

Downey Jr. portrays Iron Man, also known as Tony Stark, a charismatic genius with a carefree personality, making fans wonder how he will play such an intense, complex villain like Doctor Doom.

On X, formerly Twitter, one fan remarked: “Marvel actually dug a deeper hole for themselves by bringing RDJ back.

“Yes he will save their dying franchise but it will be an even harder job to take that Iron Man image off people’s minds.”

But this isn’t the only problem fans have with casting Downey Jr., as people also say an important aspect of Doctor Doom’s history is being ignored.

Marvel is being slammed for ‘whitewashing’ Doctor Doom. Credit: Marvel Database
Blasting Marvel’s casting decision, one person writes: “This is straight-up whitewashing.”

Another adds: “Doctor Doom is not a white man.”

“Doom is my favorite comic book villain and Hollywood keeps messing it,” a third says.

Somebody else comments: “If you’re going to complain about RDJ as Doctor Doom, the whitewashing really should be front and center. I feel like that’s a much bigger issue than anything else.”

In the media, whitewashing is when white actors portray non-white characters or cover up their heritage.

Doctor Doom’s Romani background is a crucial aspect of his backstory. Credit: Marvel Database
Victor Von Doom, first introduced in the 1962 issue of ‘Fantastic Four,’ is originally from Latveria, a fictional Eastern European country.

The supervillain was born into a tribe of Latverian Romani people and this is a crucial aspect of his backstory.

Romani culture is rarely represented in cinema so it would have been huge progress if Marvel Studios had considered this when casting.

Disappointed by the announcement, people are taking to Reddit and sharing who they believe would be perfect for the role – actors such as Saša Barbul and Danny Wynter are mentioned.

Marvel has since officially announced the full cast for Avengers: Doomsday, set to release on May 1, 2026, as part of Phase Six of the MCU.

Returning stars include Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Falcon), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), and Tom Hiddleston (Loki). Newcomers include Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Letitia Wright (Shuri), Winston Duke (M’Baku), and Patrick Stewart (Professor X).

Additionally, the Fantastic Four cast, led by Pedro Pascal (Mr. Fantastic), will join the Avengers lineup.

The film will be directed by the Russo brothers, with production beginning in the UK.

The delay in Avengers films is due to Marvel’s expanded content on Disney+.