Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom role in Avengers: Doomsday includes performance capture. The Russo brothers shared the detail in their latest interview.
While speaking to Empire Magazine, Joe Russo called Downey Jr.’s performance “a combination of things,” where digital effects played a key role. Anthony Russo added, “I think Downey had a lot of the same fun on this with Doom. He was on set performing everything. Because of the way we’re creating the character with a digital layer, we also get a second pass at him in terms of what we can do on a digital level.”
Downey had already seen similar techniques used with James Spader and Josh Brolin in earlier Marvel films.
What else do we know about Avengers: Doomsday?
Marvel Studios confirmed Downey Jr. will play Victor von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom. He is not returning as Tony Stark or Iron Man in the movie. Joe and Anthony Russo are directing, while Stephen McFeely is writing the screenplay.
The movie will bring characters from three different universes together against an existential threat. Its ensemble includes Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, Anthony Mackie, Vanessa Kirby, Paul Rudd, Florence Pugh, and several X-Men stars. Marvel has continued revealing more cast members through major events this year.
Recent footage has also given audiences more insight into Downey’s version of Doom. His performance features a distinct voice and accent for the character. Doom’s face remains hidden behind his mask, which makes the vocal performance especially important.
Avengers: Doomsday will release in theaters on December 18, 2026. The film is expected to lead directly into Avengers: Secret Wars, which is scheduled for December 17, 2027.
Before the film’s release, Marvel has launched the five-episode Countdown to Avengers: Doomsday Official Podcast. Iman Vellani and Frank Alvarez host the series, which revisits key MCU movies ahead of the new film. The first episode covers The Avengers and started streaming on August 27, with new episodes arriving weekly.
