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The Internet Reacts: Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
The internet is abuzz with the news of Robert Downey Jr. returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this time as Victor Von Doom. Opinions are divided, with some fans ecstatic and others skeptical. Personally, I think it's a brilliant move, especially in the aftermath of Jonathan Majors' portrayal of Kang. This decision not only keeps the multiverse narrative exciting but also highlights the concept of variants in a way that is accessible to all audiences.
A Safe Yet Risky Choice
Bringing Robert Downey Jr. back as Doctor Doom is both a safe and risky choice. It's safe because he is a beloved actor whose portrayal of Tony Stark was iconic. However, it’s also risky because fans may struggle to accept him in a villainous role. Yet, this gamble could pay off by injecting fresh energy into the MCU, which has been facing challenges in recent years.
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Full Circle: Downey's Doctor Doom Audition
Interestingly, Robert Downey Jr. auditioned for the role of Doctor Doom for the original Fantastic Four film. Though he didn’t get the part, his casting now brings his career full circle. With the MCU needing a strong villain post-Kang, Doctor Doom is a fitting choice, considering his significant role in the Secret Wars comics.
Introducing Doctor Doom into the MCU
As for how the MCU will introduce this new Doom, it could be through the Fantastic Four movie set in another universe, where Doom is native to that reality. Alternatively, we might see a council of Dooms from different universes uniting to tackle the Kang threat. This would allow for a rich exploration of the multiverse and provide opportunities for creative storytelling.
Revitalising the Franchise
The move also comes at a time when Marvel is looking to revitalize interest in its franchise. The decision to bring back familiar faces like the Russo Brothers and Stephen McFeely as the writer shows a concerted effort to reclaim past successes. While there are concerns about over-reliance on nostalgia, this strategy could be what the MCU needs to regain its momentum.
Disney and Robert Downey Jr.
Despite his troubled past, Robert Downey Jr. was hired by Marvel Studios (owned by Disney) to play Tony Stark/Iron Man in 2008. This decision was seen as a significant risk at the time. However, Downey had shown signs of turning his life around, including successful stints in rehab and a renewed commitment to his career. Marvel’s gamble paid off, as his performance was universally acclaimed and he became a cornerstone of the MCU.
Robert Downey Jr.'s Arrests and Legal Issues
1996: Downey was arrested for possession of heroin, cocaine, and an unloaded .357 Magnum handgun after being stopped for speeding. He was given probation.
1997: He missed a court-ordered drug test, leading to a six-month stay in the Los Angeles County jail.
1999: Downey missed another drug test and was sentenced to three years in prison at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran, California.
2000: He was found wandering in a Culver City alley in an incoherent state and was arrested for suspicion of being under the influence of drugs.
2001: After being released from prison in 2000, he was arrested again in Palm Springs for possession of cocaine and Valium, and for being under the influence of drugs. He was later found in a Los Angeles hotel room with cocaine and methamphetamine.
Jonathan Majors and Marvel Studios
The situation with Jonathan Majors is different. Majors was dropped by Marvel following allegations of assault. Although he hasn't been found guilty, the allegations led to significant public and media scrutiny. In the current era, where companies are highly sensitive to public perception and the potential impact on their brand, Marvel and Disney likely made a preemptive decision to distance themselves from controversy.
What Are The Key Differences Between Jonathan Majors and Robert Downey Jr?
Timing and Context: When Downey was hired, Marvel was in its infancy with the MCU. His personal issues were in the past, and he had shown a clear path to recovery.
Public Perception and Media Landscape: In the late 2000s, the media landscape was different, with less immediate and pervasive social media scrutiny compared to today. Public relations strategies and responses to controversies have evolved.
Company Policies and Social Expectations: There has been a significant shift in how companies handle allegations of misconduct. There is a greater emphasis on immediate action, even before legal outcomes, to maintain a brand's integrity and public trust.
Robert Downey Jr.'s past arrests and subsequent redemption arc played out over many years, allowing time for public perception to shift positively. In contrast, the situation with Jonathan Majors is unfolding in real-time, leading to quicker and more decisive actions by Marvel and Disney. The different eras and contexts significantly influence how such situations are handled.
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