Doctor Doom Collects Heroes in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, Confirmed by Russo Brothers

Avatar photoValentina Kraljik
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Marvel fans were left stunned when Robert Downey Jr. was revealed as Doctor Doom at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024. The actor, who originally launched the MCU as Iron Man, is set to return as its next formidable villain in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, directed by the Russo Brothers. Since this announcement, excitement surrounding Victor von Doom has only intensified.

This anticipation received a surprising boost from an unexpected source. The theatrical re-release of ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’, which features new scenes, includes a post-credits sequence where Bruce Banner is seen two miles underground in a military facility. He is in self-imposed isolation following the events of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, working on a gamma radiation suppressor.

Doom makes a dramatic entrance off-screen, accompanied by flickering lights and camera glitches, announcing he has come to collect Banner. As Banner begins to transform, the light fades, leaving behind a glowing Latverian symbol burned into the floor.

In an exclusive Empire interview, the directors were asked about Doom’s interest in Banner. Joe Russo hinted that “his interest may extend beyond just Banner,” while Anthony Russo humorously noted that the questioning was making them sweat.

This brief tease carries significant weight, implying that Banner is not Doom’s only target and that he may be assembling a larger group of heroes.

Empire pointed out that this scene mirrors a moment from the post-credits of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, where Doom appeared to abduct Franklin Richards, the child of Reed Richards and Sue Storm. Now, it seems the Hulk has also made it onto his list.

Some fans are already speculating further. The Direct has suggested that a glitching tracker app seen in a post-credits scene of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ could indicate that Peter Parker has also been collected. While this remains speculation, the Russos’ comments lend it some credibility.

There are also rumors that the film will feature a confrontation between the Hulk and the Thing in Latveria, as Doom appears to be exerting control over Banner. However, these details remain unconfirmed, and the Russos have not commented on them.

The directors also clarified the purpose of the new scenes in ‘Endgame Encore’. Joe Russo confirmed they were specifically filmed to bridge the narrative gap between ‘Endgame’ and ‘Doomsday’, indicating that audiences should not expect to see them again in the upcoming film.

Another new sequence reveals the TVA discovering thousands of incursions as universes begin to collide. This scene serves more as a precursor to the threat that brings Doom into play rather than an expansion of ‘Endgame’.

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is set to open exclusively in theaters on December 18. Its official synopsis hints at heroes from three distinct universes facing an unprecedented existential threat.

Downey Jr. leads the cast as Doom, joined by a star-studded ensemble that includes Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Florence Pugh. The film also features actors from the Fox X-Men universe, including Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. Filming took place from April to September 2025 at Pinewood Studios in England.

The Russo Brothers are directing from a screenplay by Stephen McFeely and Michael Waldron. Their next project, ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, is scheduled for release on December 17, 2027.

Known for their secrecy, the Russo Brothers rarely reveal details, making this hint particularly intriguing. It suggests that much of the film’s narrative could revolve around Doom quietly assembling his forces.

Whether he is recruiting, controlling, or punishing the heroes he collects, one thing is clear: Doom’s ambitions extend far beyond just one scientist in a bunker. With less than three months until the film’s release, fan theories are sure to continue to flourish.

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