Joe Russo Discusses Doctor Doom’s Unique Villainy Compared to Thanos in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Few villains in superhero cinema have loomed as large as Thanos. With the announcement of the Russo brothers returning to helm ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ fans are left wondering how Doctor Doom can possibly follow the Mad Titan.
Robert Downey Jr. now dons the iron mask, and the film is set to hit theaters on December 18. Featuring a vast ensemble of Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men heroes amidst a crumbling multiverse, the stakes have never been higher.
In anticipation of the release, the directors have been actively promoting ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore,’ the theatrical re-release of their 2019 blockbuster. This promotional tour has provided some intriguing insights into what sets Doom apart from the last major villain they tackled.
During a conversation with Fandango correspondent Chris Tait, part of Big Ticket’s inaugural double-feature interview, Joe Russo shared with Fandango that the distinction between the two villains lies in their approach: brains versus brawn. He characterized Thanos as a force of nature who bulldozed through challenges, while Doom is described as “much more Machiavellian and manipulative than Thanos.”
The directors were addressing a question about a scene in the ‘Endgame Encore’ where Doom employs Latverian magic to seize Bruce Banner, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, from a secure underground prison. They noted that Doom’s magic is ancient and that he is a genius who studies his adversaries, as demonstrated in the trailer.
Joe emphasized that Doom is meticulous in his actions, always ensuring he has a tactical or power advantage before entering a battle, which is why they consider him a formidable opponent.
The re-release features four new post-credits scenes that recontextualize ‘Endgame’ to set the stage for ‘Doomsday.’ Two of these scenes feature Doom, including one where he forges his iconic iron mask, echoing the metal clanging sounds from the original film’s conclusion.
This detail is significant as it connects Downey’s villain directly to the character who concluded ‘Endgame.’ Joe remarked on the intriguing exploration of good and evil presented by having the actor portray both Tony Stark and Doom, highlighting the duality to explore.
Anthony Russo has also commented on the character’s complexity, noting that Doom possesses an underlying validity to his worldview, making him relatable even when his decisions are misguided.
The directors have been keen to stress how distinct the film will feel. When asked if it could be the scariest ‘Avengers’ movie to date, Joe refrained from labeling it as such but described it as intense and unlike anything Marvel has produced before. He also mentioned that audiences will be surprised by the unfolding events, indicating a different tone.
He added that Downey brings a level of gravitas and energy to Doom that can be unsettling. Collectively, these comments suggest a villain who disturbs through intellect rather than sheer force.
This shift is a clever choice. The Russos spent years crafting ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’ around Josh Brolin’s Thanos, an unstoppable force that made the heroes struggle for every victory. A calculating schemer who manipulates his foes offers a natural contrast, paving the way for storytelling that a purely powerful villain cannot provide.
He used to be different. Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theaters everywhere December 18. Get your tickets now: https://t.co/J5PUbxvAkc https://t.co/OUutSMZneq
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 15, 2026
Fans have been speculating whether Doom can match Thanos’s impact, especially since Thanos had years of development throughout the MCU while Doom has had considerably less screen time. The Russos’ insights imply they are banking on character depth rather than just scale.
The filmmakers are working from a script credited to Michael Waldron, Stephen McFeely, Chris McKenna, and Erik Sommers. Doom is also expected to transition into ‘Avengers: Secret Wars,’ indicating that this version of the character must resonate across two films.
That’s a significant challenge, but early indications are encouraging. By framing Doom as a patient, brilliant, and unpredictable foe, the Russos seem to be crafting a distinct identity for him rather than having him mimic the Mad Titan.
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