How Marvel Could Bring Back Kang and Keep Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom

Marvel Studios faces an exciting yet complex challenge as it continues to build its Multiverse Saga. Two key factors are at play: the future of Kang the Conqueror as the overarching villain and Robert Downey Jr.’s potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Doctor Doom. Both are iconic figures, but can they coexist in a way that keeps fans engaged without overshadowing each other? Here’s how Marvel could achieve this balance.

Kang’s Return: A Multiversal Imperative
Jonathan Majors' portrayal of Kang introduced audiences to a layered villain with limitless potential due to his mastery of time travel and multiversal manipulation. While his arc was momentarily paused after Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the MCU has left the door wide open for Kang’s resurgence. Here’s how Marvel could bring him back:

The Council of Kangs The post-credits scene in Quantumania hinted at the Council of Kangs, a collective of his variants. Marvel could use this council as a way to reintroduce Kang’s menace. By showcasing other versions of the character, Marvel could emphasize his multiversal threat while diversifying his characterization.

Kang Dynasty’s Fallout
In Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, Kang could achieve a partial victory—fracturing timelines but also inadvertently freeing a more dangerous foe: Doctor Doom. This allows Kang to remain pivotal, while simultaneously paving the way for Doom to take center stage.

Kang vs. Doom Rivalry

Kang’s obsession with controlling time and Doom’s lust for absolute power make them natural rivals. A Secret Wars adaptation could pit the two against each other, forcing the Avengers to choose between fighting a tyrant or a time-traveling conqueror.

Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom: A Bold New Direction
Fans have long speculated on Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU return since Tony Stark’s heroic death in Avengers: Endgame. Casting him as Victor Von Doom offers a fresh take on the character and a meta-layer of intrigue. Here's how Marvel could position Downey Jr. as Doom without undermining Kang’s storyline:

A Genius Paradox
Tony Stark and Victor Von Doom are two sides of the same coin: brilliant, arrogant, and resourceful. Marvel could spin Doom’s origin as a dark reflection of Stark. What if a variant of Tony Stark from another universe became Doctor Doom after failing to save his world? This could give Downey Jr. the chance to explore a morally complex character while preserving the legacy of Earth-616’s Tony Stark.

The Doom Multiversal Catalyst
Doctor Doom could emerge as the ultimate manipulator behind the chaos caused by Kang. In this scenario, Doom uses Kang’s incursions to his advantage, positioning himself as the architect of Secret Wars. This keeps Kang central to the Multiverse Saga while elevating Doom as an even greater threat.

Victor Von Doom’s Tragic Path
Alternatively, Marvel could introduce Doom in his classic form—a Latverian monarch with a tragic backstory. Robert Downey Jr.’s gravitas would bring depth to Doom’s quest for power and his belief that he’s the only one capable of saving reality. By framing Doom as an antihero rather than a villain, Marvel ensures that his role complements Kang’s more overt villainy.



The Kang-Doom Dynamic in Secret Wars
Secret Wars could serve as the ultimate battleground for these two titans. In the comics, Doom plays a central role in reshaping reality during the multiversal collapse. Marvel could adapt this storyline with a twist: Kang seeks to prevent Doom from claiming the fractured multiverse as his own. This dynamic would give both characters their due while setting the stage for a battle that requires every hero to intervene.

A Gradual Build-Up
Marvel can dedicate the next few phases to slowly building Doom’s presence while keeping Kang active. For example, Doom could subtly manipulate events behind the scenes, only to reveal himself as the true mastermind during Avengers: Secret Wars.

A Unified Threat
Alternatively, Kang and Doom could temporarily ally to destroy the Avengers, only to turn on each other when their goals conflict. This would add layers of complexity to the narrative and showcase the distinct philosophies of both villains.

Why It Works
Bringing back Kang and introducing Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom can succeed if Marvel emphasizes their distinct roles: Kang as a multiversal menace and Doom as a grounded yet godlike force. Both characters can shine in the Secret Wars saga, provided the narrative allows each their moment in the spotlight.

By positioning Kang as the immediate threat and Doom as the long-term adversary, Marvel can maintain the momentum of the Multiverse Saga while delivering on fan expectations for Robert Downey Jr.’s return. The key lies in balancing their arcs to avoid overshadowing either character.

Conclusion
Marvel’s Multiverse Saga offers limitless potential, and the combination of Kang and Doctor Doom could elevate the MCU to new heights. With careful storytelling and thoughtful character development, Marvel could create a cinematic experience that honors Kang’s legacy while reintroducing Robert Downey Jr. in a way that redefines his place in the Marvel universe.

What are your thoughts? Could Kang and Doom coexist as the MCU’s greatest threats? Share your ideas in the comments!