The MCU’s Robert Downey Jr. Return Just Totally Changed Its Upcoming Movie About Iron Man

Summary Robert Downey Jr. playing Doctor Doom alters the tone of Armor Wars, affecting Rhodey's journey post-Tony Stark's death.

Rhodey's evolution as War Machine in the MCU's post-Endgame narrative is impacted by the Iron Man actor returning to the franchise.

The timing of Armor Wars' release in relation to RDJ's MCU return will likely dictate its emotional impact on viewers.

Marvel announcing that Robert Downey Jr. will be playing Doctor Doom completely changes the feeling of Armor Wars, another upcoming MCU project that will focus on the ramifications of Tony Stark's death following Avengers: Endgame. Armor Wars was announced as a series back on December 10, 2020, but was eventually changed to a feature film. There is no release date for Armor Wars, but Robert Downey Jr.'s return could be a cause for concern depending on if the movie releases before or after his other appearances in the MCU.

It's unclear how Robert Downey Jr. will return as Doctor Doom and if he will appear in any other MCU films other besides Avengers: Doomsday and presumably Avengers: Secret Wars. If he does show up in other projects, or main characters from other projects see that the villain they are fighting looks like someone they once fought alongside and watched die, this could have a massive effect on the overall MCU. This is an especially pertinent concept for the MCU's Armor Wars, and how Rhodey attempts to remain War Machine following the death of his closest friend.

Related Every Upcoming Marvel Movie: Full MCU Phase 5 & 6 List (& Beyond) Between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, here is every upcoming Marvel movie release date and what we know about the projects so far.

Robert Downey Jr's MCU Return Changed Armor Wars Even If He Isn't Coming Back As Iron Man

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One of the main selling points of Armor Wars was how it would deal with the death of Tony Stark and how that loss affects Rhodey as he continues to be War Machine and follow the legacy Iron Man left behind. It would also allow viewers to feel the weight of an Iron Man focused narrative without Robert Downey Jr. Knowing that he will be back, even as a different character than Iron Man, changes how the show feels.

Rhodey has essentially lived in Iron Man's shadow since the beginning of the MCU. Though he has had some great moments throughout his various appearances, Armor Wars would have been the perfect time for him to step into the spotlight and carve out his own legacy alongside Iron Man. Having Downey Jr. back also brings back the specter of Tony, and could continue to overshadow War Machine's story as he attempts to be his own hero.

Armor War's Perfect Release Window Is Before The Robert Downey Jr. Return

Rhodey grappling with the aftermath of Tony dying relatively soon after it happened could have made it even more emotionally gripping.

Now that Robert Downey Jr. will return to the MCU, it almost feels too late for Armor Wars to release, as Avengers: Doomsday will release on May 1, 2026. If it is possible for Armor Wars to come out right before Downey Jr. presumably makes his MCU debut, some of that remaining emotional impact from Iron Man's death could still be felt. If it comes out after, the emotional core of that movie takes on an entirely different meaning.

Armor Wars would have been perfect for the post-Avengers: Endgame narrative if it came out sometime near Spider-Man: Far From Home, which featured Peter Parker trying to come to terms with losing Tony. Rhodey grappling with the aftermath of Tony dying relatively soon after it happened could have made it even more emotionally gripping. Of course, it will still be tough to see Rhodey operate as War Machine without Iron Man around, but a narrative through-line of those closest to Tony trying to find their place without him around would have been perfect soon after Avengers: Endgame.

It's a fascinating decision for Marvel to bring back Robert Downey Jr. and have him play one of the most iconic comic book villains of all time. It's reasonable to assume that there will be some emotional baggage there for members of the Avengers, as they see this new foe looking like a friend they had lost. Despite all the interesting narrative choices the MCU can make following this casting, it still changes the emotional core of Armor Wars, and makes it appear as though the movie should have been released a few years earlier.

Armor Wars Initially conceived as a Disney+ series, Armor Wars is an MCU movie centered on Rhodey Rhodes' mission to honor Tony Stark's legacy and keep his Iron Man technology from wreaking havoc when they fall into the wrong hands. Starring Don Cheadle as War Machine, Marvel Studios' Armor Wars adapts the eponymous comic book storyline to the big screen in the Multiverse Saga. Studio(s) Marvel Studios Distributor(s) Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Writers Bob Layton , David Michelinie , Yassir Lester Cast Don Cheadle Franchise(s) Marvel Cinematic Universe

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