Robert Downey Jr nearly played Doctor Doom in a Fantastic Four movie

Robert Downey Jr. is now a household name thanks to his role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), where he starred in nine action-packed movies over more than a decade. However, he almost took on a very different character in the Marvel universe: the villainous Doctor Doom.

According to The Direct, which references a new book titled The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey had a meeting with Marvel when 20th Century Fox was first getting ready to make their Fantastic Four movie. Jon Favreau, the director who brought Iron Man to life, revealed that Marvel had actually considered Downey for the role of Doctor Doom. Ultimately, though, he didn’t end up donning Doom’s iconic mask and green cloak; that honor went to Julian McMahon, who played a reimagined version of Doom that joined the Fantastic Four on their journey to space. After being hit by cosmic rays, he transformed into living metal, which was a nod to the character’s comic book armor.

Fans were not impressed with this portrayal of Doom, feeling It didn’t do justice to the grandeur of the comic book character. Doctor Doom is often regarded as one of the greatest villains in comic history, known for his complex personality and backstory that goes beyond his rather silly name.

Attempts to bring Doom’s true essence to the big screen have continued, but many have fallen flat. Toby Kebbell tried to revive the character in the 2015 Fantastic Four reboot, but the lifeless script and dull visuals led to this version being quickly forgotten.

There were even plans for a standalone Doctor Doom movie directed by Noah Hawley, with Mads Mikkelsen reportedly in negotiations to play the lead. Unfortunately, those plans crumbled when Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, and Kevin Feige announced a new reboot of the Fantastic Four that would take place at the end of Phase 4 of the MCU.

So, while Downey Jr. became a superhero icon, fans are left wondering what might have been if he had suited up as one of Marvel’s most notorious villains instead.