Whitewashing Backlash Forces Marvel to Rethink Doctor Doom

One of the biggest announcements from this year’s San Diego Comic-Con was that Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel cinematic universe, but not as Tony Stark or Iron Man. Trading one metallic suit for another, RDJ will be the man behind the mask as Doctor Victor Von Doom.

A comic book illustration featuring a stern character wearing a green hood, a metallic suit of armor with fur accents, and armored gloves. The character is seated on a dark, imposing throne, surrounded by mechanical arms and glowing lights in the background. — Credit: Marvel Comics

Hailing from the fictional kingdom of Latveria, Doctor Doom has been one of the most prolific Marvel villains since his first appearance. Although several variants have been open to interpretation, certain Marvel fans are outraged that Robert Downey Jr. is now the next in line.

While undoubtedly many were thrilled to see him return to the franchise, many fans are upset that Marvel is not casting a Romani actor for the role, stepping away from the character’s Eastern European influences. However, there is a way to maintain his roots without the accusations of “whitewashing.”

Marvel Shouldn’t Doom Downey

Credit: Inside the Magic

During this year’s convention, Marvel shared new updates surrounding The Fantastic Four, Avengers: Doomsday, and Avengers: Secret Wars, alongside exciting reveals for Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts. By their titles alone, three of those movies will have Doom involved in some fashion, but only two require Downey’s version.

Since the upcoming Fantastic Four adaptation is slated to be an origin story for the MCU version of Marvel’s first family, fans will undoubtedly see a younger version of the character before he became the iconic supervillain we know today. Marvel Studios has a unique opportunity if the film shows him before his disfigurement.

In most adaptations, Doctor Doom rarely shows his face after being disfigured in a lab accident while working with Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic. If the new Fantastic Four movie serves as a springboard for future films, RDJ might not need to be involved, and a young actor of Romani descent could step in and provide that representation.

Deconstructing Doctor Doom

A close-up of a character wearing a metallic mask with a stern, menacing expression and a dark hooded cloak. The mask has intricate details, including eye slits and a mouthpiece, giving the character a robotic and imposing appearance. — Credit: 20th Century Studios

With the new film, Marvel has a chance to do something no other version has done before. The studio has the opportunity to show more Victor than Doom before his war with the Avengers begins.

Robert Downey Jr. should absolutely still be involved, but only after he makes the transformation. Similar to how Anakin Skywalker became a completely different character when donning the black leather visage of Darth Vader, so too will Doctor Doom once he slips into that iconic metal suit and mask.

The character of Victor von Doom is an icon of a villain, and it takes a very special set of skills to bring him to life. He’s about as over-the-top as they come with his plans to take over the world, but he’s still a threatening presence who gives some of Marvel’s finest heroes a run for their money.

Doctor Doom standing before a fire with Doctor Strange — Credit: Marvel Comics

This writer can’t wait to see what RDJ does with the character, whether that’s an evil variant of Tony Stark seen in the comics or an entirely separate entity. However, the need for representation in today’s modern media is also valid as well.

There’s still a lot of time between now and Doctor Doom’s MCU debut and everything is still subject to change. Even so, there’s no denying the amount of interest surrounding this exciting yet controversial casting decision.

Who do you think should play Doctor Doom? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!