Marvel Slammed For ‘Whitewashing’ Doctor Doom After Casting Iron Man Star Robert Downey Jr.

Marvel is currently facing criticism over their latest casting decision involving the character Doctor Doom.

During the San Diego Comic-Con on July 28, the audience experienced an unexpected reveal. 

A character dressed as the iconic villain Doctor Doom unmasked himself on stage, showing he was none other than Robert Downey Jr.

The 59-year-old actor excitedly shared with the fans: “New mask, same task. What’d I tell you, I like playing complicated characters.”

The upcoming Doctor Doom movies, "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Avengers: Secret Wars," are set to be directed by filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo, known for their work on some of Marvel's biggest hits, including "Avengers: Endgame."

At the event, Joe Russo addressed the crowd (as reported by Variety), saying:

“When we directed Avengers: Endgame, we really believed it was the end for us in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“That four-movie run was incredible, and it left us creatively spent.” 

Robert Downey Jr. will play Doctor Doom in two upcoming movies. Credit: Alamy

He explained that their return was sparked by a ‘very special story’ they felt compelled to tell.

While the announcement has thrilled some fans, others are quite upset about Robert Downey Jr. being cast in this role.

Downey Jr. started his Marvel journey as Iron Man in 2008 and remained in the role until the character's death in "Avengers: Endgame." 

He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Tony Stark, a charismatic and carefree genius.

This has led to some skepticism about how he will handle the intense and complex role of Doctor Doom.

Robert Downey Jr. has returned to the MCU after beginning his journey as Iron Man in 2008. Credit: Marvel

On X, previously known as Twitter, one fan expressed concern: “Marvel actually dug a deeper hole for themselves by bringing RDJ back. 

“Yes he will save their dying franchise but it will be an even harder job to take that Iron Man image off people’s minds.”

However, the main issue for many goes beyond just seeing Downey Jr. transition from his Iron Man persona.

It also concerns the casting decision that overlooks an essential part of Doctor Doom's character.

Criticizing Marvel's choice, one person posted: “This is straight-up whitewashing.”

Another chimed in: “Doctor Doom is not a white man.” 

A third added: “Doom is my favorite comic book villain and Hollywood keeps messing it up.”

Marvel is being slammed for ‘whitewashing’ Doctor Doom. Credit: Marvel Database

Another commenter pointed out: “If you’re going to complain about RDJ as Doctor Doom, the whitewashing really should be front and center. 

“I feel like that’s a much bigger issue than anything else.”

Whitewashing in the media typically refers to the practice where white actors are cast to play non-white characters or to obscure their cultural heritage.

Victor Von Doom, first appearing in the 1962 issue of ‘Fantastic Four,’ hails from Latveria, a fictional Eastern European country. 

He was born into a tribe of Latverian Romani people, a detail that is fundamental to his backstory.

Doctor Doom’s Romani background is a crucial aspect of his backstory. Credit: Marvel Database

The representation of Romani culture in cinema is rare, which heightened disappointment when Marvel Studios did not consider this aspect in their casting.

Many believe this oversight missed a crucial opportunity for cultural representation.

Disappointment over this casting has led people on Reddit to suggest other actors who might be a better fit for the role, such as Saša Barbul and Danny Wynter.