When Marvel Studios announced Robert Downey Jr's return to the MCU as Doctor Doom, it created much surprise and curiosity around the character. While a section of fans questioned the decision, considering Downey Jr's prior association with the MCU as Iron Man, others welcomed the move and showed interest in the character's backstory. Much of the promotion around for Avengers: Doomsday has been revolving around Doctor Doom. This begs the question: Who is he, and what are his powers? Here is a brief explanation so that you will not have to feel doomed as you walk into a theatre for the next Avengers film
Doctor Doom's origins
The character made his first appearance as Victor von Doom, alias Doctor Doom, in the The Fantastic Four #5 issue of Marvel Comics, in which he meets his college mate Reed Richards. Despite their association in college, Doom and Richards share a complicated relationship, with competition between them running high. Following the failure of an experiment, Doom blames Richards for it, contributing to a bitter relationship between them.
How will Avengers: Doomsday treat the Doctor Doom-Reed Richards dynamic?
While we will have to await the release of the next Avengers film to know how the Russo Brothers will treat the dynamic between both characters, Pedro Pascal spoke about it at the recent Comic Con event. "Intellectuals understand that we’re all responsible for ourselves," the actor said to the media in reference to Richards’ treatment of Doom.
The actor added, "The world that we’re in, and the way that I understand it through Reed, at least, is very singular to the relationship that I have to Doom. And I guess there is a big barrier between the context that we all have as audience members to the experience of Avengers, and the incredible way that all of it is threaded together as we have X-Men sitting with us in this group."
What superpowers does Doctor Doom have?
The Russo Brothers and Marvel Studios have been shrouding the character in secrecy, but the comics depict him with genius intelligence, superhuman strength, and magical capabilities.
