As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to expand its universe of characters, one iconic villain is set to make his debut: Victor Von Doom, aka Doctor Doom. Robert Downey Jr., who played Tony Stark/Iron Man in multiple MCU films, shared his thoughts on the character’s potential and the importance of well-crafted villains.

“Doctor Doom is a fantastic character,” Downey Jr. told The Hollywood Reporter. “I think he’s been done reasonably well before, but I think there are some great opportunities to make him really come alive in a modern context.”

The actor, who has played both hero and villain throughout his career, believes that Doctor Doom’s complexity is what makes him so compelling.

“Villains have got to be more than just mustache-twirling, maniacal laughter,” Downey Jr. said. “They’ve got to have some kind of motivation or backstory that makes them feel like they’re not just a cartoonish bad guy.”

As for the future of the MCU, Downey Jr. thinks there’s still plenty of room for growth and exploration.

“I think the Marvel universe is so rich and deep that you can keep mining it forever,” he said. “There are characters that have been around since the 1940s that we haven’t even touched yet.”

The actor also expressed his admiration for the work being done by new generations of actors in the MCU, citing Tom Holland’s Spider-Man as an example.

“Tom is a fantastic kid,” Downey Jr. said. “He’s got a great sense of humor and he’s very game for trying anything.”

In conclusion, Robert Downey Jr.’s thoughts on Doctor Doom and the MCU highlight the importance of well-crafted villains and the endless possibilities within the Marvel universe.