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Possibly the biggest news of San Diego Comic Con has just dropped at the Marvel Studios panel in Hall H (liveblogged by Popverse's very own Graeme McMillan). Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Not as Iron Man, mind you, but as classic comics villain Doctor Doom for the fifth Avengers movie Avengers: Doomsday. 

"If we're going to bring Victor Von Doom to the screen, he is one of the most complex characters to the screen," says Joe Russo, "we're going to need the greatest actor in the world to play that character."

And, of course, the room erupted into cheers and applause and screams as Downey Jr. stepped on stage. "What can I tell you? I like playing complicated characters," Downey said to the crowd. 

"New mask," says Downey. "Same task."

Avengers: Doomsday opens in theaters May 1, 2026.

Consider this a meta post-credits scene for Marvel fans - the four key articles you need to read next to continue the thrills:

• How to watch the Marvel Cinematic Universe in release or chronological order
• The best Marvel Comics stories of all time
• All the MCU movies ranked from best to worst
• Our weekly Marvel insider's column, Marvel Matters