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Attention Marvel fans: Prepare to meet a new powerhouse in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as “Avengers: Doomsday” hits theaters this year. The film will introduce Victor von Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., to the big screen. For those intrigued by Doctor Doom’s storied past in the Marvel Comics, check out the video above to uncover 10 essential insights into this iconic villain’s history before you head to the theater.
One key aspect of Doctor Doom’s background is his intense rivalry with Reed Richards, the leader of the Fantastic Four, played by Pedro Pascal. In the comics, their contentious relationship is a central theme. The two first met as academic competitors in college, but their rivalry turned sour when Richards pointed out a flaw in Doom’s rocket ship calculations. Doom dismissed the warning, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that left him scarred. Blaming Richards for the mishap, Doom became fixated on the downfall of the Fantastic Four, fueling a lifelong vendetta.
Despite his title, Doctor Doom never actually completed his college education following the accident. The “Doctor” in his name is self-bestowed after he ventures to Tibet and becomes a sorcerer. A group of monks there embraces him as their leader, forging his iconic iron mask and becoming his first followers. This marks the beginning of his journey toward becoming a formidable dictator.
Doctor Doom’s character has evolved throughout Marvel Comics, oscillating between anti-hero and tragic villain. However, how much of this rich backstory will transition to the MCU remains uncertain. While Robert Downey Jr. has developed his own interpretation of Doom’s history, Marvel Studios remains secretive about the character’s role in “Doomsday,” leaving fans eager to see which version will appear in the movie.
Disney is undoubtedly looking to leverage Downey’s star power to draw audiences, but how much of Doctor Doom’s famously disfigured visage will be revealed is still a mystery. This burning question may not be fully addressed until a potential “Avengers: Secret Wars,” but no doubt fans will be clamoring for a closer look at the enigmatic villain.
Doom’s conflict with Reed aside, he never actually graduates college after his little accident. Yep, the “Doctor” in “Doctor Doom” is purely honorary — a mantle he takes on of his own volition after running off to Tibet to become a sorcerer. He’s encouraged in his self-aggrandizement by the group of monks who take him in and accept him as their leader. They’re the ones who give him his distinctive iron mask — and become Doom’s first supplicants, paving his path toward life as a future dictator.
Will the MCU be making any changes to Doom’s backstory?
Marvel Comics
Doctor Doom has a rich history in the comics. He’s been everything from a gray-hatted hero to a tragic villain during his time as a central Marvel character. But it’s currently up in the air how much of his backstory will end up being changed for the MCU, or even what version of Doom the movies will use. We know that Robert Downey Jr. has created his own backstory for Doom, but there’s no word as to what that might mean for him. Marvel Studios is staying typically tight-lipped on what the character will do in “Doomsday,” so it’s impossible to know as of now what changes might come.
Obviously, Disney will try to take advantage of Downey’s appearance to make some waves and captivate audiences, but how much of the infamously-scarred character’s face will fans get to see? While it’s possible they might avoid answering this big question until “Avengers: Secret Wars,” surely audiences will eventually demand a glimpse of his features.Â
Luckily, the MCU can always lean on actual comic book continuity if they want fans to see more of Downey’s mug instead of covering him in special effects make-up. In at least one comic book storyline, Doctor Doom’s face is only lightly scarred before he puts it under his mask, his vanity causing him to believe that his appearance has been utterly ruined. But no matter how disfigured his face might be, Doom is a force to be reckoned with. Want to know more before seeing “Avengers: Doomsday”? Watch the video above for a crash course in the doctor’s over-the-top malevolence. Â