Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU recast would have made more sense if he was playing a different returning Marvel villain

Since his MCU recast was so divisive, the return of Robert Downey Jr. Might make more sense if he came back as a different Marvel villain in the upcoming Vision Series. After 11 years of playing Tony Stark’s Iron Man in the MCU, it can be assumed that Robert Downey Jr. Would not return to the franchise. However, this year’s SDCC presentation saw Marvel Studios confirm Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU.

Robert Downey Jr. isn’t the only actor recently confirmed to be returning to the MCU, as James Spader will also reprise his role in Marvel Television’s upcoming Vision Series. Previously voiced the tyrannical artificial intelligence Ultron in 2015’s eponymous Avengers: Age of UltronJames Spader’s return to the MCU is incredibly exciting. Even so, there is some confusion surrounding Ultron’s return, and One major question could be answered by bringing Robert Downey Jr back to the MCU as someone other than Doctor Doom.

Why Robert Downey Jr.’s recast as Doctor Doom was so polarizing

Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom is set to debut in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday

The casting of Robert Downey Jr. How Victor Von Doom was met with a mixed reception, as many expressed confusion about exactly how Downey Jr. There have been theories suggesting Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom could be a Tony Stark variant, or an adopted Stark who was raised in LatveriaBut Downey Jr. and Marvel Studios have confirmed that he will indeed be Victor Von Doom. This opened up the MCU to new criticism.

Some have suggested that an unknown actor, or at least someone of lesser prominence than Robert Downey Jr., should have been given the chance to play Doctor Doom instead. Others noted that someone who didn’t have such a huge role in the MCU could have become Doctor Doom, such as Mads Mikkelsen, who was a popular fan cast. For the iconic Marvel villain. Tony Stark from Downey Jr. has been at the forefront of the MCU for over a decade, so it will be hard to ignore his similarities to the new Doctor Doom.

Ultron could be appearing in human form in the MCU’s Vision series

James Spader will be reprising his voice role of ​​Ultron in 2026’s Vision series

Soon after James Spader was confirmed to return as Ultron in Terry Matalas. Vision series in 2026, The Hollywood Reporter Published an article revealing Star Trek: Picard Star Todd Stashwick’s casting in the series. The report also included more information about Ultron’s return, viz The Hollywood Reporter Surprisingly noticed that “It is unclear whether Ultron will return as a robot or in human form.” Before this, it seemed unquestionable that Ultron would return in his robot form, but his Marvel Comics history tells a different story.

Ultron has merged with human characters several times in Marvel Comics, mostly on his quest to create a superior life form combining man and machine. He infiltrated the bodies of Tony Stark, Adam Warlock and the original Human Torch android, but his most notable partnership was with his own creator, Hank Pym. Ultron and Hank Pym have been merged into one being for several years in Marvel Comics, so it’s very possible that a similar story could be told in live-action, and it could have presented a much clearer recasting for Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. would have made more sense to return as a human Ultron

Tony Stark created Ultron in the MCU Phase 2

Ultron and Hank Pym have no connection in the MCU, so it may be unlikely that this pair will merge into one. However, the story could still be told if Robert Downey Jr. didn’t return as Doctor Doom. Tony Stark’s Iron Man helped to create Ultron in Avengers: Age of UltronAnd the robot thinks Stark is his father, so It would have made a lot more sense if Ultron had returned to take over Stark’s body. This would allow Robert Downey Jr. To return as a human version of Ultron.

This would have been much easier for Marvel Studios to explain to audiences, especially since Ultron literally takes over his creator’s body in Marvel Comics. This precedence meant that there was a clear opportunity for Robert Downey Jr.And allowed Downey Jr. to challenge himself with some new and fresh material in the MCU. Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom is much harder to explain, but Marvel Studios’ choice opens the door for another actor to excel.

Ultron’s human appearance is exciting for the seasoned MCU veteran

James Spader has more opportunities in the MCU as a human Ultron

Assuming it’s not Hank Pym whose body Ultron takes over in the Vision series, and that he instead creates a new human body, James Spader could get a more juicy role in the MCU. Spader is a remarkable actor who has delivered fantastic vocal and physical performances The office, the blacklist And LincolnSo it would be incredible to see him finally physically debut in the MCU. Spader missed this opportunity Age of UltronBut the possibility of a human Ultron means the acclaimed actor could have a bright future in the MCU.

The future of Ultron after his return in 2026 is unclear, but the fact that James Spader is ready to return to the MCU suggests that he will be used in much more than just a Disney + series. Until then Vision In the series premiere, Spader will be absent from the MCU for 11 years, so he deserves to come back with a vengeance and earn his place on the big screen. While Robert Downey Jr returning as Ultron might have made more immediate sense, it will be brilliant to see James Spader finally reprise his iconic villain role.