Hayley Atwell Backs Robert Downey Jr.’s Bold Doctor Doom Turn in Avengers: Doomsday

Speaking on the convention floor at Comic-Con 2026 , Hayley Atwell said working with Robert Downey Jr. again has reminded her how generous he is on set and how naturally he takes charge. She called Marvel ’s decision to have him play Doctor Doom a gutsy swing — and one she thinks he can land.

“You’re taking a big swing turning him into Doom but if there’s one person who can get away with it - it's Downey,” she told Discussing Film.

The casting has split fans — some are intrigued by the reinvention, others bristled at seeing the MCU ’s onetime ultimate hero now step into one of its most infamous villains. Downey Jr. wore the Iron Man suit for more than a decade; this time, the challenge is shedding Tony Stark entirely and leaning into a darker, more ruthless presence.

There’s a bit of full-circle trivia in the mix, too: Downey Jr. was reportedly considered to play Doom in 2005’s Fantastic Four before the part went to Julian McMahon. Two decades later, he finally gets a crack at Victor Von Doom.

Peggy Carter’s return

Atwell also confirmed she’s back as Peggy Carter in Avengers: Doomsday and said Peggy’s bond with Steve Rogers still matters to where the character goes next.

“I think it's really touching to me that their love story is an enduring one,” she said. “You can't really have Steve without Peggy, or without the longing for Peggy.”

She kept plot details under wraps but said her motivation this time was the chance to explore a new side of Peggy, hinting the character has evolved in the upcoming film.

Atwell is set to reprise Peggy Carter in Avengers: Doomsday.