Robert Downey Jr’s Most Memorable Villain Roles Before Avengers: Doomsday

For years, Robert Downey Jr. has been the face of heroism on the big screen. Now, as he prepares to take on the role of Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, fans are eager to see him switch sides. But this isn’t the first time Downey has explored the darker corners of his craft. Throughout his career, he’s delivered unforgettable performances as antagonists, each one unique and layered.

Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer

Downey’s portrayal of Lewis Strauss in the Oscar- winning drama Oppenheimer stands out as one of his most nuanced roles. As the Atomic Energy Commission Chairman, Strauss becomes the main adversary to J. Robert Oppenheimer during the 1950s, orchestrating efforts to strip Oppenheimer of his security clearance by accusing him of Communist ties. Downey captures Strauss’s complex motivations—whether driven by jealousy or a sense of duty—bringing depth to a character who is both a rival and a patriot.

Reflecting on the role, Downey once said,

Then he [Nolan] asked me if I was at all familiar with the character… I had a previous fair understanding of Strauss. Then I challenged a little bit the Mozart-Salieri of it all. I said, ‘I’m not sure in some ways that Strauss isn’t a bit the hero here,’ which kind of raised an eyebrow on Chris. I half-jokingly challenged him on whether Admiral Strauss hadn’t done everything that any patriotic American would’ve done.

This fresh perspective helped Downey deliver a performance that earned him his first Academy Award in 2024.

Wayne Gale in Natural Born Killers

In Oliver Stone’s Natural Born Killers, Downey takes on the role of Wayne Gale, a ruthless journalist obsessed with fame. The film, inspired by real-life events, follows serial killers Mickey and Mallory Knox, whose violent exploits are sensationalized by Gale. Downey’s character is relentless in his pursuit of ratings, blurring the line between reporting and exploitation. His hunger for success leads him down a path of violence, ultimately sealing his fate at the hands of the very criminals he glorifies.

Paul Avery in Zodiac

David Fincher’s Zodiac features Downey as Paul Avery, a journalist whose obsession with the infamous Zodiac killer case spirals into self-destruction. While not a traditional villain, Avery’s reckless behavior and descent into paranoia make him a cautionary figure. Downey’s performance highlights the toll that obsession and addiction can take, adding a layer of complexity to a character caught between truth and self-destruction.

Dr. Kozak in The Shaggy Dog

In the family comedy The Shaggy Dog, Downey plays Dr. Kozak, a scientist with a sinister agenda. Kozak’s unethical experiments with canine DNA in pursuit of eternal youth put him at odds with the film’s protagonist. Despite the movie ’s lighthearted tone, Downey brings a chilling edge to the role, making Kozak a memorable antagonist in an otherwise comedic setting.

John Royce in U.S. Marshals

U.S. Marshals sees Downey as Special Agent John Royce, who joins a team of lawmen on the hunt for a fugitive. As the story unfolds, Royce is revealed to be a double agent, framing the innocent and betraying his own team. Downey’s performance adds a layer of intrigue to the film, with his character’s duplicity driving the plot’s biggest twist.

With these roles under his belt, Downey has shown he can bring complexity and charisma to even the most villainous characters. Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on December 18, 2026, will be the next chapter in his journey to the dark side.