Robert Downey Jr's set photo from Avengers: Doomsday has me thinking if his Doctor Doom look would be VFX-heavy

Robert Downey Jr. has shared a new photo from the set of Avengers: Doomsday. Based on its details, his Doctor Doom look might just be VFX-heavy. Here's the post:

The caption reads,

"Reading Renner’s book and feeling stronger already…what a journey to wisdom … very instructive…a must read! @jeremyrenner"

The photo shows Downey Jr. reading Hawkeye star Jeremy Renner's memoir, My Next Breath, which chronicles his inspiring story as a survivor of a near-fatal accident and an acclaimed actor. Downey Jr. is seen reading it while filming Avengers: Doomsday, which shows his return to the MCU as Victor von Doom (aka Doctor Doom).

Since Downey Jr.'s casting was announced in July 2024 during the Marvel Studios panel at San Diego Comic-Con, fans have been hoping to get a first look at him in this new role. He is more commonly known for playing industrialist Tony Stark, who becomes the mighty Iron Man. So, some fans have been wondering how he will play another iconic character from the comics.

The latest photo on Downey Jr.'s social media shows him with black dots over his face, which are crucial during the VFX process. These dots serve as markers and are often used to track and capture the actor's facial movements to register realistic facial expressions. Eventually, they get turned into digital animations. So, Downey Jr.'s on-set photo hints that his Doctor Doom look might be VFX-heavy.

It's not clear whether the film will show Doctor Doom without the mask or with it. However, Downey Jr.'s latest pictures raise expectations for the fans, who are excited to learn more about it.

Robert Downey Jr. is committed to fleshing out Doctor Doom's character in Avengers: Doomsday.

2024 Comic-Con International: San Diego - Marvel Studios Panel - Source: Getty

A few months after Robert Downey Jr. was announced as the MCU's new Doctor Doom, the Russo brothers spoke with Entertainment Tonight about Downey Jr.'s commitment to this role. Avengers: Doomsday marks their latest collaboration with the Oscar-winning actor in the MCU. So, Joe Russo had nothing but praise for the star.

Here's an excerpt from the interview where he talks about Downey Jr.'s preparation for the role.

“He is so immersed in it. He is so dialed in. He’s writing backstory, costume ideas… We were just on the phone with him this morning before we got here talking about it. He just loves really rich three-dimensional characters. He sees a real opportunity here with the character."

Avengers: Doomsday is expected to be out in theaters in 2026.