How Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man death sets up Doomsday collapse — and what it costs the Avengers to face him

Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame has sparked a new threat in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with his unexpected death. The villain behind this is Doctor Doom, who bears a striking resemblance to Robert Downey Jr. Doom's goal is to gain control of the multiverse, rather than just the stones. Fans have noted that the emotional impact of Stark's death resonates deeply with the Avengers, who have all experienced the loss of the beloved hero firsthand.

Director Joe Russo has emphasized that the emotional complexity of this new foe sets Doomsday apart from previous threats like Thanos, who was driven by ideology. Russo described the film as "the most emotionally complex and most mature" in the franchise. Victor Von Doom's role is vital in this story, as his broken state and army of multiversal variants create a more intricate and challenging battle for the heroes.

The Russo brothers have hinted that the fight against Doom won't be straightforward, with characters faltering under the weight of their grief. The battle will likely be a multi-front war, involving various teams dispatched to different Earths to construct massive cannons capable of separating the universes. The heroes must work together, despite possible internal conflicts, to stop the multiversal collapse.

Speculation suggests that the Avengers may even find themselves divided, with certain characters joining forces with Doom. The final battle will be a complex and emotionally charged affair, with the Avengers needing to overcome their hesitation and work together to defeat a villain who looks like Tony Stark.