Aging Robert Downey Jr. shared a photo from the set of the new `Avengers`

Which superhero is the actor hinting at? And what physical shape is the star of "Oppenheimer" in right now? We explain.

The actor published a photo from the set on his Instagram account, and this shot speaks more than it seems at first glance.

In the photo, he sits by a trailer—grayed, with a book in hand, and behind him is a poster featuring Doctor Doom.

And if you thought, "Wait, is he playing a villain now?" — yes, that's right. For those who missed it, in "Avengers: Doomsday" will first appear in this role, as Marvel Studios announced in March 2025.
Actor Robert Downey Jr. in tight clothing sits by a trailer and holds a book in his hands
Robert Downey Jr. on the set of 'Avengers: Doomsday'
Source: @robertdowneyjr
The book the actor is holding is the memoirs of Jeremy Renner "My Next Breath," in which he talks about the snowmobile accident that happened to him in 2023. In this accident, he broke many bones but managed to recover.

Robert wrote under the photo that the memoirs are "very instructive." But personally, I think it's a kind of hint at a possible clash between Doctor Doom and Renner's character, Hawkeye, in the upcoming blockbuster.

Also, if you look closely, you can see characteristic black markers for motion capture on Downey's face. What could this mean? It's very likely that Doom's mask—the iconic, face-covering one—will be digital this time. Or perhaps graphics will be used to add scars to Robert's face, as in the comics.
Actor Robert Downey Jr. with a mustache and beard stands in a classic suit and looks to the side against the background of a window
Robert Downey Jr.
Source:
According to Marvel lore, Victor von Doom received them after a failed experiment and has hidden his face ever since. And perhaps this is the version of the story the creators decided to return to.

We'll find out the true version very soon. The premiere of "Avengers: Doomsday" is scheduled for May 1, 2026. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com detailed which actors and characters will appear in the new part of the superhero franchise.