When Marvel announced at San Diego Comic-Con that Robert Downey Jr. would play Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, the internet was devastated. But a new video reveals that the one-time Iron Man actor was on Marvel’s radar exactly 20 years ago as Doctor Doom.

The story of Robert Downey Jr. and Doctor Doom 20 years ago

In an interview, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and Iron Man director Jon Favreau talked about the first time they met Robert Downey Jr. Favreau said, “Robert came in for a general meeting and you had already met with him for Doctor Doom or something. I think he was in negotiations for Fantastic Four. Everybody knew who he was.”

Favreau noted that they were sitting in Downey Jr.’s office and noticed a spark in the actor’s eyes. “I remember sitting with him and I saw that spark in his eyes and I said, ‘We have to figure this out,’” he added. It is not known how close Downey Jr. came to landing the role of Doctor Doom at the time, but the role eventually went to Julian McMahon, and McMahon was cast in 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer in 2007.

From Iron Man to Doctor Doom

Downey Jr. has portrayed Tony Stark (Iron Man) in three standalone films and many other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies, making him a cornerstone of the billion-dollar franchise. Now it’s Robert Downey Jr.’s turn to don the mask of Doctor Doom. He played Victor von Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

It is a matter of great curiosity how Robert Downey Jr., who won the love of millions with his performance as Iron Man, will give life to the character of Doctor Doom.