A new theory regarding Doctor Doom delves deeper into the reasoning for Robert Downey Jr.’s casting, suggesting more than just a connection to an Iron Man variant. Following the surprising announcement at San Diego Comic-Con that Downey would portray Doctor Doom, fans have speculated about how his legacy as Iron Man might intersect with this new role (if at all). A compelling theory emerges from Tony Stark’s backstory in the comics.
It’s been emphasized that Robert Downey Jr. is set to play “Victor von Doom.” This announcement raises questions about theories suggesting that Downey may portray a darker variant of Iron Man who transitions into Doctor Doom; instead, he seems to be taking on a more authentic version of Doom. Nevertheless, many fans remain intrigued by a potential Iron Man connection. Considering RDJ’s vast acting capabilities, it begs the question: why was he cast by Marvel Studios if there isn’t some link to Iron Man? With this in mind, one new theory suggests a twist involving Tony Stark that allows both ideas to hold true simultaneously.
Tony Stark Was Adopted in Marvel Comics
He’s Not Howard and Maria’s Biological Son
The essence of this new theory is that Tony Stark is adopted in Marvel Comics. In the 2012 Iron Man series, it was revealed that Tony was adopted by Howard and Maria Stark due to their difficulties in having another child. This storyline also introduced the idea of Tony having a secret brother named Arno. Additionally, the 2016 series International Iron Man revealed that both of Tony’s parents had ties to SHIELD and Hydra, leading to a tumultuous romance that forced Tony’s mother to give him up to SHIELD and ultimately resulted in his adoption by Howard.
The rationale behind Howard and Maria concealing their firstborn revolves around an alien and Arno Stark’s terminal illness. Essentially, Tony was adopted as a healthy decoy son to mislead this alien, whom Howard and Maria wished to protect. However, what is crucial to the new MCU theory is simply that Tony Stark was adopted.
It’s Implied the MCU’s Iron Man Is the Biological Son of Howard and Maria
But What About Other Timelines?
In the MCU, it is heavily implied that Tony Stark is the biological child of Howard and Maria Stark. This is evident in Howard’s video message to Tony in Iron Man 2, where he refers to Tony as “his greatest creation.” Furthermore, during a time-traveling encounter to 1970, Tony converses with his father about Maria’s pregnancy, providing advice to Howard on fatherhood.
Some fans speculate that within their interaction in Endgame, there are suggestions that Tony Stark might be adopted in the MCU too. However, this notion feels somewhat implausible at this stage. Regardless, the multiverse presents endless possibilities, including timelines in which Tony Stark was indeed adopted—with links to Doctor Doom.
Theory: Tony Stark Was Adopted (But Was Born As Victor von Doom)
Or, Doom Was Adopted (And Was Originally a Stark)
Considering the adoption concepts, there could be a reality in the MCU multiverse where Tony Stark was raised by Howard and Maria, mirroring the comics, only to discover later that he was originally born as Victor von Doom. This scenario would allow Robert Downey Jr. to embody Victor von Doom while maintaining a connection to Tony Stark/Iron Man. Alternatively, it could be revealed that Victor von Doom was adopted and originally a Stark.
Ultimately, this imaginative approach is rooted in comic lore and may extend beyond narratives like Infamous Iron Man, Demon in an Armor, and other Iron Man/Doctor Doom tales found in the comics. Exploring the adoption angle offers a captivating direction, whether it’s revealed that Tony Stark was once a Doom or that Doom was once a Stark. In either scenario, it paves the way for a significant new adversary in the evolving MCU landscape.
