Post by Admin on Apr 5, 2018 0:18:45 GMT
www.cbr.com/mcu-next-iron-man-doctor-doom/
The MCU Should Look to Doctor Doom as its Next Iron Man
With Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe approaching, it’s pretty clear that major changes are in the offing. A main aspect of this change likely involves a passing of the guard, with heroes like Chris Evans’ Captain America and Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark/Iron Man among those expected to ride off into the sunset.
While Cap’s potential demise is something many fans are already debating, the possibility of Stark’s story coming to some sort of conclusion is the potentially bigger development. After all, his solo story kicked off Marvel Studios’ initial vision for a movie universe in 2008, laying the groundwork for making Iron Man the anchor of the MCU. Whether it’s via retirement or assome fans suspect, death, Stark’s absence will leave a huge hole in the fabric of the MCU. However, there’s already a potential replacement waiting in the wings, one who’s just as intelligent, albeit with a bit more sinister element to him: Doctor Doom.
21st Century Fox has Legion creator Noah Hawley writing his solo movie presently, although plans could shift due to the seemingly imminent acquisition by Disney. And with Phase Four not starting until 2019, when the Spider Man: Homecoming sequel will kick it off after Avengers 4, Marvel would have time on its side to engineer such a bold move.
While it would certainly be a headline-grabbing development, however, there are genuinely solid story-based reasons why Doom is the perfect man to take control of Iron Man’s armor in the the MCU.
The template for using Doom as Stark’s replacement already exists in the Infamous Iron Man comics. Written by Brian Michael Bendis and drawn by Alex Maleev, the book saw Victor Von Doom undergo a rebirth following Secret Wars, where he had attempted to reshape reality in his image as God Emperor Doom. After his failed attempt at ruling all reality, Doom returned to the newly re-formed Marvel Universe where he us no longer scarred, physically or mentally. When Tony Stark fell into a coma thanks to the events of Civil War II, the former villain decided to redeem himself in a most Doom-like way — he became Iron Man.
What would make this work in the MCU is that Doom and Stark have similar qualities and aspirations. They’re both narcissists who love being viewed as saviors, both are very politically ambitious, and often use this to save the world their own way. But while Stark always wants to control how the world is protected (whether it’s via his weapons or the Avengers), while Doom always wants to pit his sovereign nation, Latveria, as the world power everyone should emulate so as to live in order.
These traits blur the line between hero and villain, leaving audiences wondering whether such control freaks should be considered heroes, anti-heroes or full-on bad guys who are blinded by their own egos. In the MCU, Stark’s arrogance led to him creating Ultron to safeguard the planet, and fueled the fires that ignited into Civil War. These disasters reiterate that Stark does what he wants whenever he wants, a behavior Doom frequently exhibits whether in the role of hero or villain. In other words, this take on Doom, someone who thinks he’s noble and knows what’s right for mankind, no matter what, fits right into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Stark has been Marvel’s connective thread throughout its films, and Doom has potential to serve as a similar linchpin. He, too, is a journeyman who has dealt with everything, from science to the cosmic arena to the supernatural realm. In the MCU, Stark started off as a science-driven genius, then touched base with the concept of mysticism and gods through meeting Thor, and he’s poised to learn more about the supernatural when he meets Doctor Strange in Infinity War. His cosmic knowledge is also set to expand when he encounters the Guardians of the Galaxy, Thanos and the Black Order — which all mirror the life we’ve seen Doom live in the comics.
Victor’s one of the most scientifically gifted minds ever, and more. He’s also a magic practicer thanks to his mother’s history with the occult, even finding himself up for the Sorcerer Supreme mantle at one point. Doom is also very versed in the cosmic arena having hunted for the Infinity Gems (Stones) himself and dealt with space beings such as the Beyonder, Galactus and Silver Surfer. Simply put, Doom can fit any narrative the MCU need him for.
Last but not least, Doom often finds conflict with the Fantastic Four. His storied rivalry with them could pave the way for their entrance into the MCU and make for a great dynamic moving forward, especially if Marvel wants to focus on the kids, Franklin and Valeria Richards, considering how well the character has played off the young heroes in so many stories.
But what makes the prospect of Doom as the new centerpiece of Marvel Studios most enticing is that while we may empathize and trust in Victor’s intentions, there’s a lot of ambiguity behind the man himself. This would leave audiences worried, but more importantly excited as to what would ensue between him and Earth’s remaining superheroes when he takes on the mantle of Iron Man — or when he would inevitably leave it behind.
The MCU Should Look to Doctor Doom as its Next Iron Man
With Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe approaching, it’s pretty clear that major changes are in the offing. A main aspect of this change likely involves a passing of the guard, with heroes like Chris Evans’ Captain America and Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark/Iron Man among those expected to ride off into the sunset.
While Cap’s potential demise is something many fans are already debating, the possibility of Stark’s story coming to some sort of conclusion is the potentially bigger development. After all, his solo story kicked off Marvel Studios’ initial vision for a movie universe in 2008, laying the groundwork for making Iron Man the anchor of the MCU. Whether it’s via retirement or assome fans suspect, death, Stark’s absence will leave a huge hole in the fabric of the MCU. However, there’s already a potential replacement waiting in the wings, one who’s just as intelligent, albeit with a bit more sinister element to him: Doctor Doom.
21st Century Fox has Legion creator Noah Hawley writing his solo movie presently, although plans could shift due to the seemingly imminent acquisition by Disney. And with Phase Four not starting until 2019, when the Spider Man: Homecoming sequel will kick it off after Avengers 4, Marvel would have time on its side to engineer such a bold move.
While it would certainly be a headline-grabbing development, however, there are genuinely solid story-based reasons why Doom is the perfect man to take control of Iron Man’s armor in the the MCU.
The template for using Doom as Stark’s replacement already exists in the Infamous Iron Man comics. Written by Brian Michael Bendis and drawn by Alex Maleev, the book saw Victor Von Doom undergo a rebirth following Secret Wars, where he had attempted to reshape reality in his image as God Emperor Doom. After his failed attempt at ruling all reality, Doom returned to the newly re-formed Marvel Universe where he us no longer scarred, physically or mentally. When Tony Stark fell into a coma thanks to the events of Civil War II, the former villain decided to redeem himself in a most Doom-like way — he became Iron Man.
What would make this work in the MCU is that Doom and Stark have similar qualities and aspirations. They’re both narcissists who love being viewed as saviors, both are very politically ambitious, and often use this to save the world their own way. But while Stark always wants to control how the world is protected (whether it’s via his weapons or the Avengers), while Doom always wants to pit his sovereign nation, Latveria, as the world power everyone should emulate so as to live in order.
These traits blur the line between hero and villain, leaving audiences wondering whether such control freaks should be considered heroes, anti-heroes or full-on bad guys who are blinded by their own egos. In the MCU, Stark’s arrogance led to him creating Ultron to safeguard the planet, and fueled the fires that ignited into Civil War. These disasters reiterate that Stark does what he wants whenever he wants, a behavior Doom frequently exhibits whether in the role of hero or villain. In other words, this take on Doom, someone who thinks he’s noble and knows what’s right for mankind, no matter what, fits right into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Stark has been Marvel’s connective thread throughout its films, and Doom has potential to serve as a similar linchpin. He, too, is a journeyman who has dealt with everything, from science to the cosmic arena to the supernatural realm. In the MCU, Stark started off as a science-driven genius, then touched base with the concept of mysticism and gods through meeting Thor, and he’s poised to learn more about the supernatural when he meets Doctor Strange in Infinity War. His cosmic knowledge is also set to expand when he encounters the Guardians of the Galaxy, Thanos and the Black Order — which all mirror the life we’ve seen Doom live in the comics.
Victor’s one of the most scientifically gifted minds ever, and more. He’s also a magic practicer thanks to his mother’s history with the occult, even finding himself up for the Sorcerer Supreme mantle at one point. Doom is also very versed in the cosmic arena having hunted for the Infinity Gems (Stones) himself and dealt with space beings such as the Beyonder, Galactus and Silver Surfer. Simply put, Doom can fit any narrative the MCU need him for.
Last but not least, Doom often finds conflict with the Fantastic Four. His storied rivalry with them could pave the way for their entrance into the MCU and make for a great dynamic moving forward, especially if Marvel wants to focus on the kids, Franklin and Valeria Richards, considering how well the character has played off the young heroes in so many stories.
But what makes the prospect of Doom as the new centerpiece of Marvel Studios most enticing is that while we may empathize and trust in Victor’s intentions, there’s a lot of ambiguity behind the man himself. This would leave audiences worried, but more importantly excited as to what would ensue between him and Earth’s remaining superheroes when he takes on the mantle of Iron Man — or when he would inevitably leave it behind.