Marvel Studios’ Most Expensive Asset Gets King Treatment on Avengers Doomsday Set

by

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is welcoming back a key figure, and Robert Downey Jr.’s return is proving to be extraordinary. As filming begins on the 2026 film Avengers: Doomsday, sources say Marvel Studios is going all-out to support him. Downey, known for his role as the hero Iron Man, is now playing the villain Victor von Doom, and has reportedly had a private, estate-like area created for him on the studio lot.

In a recent interview with Collider, Simu Liu, star of Shang-Chi, shared just how much attention Robert Downey Jr. receives on set. Liu described an incredibly elaborate setup for Downey that everyone on the production is talking about. While Marvel movies are known for being expensive, the special treatment Downey gets is truly exceptional.

Robert Downey Jr.’s setup on the set of Avengers: Doomsday is more than just a trailer – it’s like a whole little world! The cast and crew have playfully dubbed it “Downey Land.” It’s a collection of trailers joined together, creating a private and comfortable space where he can work and relax.

According to Liu, Robert Downey Jr. is known for having a large setup on set – a whole collection of trailers and workspaces that everyone jokingly called ‘Downey Land.’ Liu recalls being invited there for the first time and finding a tent filled with vibrant artwork in the style of Andy Warhol, but instead of famous figures, all the portraits were of Downey himself. Liu added that Downey is incredibly self-aware.

The property gives Downey a comfortable and private space, making him feel at home despite the demanding schedule of what is likely Marvel’s biggest movie yet. Liu shared that the setup includes personal chefs, and he amusingly remembered feeling awkward when he brought his own lunch to what he playfully called ‘Downey Land,’ not realizing there were already chefs available.

He said hello, and I soon learned Downey Land has its own chefs. I had already packed my lunch, but he explained that wasn’t necessary there.

Marvel Studios allowed Robert Downey Jr. a lot of creative control on set because of the large contract they signed to get him to return. After some recent Marvel movies didn’t perform as well as expected, Disney’s CEO Bob Iger and Marvel President Kevin Feige decided bringing Downey back was key to revitalizing the franchise.

As a huge fan, I was blown away when I heard about what Robert Downey Jr. is making for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars! Apparently, he’s getting over $80 million, which is incredible. But it doesn’t stop there – the deal also included things like private jets, top-notch security, and even a whole trailer complex on set that everyone’s started calling ‘Downey Land’! It’s amazing to see a legend like him getting everything he deserves.

Marvel considers these expenses a worthwhile investment. They believe Robert Downey Jr. is uniquely capable of creating the buzz needed for the next two Avengers movies to break box office records. By giving him special treatment on set, the studio keeps its valuable asset engaged and driven.

What To Expect From Robert Downey Jr. in Avengers: Doomsday

I’m so hyped for Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom! From what I’ve seen, he’s going to be a villain unlike anything we’ve ever seen in the MCU. Seriously, Marvel seems to be setting him up as even bigger than Thanos – a truly overwhelming and god-like threat. The latest teaser for the new Avengers movie gave us a little taste of just how scary he’s going to be, and it was enough to get me incredibly excited!

The new footage shows a humbled Thor (Chris Hemsworth) on his knees in a forest, bathed in sunlight, as he prays to his late father, Odin. He’s pleading for the power of the All-Fathers to help him overcome a dangerous enemy who threatens not only him, but the entire universe. What’s driving Thor is his desire to protect his adopted daughter, Love, who is played by Hemsworth’s own daughter, India Rose.

Okay, so after seeing the footage, let me tell you, Thanos is terrifying. Seriously, even Thor looks shaken. What really struck me is how Downey Jr. isn’t just playing a villain, he’s crafting a truly menacing psychological force. The Russo Brothers are brilliantly using his inherent charm to make Thanos feel less like a monster and more like an unstoppable, inevitable power. He’s not just strong, he’s calculating, and that’s what makes him so chilling.

Read More

2026-01-18 20:05