IGN and other outlets report Doctor Doom’s appearance in Avengers: Doomsday has been revealed at a Disney marketing expo in Shanghai. Photos posted to X show artwork of the film’s villain, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., was displayed at the expo’s entrance, alongside characters from other upcoming movies, including Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

The apparent design by veteran MCU costumer Judianna Makovsky is darker than the green robes Doom sported in his cameo in The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘s mid-credits scene, harking back to Death, the inspiration for the character’s co-creator Jack Kirby. Modifications from his traditional look include the incorporation of chain mail (something presumably done to provide more flexible movement for Downey and his stunt doubles, ala The Dark Knight‘s Batsuit), a visible lamellar breastplate, and symbols on his cloak clasps.

Despite their resemblance to Thor’s hammer and Captain Marvel’s starburst sigil, it’s more likely the clasp symbols respectively represent Doom’s mastery of science and magic. (The presence of his comic book powers have been seemingly confirmed by a tentatively translated synopsis courtesy of MovieWeb, which describe him as “a master of cutting-edge science and powerful magic.”) Similarly, the rings on his sleeves and breastplate(s) appear to be decorated with mystical symbols.

Avengers: Doomsday, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, will be released in theaters on December 18, 2026. In the meantime, Phase Six of the MCU will continue with the animated miniseries Marvel Zombies (releasing Wednesday, September 24); Wonder Man (premiering this December); Daredevil: Born Again season two (March 2026); Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31, 2026); a Punisher special on Disney+; and Vision Quest.

Doom himself will also continue to dominate the Marvel Comics universe, despite One World Under Doom‘s conclusion (with issue #9) in November; the publisher teased 2026’s storylines last week with the tagline, “Doom always has a plan,” while revealing Chip Zdarsky and CAFU‘s end-of-year one-shot, The Will of Doom (releasing December 24). With Downey also set to return in Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027, it seems the Doom hype train won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

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