Filming for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe epic, Avengers: Doomsday, wrapped earlier this year, drawing together stars from across the franchise, with Robert Downey Jr. Avengers Doomsday presence making a major impact on set. As Downey Jr. assumes the role of Doctor Doom in this new era, Simu Liu, who returns as Shang-Chi, shared insights about working alongside the charismatic Marvel veteran and how the set atmosphere revolved around Downey Jr.’s magnetic personality.
Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU, now as a formidable villain rather than his iconic Iron Man persona, has set the stage for an ambitious crossover involving dozens of returning characters. According to reports and Liu’s firsthand accounts, Downey Jr. enjoys a unique status among the Avengers: Doomsday cast and crew, complete with a “Downey Land” retreat behind the scenes that underscores his legendary standing in the Marvel universe.
Downey Jr.’s Unique Presence on Set, as Experienced by Simu Liu
Simu Liu, speaking with Collider, opened up about the enormous scale of Avengers: Doomsday and described his introduction to Robert Downey Jr.’s inner circle on set. Liu recounted being invited to “Downey Land,” a section at base camp reserved for Downey Jr. and his entourage. The tent, decked out in Andy Warhol-inspired art featuring Downey in various forms, created a vibrant atmosphere that left a lasting impression on the visiting stars and staff.
“Downey famously has this convoy of trailers and this whole area in base camp that we affectionately called Downey Land. And I remember getting invited to Downey Land for the first time and just showing up in this tent, and it’s all this beautiful Andy Warhol-esque artwork, except all the characters are Downey. I mean, he’s so self-aware.
“He greeted me, and then I didn’t realize that Downey Land has its own chefs, but I had brought my set lunch, and he was like, ‘Oh, no, no, no. We don’t do that here.’ The chefs had come and laid out this full buffet, and I was like, ‘Oh, I’ll put this away.’ And then just the people walking through, I was like, ‘I cannot believe I’m having lunch with these people.'” — Simu Liu, Actor
Liu highlighted how the atmosphere in Downey Land offered a surreal, almost “pinch-me” experience for those who were invited. The scene of eating lunch with legendary Marvel figures and enjoying a chef-prepared buffet further elevated the sense of camaraderie and exclusivity that surrounded Downey Jr. during production.
Reflecting on the magnitude of the opportunity, Liu discussed how meeting Downey Jr. was a standout moment in his career, especially since he had previously crossed paths with nearly everyone else in the Marvel roster.
“Those pinch-me moments happened in the moments in between, because I feel like when we’re on set, and we’re in character and ready to go, everyone’s generally pretty focused. For me, it was very imperative that I put that fan side away. I compartmentalized that side of me… As ridiculous as it sounded to me at the time, I was like, ‘No. I have to treat these people as my equals, even though I’m literally like a little boy right now.’
“I had many of those moments. I remember meeting Downey for the first time. That is such a pinch-me moment in and of itself, because I’d almost met everyone else around him at some juncture or other, but I had never actually met him, and it’s very fitting…This was a very momentous meeting where we met, and then we were like, ‘We’re about to work together. That’s fantastic.’ I got to say how much his work has meant to me, and shared some really kind words, and he was really sweet. That was the first one.” — Simu Liu, Actor
Liu described the need to set aside his admiration in order to work as peers, though the enormity of the moment was not lost on him, especially as production brought together actors who had become legends within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His anecdotes paint a picture of a tense yet exhilarating set, energized by both seasoned and newer cast members converging for Marvel’s latest cinematic event.
Anticipation Grows for Marvel’s Next Blockbuster
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released globally on December 18, 2026. The film will once again be directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the creative duo behind Marvel’s juggernaut entries Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The scale and ambition are set even higher this time as the franchise brings back powerhouses like Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Channing Tatum, and stars from across the Marvel spectrum. Joining them are notable new faces and returning fan favorites, ensuring a cast of remarkable depth and variety.
Details about the exact storyline are being closely guarded, fueling rampant speculation and anticipation among fans worldwide. What has been confirmed is that Avengers: Doomsday will unite original Avengers team members with characters such as the Fantastic Four and the original X-Men, setting the stage for a climactic battle against Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. The crossover will showcase the talents of actors like Joseph Quinn, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, each contributing to the escalating momentum as the franchise heads for another landmark moment in superhero cinema.
Marvel’s Unconventional Marketing and the Scale of the Cast
In a move that reflects the high stakes and excitement surrounding Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel’s marketing department opted for an early and inventive approach to building buzz. Teaser trailers were attached to screenings of Avatar: Fire and Ash a full year ahead of the official premiere, with several different versions being shown to audiences. Two teasers have also been released online, while a third is expected to debut in theaters soon, fueling already intense speculation about what audiences can expect when the film is finally released.
The ensemble cast is drawing considerable attention, as it brings together an array of Marvel icons and introduces new characters for the highly anticipated crossover. Key actors returning include Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing). Their interactions with established MCU stars and new additions are expected to heighten the film’s dramatic stakes and appeal.
What Avengers: Doomsday Means for Marvel’s Future
With the MCU’s storytelling entering uncharted territory, Avengers: Doomsday marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, both in terms of narrative direction and industry impact. The return of major figures such as Robert Downey Jr., now taking on the mantle of a key antagonist, suggests a bold vision for the next chapter of Marvel’s cinematic saga. For Simu Liu and a sprawling cast representing nearly every corner of the MCU, the film serves as both a professional milestone and a celebration of the franchise’s enduring legacy.
As post-production continues and the world awaits further details, excitement remains high. Whether through behind-the-scenes stories of camaraderie, the unique set dynamics fostered by stars like Downey Jr., or the promise of an unprecedented superhero showdown, Avengers: Doomsday is poised to be a defining cinematic event—one with far-reaching significance not only for the Marvel franchise but for blockbuster filmmaking as a whole.
