The veteran Marvel star is helping bring the next generation of superheroes together behind the scenes of Avengers: Doomsday with a simple but thoughtful gesture.
Robert Downey Jr. is apparently taking on more than just his new role as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. According to actress Vanessa Kirby, the Marvel veteran has been making a special effort to help the franchise’s newest cast members feel comfortable and connected on the massive production.
Kirby, who plays Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, spoke warmly about Downey during an appearance on The View.
The 38-year-old actress described the 61-year-old actor as one of the kindest people she has worked with and referred to him as the “OG” of the Marvel group, highlighting his long association with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Robert Downey Jr. Hosts Lunches for the Cast
Kirby revealed that Downey has developed a unique way of bringing the new Marvel actors together.
According to the actress, he organises lunches for the cast every day, giving the actors an opportunity to spend time together away from the pressures of filming.
“He just puts on these incredible lunches for us every day,” Kirby said.
She explained that instead of individual cast members remaining alone in their trailers while preparing their lines and scenes, Downey’s gatherings encourage everyone to come together.
For a production featuring a large ensemble of established and newly introduced Marvel characters, Kirby said the gesture has helped create a stronger sense of community among the cast.
A Different Kind of Leadership
Kirby suggested that Downey’s approach has been particularly valuable for actors who are entering a new phase of the Marvel franchise.
The actress explained that the daily gatherings help prevent cast members from becoming isolated between scenes, especially while they prepare for demanding roles in a major blockbuster.
“It’s such an amazing way to lead a group of people that are coming together,” Kirby said.
Her comments portray Downey’s involvement as extending beyond his performance as Doctor Doom. Having spent years at the centre of the MCU as Tony Stark/Iron Man, he is now helping a new generation of Marvel actors navigate the experience of working on one of the studio’s biggest productions.
Robert Downey Jr’s accent for Doctor Doom in the MCU. pic.twitter.com/sisw2H5oZW
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 26, 2026
Vanessa Kirby Returns as Sue Storm
Kirby is part of the new generation of Marvel stars introduced through The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which brings Marvel’s First Family into the MCU.
She plays Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman, alongside Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing.
The Fantastic Four are expected to play an important role in Avengers: Doomsday, which brings together characters from different corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The upcoming project also features the return of characters connected to the X-Men universe, adding another major layer to the expanding Marvel storyline.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom voice gives Russo brothers ‘chills’
Robert Downey Jr. Takes on Doctor Doom
Downey’s return to Marvel is particularly notable because he is not reprising his famous role as Iron Man.
Instead, he is portraying Victor von Doom, better known as Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s most prominent villains.
His casting represents a major change from the character that made Downey one of the defining stars of the MCU. After playing Tony Stark for more than a decade, his new role places him on the opposite side of the superhero conflict.
While details about the film’s plot remain closely guarded, Downey’s presence alongside Marvel’s newer stars has already generated significant interest among fans.
For Kirby, however, his contribution to the production appears to extend beyond his on-screen role. By bringing the cast together for regular lunches, Downey is helping create a more collaborative environment as Marvel prepares its next major chapter.
As the MCU continues to introduce new heroes and bring back familiar characters, Kirby’s comments suggest that the franchise’s veteran stars could play an important role in helping its newer generation find its footing.
