Why is Robert Downey Jr. making a comeback to Marvel? The actor has finally shed light on this surprising return.

In a recent episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Awards Chatter” podcast, Downey revealed how he agreed to reprise his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom in the new movie “Avengers: Doomsday.”

The 59-year-old actor talked about how, after stepping away from the Marvel franchise, he kept in touch with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and even thought about presenting an idea to Disney CEO Bob Iger regarding enhancing the company’s theme parks.

During a later meeting with Feige alongside his wife Susan, the Marvel head suggested the possibility of bringing Downey back into the limelight—despite Iron Man’s death in “Avengers: Endgame” back in 2019.

“He mentioned that it kept coming to him that if I were to return” Downey shared. “And Susan was like, ‘Hold on, come back as what?’ Over time, we both recognized just how innovative and creative he is.”

Downey mentioned that Feige proposed he could come back as Victor Von Doom, the infamous antagonist from the Fantastic Four, known for being an enemy of Reed Richards. “I researched this character, and I thought, ‘Wow,'” he noted. “Later on, he said, ‘Let’s ensure we portray Victor Von Doom correctly. Let’s get it right.’

Following the conversation with Feige, Downey visited Iger’s residence to talk about the idea, which Iger approved enthusiastically. “He said, ‘I like it,'” Downey recalled.

Marvel unveiled Downey’s comeback during a recent Comic-Con event, where he dramatically revealed himself after wearing a Doctor Doom mask. Director Joe Russo commented that Downey returning is “testament to the limitless potential in the Marvel multiverse” and referred to him as “the only person who could portray Victor Von Doom.”

Fans were puzzled about whether there would be any connection between Doctor Doom and Downey’s former character, Iron Man. Some speculated that Doctor Doom could be shown as an evil variant of Tony Stark from a different universe, while others thought he might merely resemble Stark without any actual link, similar to how actors like Gemma Chan have played different unconnected Marvel roles.

Though Downey didn’t clarify which theory holds weight during the “Awards Chatter” podcast, his remark about Feige wanting to accurately represent Victor Von Doom suggests he may portray a more comic-accurate version instead of an evil version of Tony Stark. The idea of an Iron Man variant drew mixed reactions from fans, some disappointed that Marvel might stray from the comic character’s history.

Downey’s comeback marks a shift for Marvel, which had initially planned for Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror to be the antagonist in the next “Avengers” film, previously known as “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.” For Downey, it represents a return home after recently winning an Oscar for best supporting actor for his role in “Oppenheimer.”

While it was widely speculated that Downey would eventually revisit the MCU, most assumed he would return as an alternate universe version of Tony Stark rather than as a new, villainous character.

Gwyneth Paltrow, who portrayed Tony Stark’s partner Pepper Potts in the “Iron Man” and “Avengers” films, expressed confusion about his return as well. She quipped on Downey’s Instagram last month, “I’m a bit perplexed, are you a villain now?”