Big movie news often stirs strong emotions, and Marvel’s latest announcement is no exception. Fans were excited at first when a masked figure walked onstage at Comic-Con. But once he removed the mask and revealed himself as Robert Downey Jr., the reaction quickly became mixed.

Downey Jr. is beloved for his years as Iron Man, so many people were shocked to see him return as the villain Doctor Doom. Some fans said it would be hard to separate him from his old role, no matter how talented he is. They wondered if viewers could truly see him as a dark and serious character.

Soon, a bigger debate began online. In the comics, Doctor Doom has a strong Romani background that shapes much of his story. Many fans felt this was an important chance for Marvel to show a culture that rarely appears in major films. They were disappointed that the studio chose an actor who does not share that heritage.

Social media filled with comments calling the casting “whitewashing.” Some people even offered names of actors they believed would honor Doom’s roots. Others argued that Downey Jr. could still deliver a powerful performance, even if the casting choice was unexpected.

Despite the controversy, Marvel is moving ahead with two new Avengers films and a huge lineup of returning stars. The debate proves one thing for sure: superhero stories still spark big conversations—and sometimes make us think about more than just the action on screen.