Marvel Studios Announces Robert Downey’s Return as DOOM at SDCC 2024 Hall H Panel

That’s a wrap on the liveblog! Stay tuned as we’ll be uploading any relevant videos as they become available.

And there you have it. The moment we’ve all been eagerly anticipating, through thick and thin, through health and hardship. Once again, it was time for the main event of Comic-Con. What magical surprises would Kevin Feige have in store for us this time, apart from the much-anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine victory lap (which took place on Thursday)?

As our favorite cinematic duo would say, Let’s Freaking Go!

And…we’re off to a slow start.

The event kicked off with the Deadpool & Wolverine Marvel Studios logo, followed by a choir dressed in vibrant red and yellow, belting out “Like a Prayer.” A host of eccentric Deadpool cosplayers added to the fun with their lively dance moves in the aisles.

We were treated to a variety of Deadpool versions, including a Furry Deadpool, Bob Ross Deadpool, and Dino-pool. As the number of cosplayers dwindled, Kevin Feige made his entrance. He humorously asked if there was a Peterpool in the house, and Rob Delaney emerged to shake his hand. Feige proudly announced the movie as the highest-grossing R-rated opening of all time.

Next on the agenda were discussions about three upcoming movies, starting with Captain America: Brave New World.

We welcomed Tim Blake Nelson, Danny Ramirez, Giancarlo Esposito, and Anthony Mackie to the stage.

Mackie lightened the mood with a joke about Tom Holland once claiming he didn’t have a Falcon movie. Now he does, but Tom Holland is still five-foot eleven.

Feige revealed that this movie would be a return to the grounded level of The Winter Soldier. Mackie added that Sam is surrounded by a strong group of characters who support him — he’s more of a thinker, without the super-serum.

Nelson remained tight-lipped about the Leader. Feige assured that no little tag is left behind. Ramirez expressed his comfort in the skies as the new Falcon — he humorously teased Mackie by suggesting that he thought the wings came with knee braces because they’re so old.

Esposito is set to play Sidewinder, a member of the Serpent Society.

Next, we were treated to a sneak peek:

President Ross is seen giving a presentation about the giant Celestial, and the discovery of a new element: adamantium! He then urges Sam to re-form the Avengers. Sam, naturally, is skeptical.

A new trailer followed. It featured more aerial action, with Sam and Ross finding themselves at odds once again. Falcon and Sam are seen flying, and finally, Ross transforms into Red Hulk!

Harrison Ford made a surprise appearance, joking that he would have grown a mustache if they’d asked. He expressed his pride in joining the Marvel universe, and his excitement to build on the work done by Bill (Hurt). He was eager to join the action, having seen so many talented actors in Marvel movies.

That’s set to release in February. Now, it’s time to discuss Thunderbolts*, slated for a May release.

Director Jake Schreier, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Visnawathan, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Rusell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan…and David Harbour in full costume, now with gold highlights, took the stage. Harbour humorously lamented, “Oh my God, you guys didn’t dress up? Guys! I sent that email!” He feigned tears, blaming everyone for perceived slights, in true Stan Laurel style.

They remained coy about the meaning of the asterisk. Feige explained that the team’s name, Thunderbolt Ross, is a nod to the long history of comics where names often bear similarities. He teased that Ross is not in the movie…or so he says for now.

John-Kamen expressed her excitement to be back, hinting that her character’s journey will be intriguing. JLD revealed that Valentina is after power, control, and is ready to kick some serious ass. Russell confidently declared, “Everyone is gonna f**kin’ love me!” Stan compared playing Bucky to having nine lives — “How many are left?” He reminisced about his initial fear during his first Marvel film, which he calmed by reminding himself that the mask meant he wouldn’t have to speak.

Harbour discussed his character’s relationship with Pugh’s character, describing him as a narcissist who’s never there for anyone, and her as a skilled killer, which isn’t the best dynamic.

Pugh introduced some footage by praising the stunt team.

The clip showed Yelena arriving at Red Guardian’s doorstep, discussing an emptiness inside. It drew parallels with other fallen heroes who’ve done bad things. They end up in a facility together, fighting each other, then get trapped, with heat lamps intensifying the situation. They’re brought together by Valentina, who appears to now own Avengers Tower. The villain remains a mystery, but we see Yelena jumping off a tower, and the team driving through the desert in a car, as Red Guardian talks incessantly. There’s plenty of action with faceless baddies — Taskmaster now sports a white mask that’s more skull-shaped.

Matt Shakman took the stage to discuss Fantastic Four. He revealed that the retro-future New York will be influenced by Syd Mead. Although shooting hasn’t started yet, he shared a little pre-shoot teaser.

The official movie title is “The Fantastic 4: First Steps”

The teaser featured faux-aged footage of Reed teaching a cheesy science TV show — he claims he can prove the existence of multiple dimensions and realities…but who wouldn’t want to see a big explosion? It showed the astronauts preparing in blue and white spacesuits, mixed with old NASA footage and a ’60s style chrome rocket with three jets. There was some playful banter about Johnny being single and a silhouette of the Thing on a dating show. It ended with a giant comic-style Galactus peeking in a window. It seems Pedro Pascal will be keeping his mustache.

The cast then joined us on stage. Quinn shared that they are all collectively trying to bring a real feeling of family to the film. Kirby added that they laugh a lot on set. They quickly excused themselves to return to the UK shoot.

And then, the Fantasticar was revealed! It was right there on stage! It looked like a retro car but without wheels. It flew across the stage.

Feige dropped a hint about the Avengers…

The Russo brothers were confirmed to direct with a sizzle reel of their past Marvel moments. They came out to a massive “Russo!” chant. They confessed that they really believed they were done after Endgame, and it left them creatively drained. However, through a very special story, they’ve found a way to return to the franchise that made them fall in love with comics: Secret Wars. But first, there’s another story — there’s one very important character who is required to do it justice.

AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY is up first.

Doctor Doom will be played by none other than “the greatest actor in the world”… Robert Downey Jr.!

He made his entrance, quipping: “New mask, same task…What can I tell ya, I like playing complicated characters!”

Doomsday is set to hit theaters in two years. Then, it’s time for Secret Wars.

The panel concluded with a fun rendition of “Bye Bye Bye.”

That’s the end of our liveblog — we’ll be uploading videos as soon as they become available online.