Robert Downey Jr. OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED that the duration of #Avengers: DOOMSDAY will be more than 3 hours, like ENDGAME. During the press conference, Iron Man, now Dr Doom, revealed the power and role that Dr Doom will have.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is on the cusp of another monumental chapter with Avengers: Doomsday, and the excitement is palpable following recent revelations from directors Joe and Anthony Russo. Known for their masterful work on Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, the Russo Brothers are once again at the helm, promising a superhero spectacle that pushes the boundaries of storytelling. As of early March 2025, buzz from social media platforms like X has confirmed that Avengers: Doomsday will run for over three hours, echoing the epic runtime of Endgame, which held audiences spellbound for 181 minutes back in 2019. Beyond the film’s length, the Russos have also started unveiling details about Robert Downey Jr.’s transformation into Doctor Doom, hinting at a character whose power and presence could redefine the MCU’s future.

The confirmation of a runtime exceeding three hours first surfaced through enthusiastic posts on X, sparking widespread speculation about the film’s scale. This extended duration fits seamlessly with the Russo Brothers’ signature style— crafting intricate, character-driven narratives that span vast ensembles and complex stakes. Endgame proved that a three-hour runtime could deliver a perfect blend of heart-pounding action, emotional resonance, and a triumphant payoff, ultimately raking in over $2.79 billion globally. With Avengers: Doomsday, the decision to embrace a similar length suggests an uncompromising approach, likely cramming the film with multiversal chaos, familiar faces, and the menacing debut of Doctor Doom as a central figure. Given the sprawling nature of the Multiverse Saga and the need to resolve threads from Phase 5 while paving the way for Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, a lengthy runtime feels essential to capture the full scope of this next chapter.

At the heart of this epic lies Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, a casting choice that has electrified fans since its announcement at San Diego Comic-Con in 2024. After years of embodying Tony Stark, Downey’s shift to the masked tyrant Victor Von Doom represents a bold pivot for both the actor and the franchise. In a recent interview tied to their Netflix project The Electric State, the Russo Brothers offered tantalizing insights into Doom’s role. Joe Russo called him “a multifaceted force,” hinting at a portrayal that combines intellectual brilliance, mystical might, and a personal grudge that drives his actions. This vision stays true to Doom’s comic book legacy, where he’s not just a villain but a ruler, inventor, and sorcerer whose motivations blur the line between tyranny and twisted honor.

The Russos’ remarks suggest that Doctor Doom will be the cornerstone of Avengers: Doomsday, potentially masterminding a multiversal threat that tests the Avengers like never before. Unlike Thanos, whose quest for balance defined the Infinity Saga, Doom’s ambitions may lean toward domination with a personal edge, making him a uniquely unpredictable foe. Leaked concept art from earlier this month, credited to Marvel artist Mushk Rizvi and shared widely online, shows Downey’s Doom in a striking, modernized suit that nods to his classic green cloak and metallic mask. Rumors also point to Doom originating from an alternate reality, possibly linked to the Fantastic Four’s upcoming debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, due in July 2025, which could lay the groundwork for his arrival in Doomsday.

A runtime of over three hours gives the Russo Brothers plenty of room to explore Doom’s depth while managing a sprawling cast. Benedict Cumberbatch has confirmed Doctor Strange’s involvement, and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man is all but guaranteed to swing in, joined by newer heroes like Anthony Mackie’s Captain America and possibly the Young Avengers teased in recent projects. The film’s multiversal premise opens the door to unexpected cameos—think Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord or even Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine—especially after Joe Russo’s playful hint to Deadline that “anybody in the Marvel bag could show up.” This could lead to a climactic showdown reminiscent of Endgame’s portal scene, but with the added tension of facing a villain who once stood among the heroes.

Filming for Avengers: Doomsday is slated to kick off in London in April 2025, with the Russo Brothers shooting it alongside Avengers: Secret Wars in a back-to-back production marathon. This echoes their approach to Infinity War and Endgame, signaling a tightly knit two-part saga. Joe Russo has promised that the films will “challenge audiences” with a “radical” take on the MCU, and a three-hour runtime could mean jaw-dropping action—like Doom wielding sorcery-infused tech against a multiversal Avengers roster—or quieter moments that probe the emotional fallout of Downey’s shift from hero to villain.

With its May 1, 2026 release date looming, Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be a worthy successor to Endgame, blending nostalgia with bold innovation. A runtime exceeding three hours reflects the Russo Brothers’ confidence in their vision, offering space to celebrate the MCU’s legacy, establish Doctor Doom as a transformative force, and build toward the Multiverse Saga’s grand finale. If they succeed, Doomsday could cement its place as another cinematic juggernaut—one where Doom’s shadow looms large, and the Avengers’ fight feels more epic and exhilarating than ever.