Robert Downey Jr. Downeyland Explained By Simu Liu

Robert Downey Jr. is the unchallenged star of the MCU's upcoming Avengers: Doomsday crossover event—and he knows it. Now, one of Downey's co-stars is sharing his experience with the "massive movie star" and his unparalleled on-set antics.

While promoting his new Peacock original series The Copenhagen Test (via Collider), Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu recounted his experience working with Robert Downey Jr. for the first time on the set of Avengers: Doomsday. As a relative newcomer to the MCU, Liu was astounded by the Doctor Doom actor's treatment on set, which included "Downeyland," an entire section dedicated to his living quarters, chefs, and personal amenities.

Based on Liu's comments, it seems that Downey Jr. has his own personal feifdom on the set of Avengers: Doomsday, complete with a buffet line, artwork of himself, and plenty of other surprises for his co-stars. Of course, it seems that Downey is also fully "self-aware" about how ridiculous the amenities are, fully playing up the role of the megalomanical villain that is Doctor Doom (there is nothing more "Doctor Doom-coded" than personal portraits of oneself and a self-titled kingdom onset).

Avengers: Doomsday marks Robert Downey Jr.'s eleventh Marvel production since kickstarting the franchise with 2008's Iron Man. The actor has since been lovingly granted the title "Godfather of the MCU" for his integral role in the franchise for nearly two decades. Now, he leaves behind the role of the hero to become the villainous Doctor Doom, whose arrival signals the end of the Multiverse Saga and a fresh start for the MCU.

Even after all the fame and fortune that Downey has attained over the years through his work with Marvel, the Academy Award-winning actor is still known for his kindness and generosity, especially to his newer co-stars. Anthony Mackie and Tom Holland, who play Sam Wilson and Peter Parker, respectively, have shared similar stories about being invited to "Downeyland" on the set of different Marvel productions. As one of the franchise's latest newcomers, Simu Liu now gets the opportunity to join Downey in his own personal kingdom on the set of Avengers: Doomsday, continuing a longstanding tradition.

Robert Downey Jr. Deserves the "Massive Movie Star" Treatment

While reports of Downey Jr.'s monarchical treatment on the set of Avengers: Doomsday may lead to some criticism, the actor deserves every amenity Marvel is willing to give him during his brief return to the MCU. Besides Kevin Feige and Stan Lee themselves, there has been no single person as beneficial to the Marvel brand as Downey Jr.

The hard work of filmmakers, comic book writers, and everyone else involved in building the MCU is all important, but Downey Jr. became the face of the brand in a way that no one else ever could. His name became synonymous with the Infinity Saga, which saw the production of twenty-three films over eleven years. Never once did the franchise see a true critical or financial bomb during that time; this is a feat never before accomplished or since replicated. While Downey can hardly be seen as the only factor in the MCU's success during that period of time, it is hard to argue that he wasn't a major contributor.

After starring in ten films as Tony Stark/Iron Man, no one begrudged Downey Jr.'s exit in Avengers: Endgame. The 2019 film brought Tony's story to an emotional conclusion, signaling the end of Downey Jr.'s time in the MCU. Shortly thereafter, the actor won an Academy Award for his work in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, securing his place in the pantheon of Hollywood's greatest actors working today.

All of this made it so much more surprising when Downey leaped at the opportunity to return to Marvel. With an Oscar on his side and an alleged offer to star in Nolan's next film, The Odyssey, Downey Jr. chose to return to the MCU for two final films, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. While a hefty price tag was certainly involved, Downey's return also demonstrates his immense love for the franchise and willingness to try something new as he steps into the role of a villain.

Downey Jr.'s return in Avengers: Doomsday will give him the chance to appear alongside several of his old co-stars, including Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth, as well as some of the new faces meant to lead the MCU moving forward, like Simu Liu and Florence Pugh. He will even get to appear onscreen alongside returning legacy actors from franchises even older than the MCU, including a large segment of the cast from Fox's X-Men movies.

With all this in mind, no one can deny that Robert Downey Jr. deserves every bit of the royal treatment he's received on-set so far—and more! The actor was a crucial building block in the early stages of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and has no qualms about returning to set the stage for something new.

Avengers: Doomsday opens in theaters on December 18, 2026.