The age-old adage "you can't please everyone" rings true in the realm of fandom, where even the most highly-anticipated announcements are met with scrutiny. Despite Robert Downey Jr.'s unexpected return to Marvel's saving it from the verge of an existential crisis, netizens have taken it upon themselves to recast one of the franchise's most coveted roles: Doctor Doom. Defying the original casting, fans have rallied behind an alternative choice, sparking a debate over social media, and highlighting the pain of satisfying the diverse fan community.

A social media user took to his X handle, sparking a debate over casting Mads Mikkelsen as MCU's Doctor Doom. Alongside the actor's picture, they captioned how it was "Almost unquantifiable how much better this would have been." What followed was a firestorm of fans and their shenanigans weighing in on the ideal casting for the iconic villain. 

The news of Robert Downey Jr.'s multimillion-dollar cinematic return for 2026 electrified the 2024 Comic Con, with his show-stopping entrance, that blew off the internet. However, the contrarian X user claims Mads Mikkelsen to be the superior casting choice, sparking debate and challenging the excitement surrounding Downey Jr.'s highly anticipated return.

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The discussion further added fuel to the dissatisfactory casting choices of Marvel forever now. 

What followed were elaborate discussions over Marvel's casting choices, particularly Mads Mikkelsen's role as Kaecilius in Doctor Strange. Critics slammed Marvel's stubbornness to not allow actors to play dual roles, while others argued Mikkelsen deserves more opportunities. Meanwhile, skeptics deemed Downey Jr. enough of a "baddie" as Iron Man all ready to be roped in like an emergency organ transplant to save the dying patient (MCU).

Nonetheless, some people remained unaffected by the discussion, still filled with exuberance for Robert Downey Jr.’s return. "I'm sure Robert Downey Jr. will do a great job in the role," wrote a user.

The plans for Robert Downey Jr.'s triumphant return to the MCU were set in motion a year ago, as Kevin Feige green-lit his long-held desire to play Victor von Doom. Following his iconic Oscar victory for Oppenheimer’s antagonist charm, it is time Robert Downey Jr. serves the remnant of his dreams with his iconic homecoming to Marvel's future blockbusters, including Avengers: Doomsday, slated for May 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars expected in May 2027.

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What are your thoughts on the fan casting choices erupting on X? Let us know in the comments below.