Doctor Doom is already taking over, and apparently, even the Colonel is willing to negotiate! With Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday approaching its theatrical debut, the MCU’s newest big bad is making headlines through an unexpected promotional partnership with KFC. Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. has another announcement for Marvel fans, officially revealing the Japanese voice actor who will bring Victor von Doom to life for international audiences.
The road to Avengers: Doomsday is officially heating up, and Marvel is finding creative ways to keep audiences talking about its next cinematic event. From an unlikely fast-food collaboration to an expanding ensemble of returning superhero favorites, Doctor Doom‘s arrival is already making an impression before the film even reaches theaters.
Doctor Doom Makes An Unexpected Deal With KFC
In a promotional collaboration between Marvel Studios and KFC UK&I, Doctor Doom is stepping into the fast-food business with a deal that might just save one restaurant from the apocalypse.
The newly released one-minute promotional video opens with Doom overlooking a city devastated by destruction. Buildings have been reduced to rubble, and fast-food establishments have seemingly fallen victim to the chaos. However, amid the destruction, one familiar restaurant remains untouched: KFC.
A voiceover sets the tone for the unexpected agreement, declaring, “KFC has come to an agreement with Dr. Doom, and all it took was a burger worthy of his name.“
The campaign introduces a limited-time Doctor Doom-inspired burger, giving fans a chance to experience a menu worthy of Marvel’s newest cinematic villain. But the collaboration extends beyond a single promotional sandwich.
According to Creative Salon, the campaign will introduce a limited-edition menu, exclusive packaging featuring Doom’s iconic mask in a dark, iron-riveted design, and special Colonel Sanders Cosplay Collection figurines. Additional in-store activations will also bring the Marvel-inspired experience directly to participating KFC locations.
The campaign launches in the United Kingdom and Ireland on November 9th, with promotional activity continuing across participating markets through January 31st, 2027. Menu offerings, collectibles, and packaging will vary by location. It’s an entertaining marketing approach that puts the spotlight on one of Marvel’s most recognizable antagonists rather than relying exclusively on its roster of superheroes. After all, when Doctor Doom is involved, even a fast-food empire might need to make a deal.
Robert Downey Jr. Reveals Doctor Doom’s Japanese Voice Actor
While Doctor Doom is securing his latest business arrangement, Robert Downey Jr. is helping Marvel prepare another major international announcement. In a newly released video message shared through Marvel’s official Japanese channels, Downey Jr. revealed that veteran voice actor Toshiyuki Morikawa will portray Doctor Doom in the Japanese-dubbed version of Avengers: Doomsday.
The announcement offers another exciting development as Marvel continues building anticipation for the Phase 6 blockbuster. Morikawa is an established voice actor with an extensive career spanning anime, video games, and other entertainment projects. His credits include popular franchises such as Final Fantasy, Digimon, Naruto, My Hero Academia, and One Piece. He also has previous experience within the Marvel universe, having voiced Cyclops in Marvel Anime.
The casting carries an additional layer of significance for Japanese audiences. Morikawa is also known for taking over the Japanese voice performance of Robert Downey Jr. following the passing of longtime Iron Man Japanese dub actor Keiji Fujiwara.
With Downey Jr. now portraying Marvel’s formidable villain rather than the hero audiences associated with him for years, the casting creates an interesting connection between the actor’s MCU legacy and the character he is preparing to bring to the big screen.
Avengers: Doomsday Is Bringing Multiple Marvel Generations Together
Of course, the biggest question surrounding Avengers: Doomsday remains how Marvel intends to bring its expanding multiverse together.
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the upcoming film will bring together characters from the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men as multiple universes collide under the threat of Doctor Doom.
Downey Jr.’s return is particularly significant. Following Tony Stark’s sacrifice in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, audiences believed they had seen the last of the actor’s MCU journey. However, Marvel officially revealed his return during its 2024 San Diego Comic-Con presentation, confirming that he would take on the role of Victor von Doom.
The announcement immediately sparked conversations about the connection between the two characters, particularly given Downey Jr.’s iconic portrayal of Tony Stark. The film’s ensemble is equally impressive, featuring returning MCU favorites alongside familiar faces from the Marvel-Fox era.
Chris Hemsworth returns as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson’s Captain America, and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes. Chris Evans also makes his return as Steve Rogers, adding another significant reunion to the expanding Marvel lineup. The Fantastic Four will also be represented, with Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach returning following their introduction in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Meanwhile, Marvel is bringing back several beloved X-Men performers, including:
- Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier
- Ian McKellen as Magneto
- James Marsden as Cyclops
- Kelsey Grammer as Beast
- Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
- Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
The film will also feature Florence Pugh, Simu Liu, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, Danny Ramirez, and several additional MCU stars. The return of Sir Patrick Stewart carries particular significance following the legendary actor’s passing on October 28, 2026. His appearance as Professor X will mark a poignant final chapter in his celebrated portrayal of the iconic X-Men character. With multiple generations of Marvel performers sharing the screen, Avengers: Doomsday is positioning itself as one of the franchise’s most expansive crossover events.
The Road To Avengers: Secret Wars
The upcoming film also represents a major step toward Marvel’s next cinematic chapter, Avengers: Secret Wars, currently scheduled for 2027. Anthony and Joe Russo are returning to direct both team-up installments, continuing their involvement with the franchise following Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
Doctor Doom is expected to remain central to Marvel’s larger multiverse storyline, making Doomsday an important introduction to the character’s place within the franchise. Whether audiences receive answers about Doom’s resemblance to Tony Stark in the December installment or have to wait until Secret Wars remains to be seen.
For now, Marvel is allowing its latest villain to command the spotlight through an increasingly creative promotional campaign, while assembling an extraordinary collection of returning characters for the next major Avengers adventure.
When Does Avengers: Doomsday Hit Theaters?
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to arrive exclusively in theaters on December 18th, 2026. With Doctor Doom already making unexpected deals, Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU in an entirely different role, and multiple superhero generations preparing for a collision, Marvel is giving fans plenty to anticipate before the end of the year. If you haven’t already, check out the Doctor Doom x KFC promotional video and Robert Downey Jr.’s Japanese voice-casting announcement above.