A Doctor Doom origin film was in development, with Noah Hawley attached to direct. In an interview with ScreenGeek, Mads Mikkelsen has expressed interest in playing the character, having previously auditioned for Doctor Doom for the 2015 film. In August 2019, Hawley told Deadline that the film is "done". In October 2019, following the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney, Hawley revealed the film is "in limbo", due to Kevin Feige's plans to incorporate the character, alongside the Fantastic Four, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Barbie Star Ryan Gosling Allegedly Debuts as MCU’s Doctor Doom in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Post Credits Scene

The last we heard about Marvel’s Doctor Doom, Howard Stern seemed to be collaborating in an MCU project starring the iconic character. That appears not to be the case. However, there is a fresh development for the MCU’s Doctor Doom, with rumors stating that Marvel has cast Ryan Gosling as the future Fantastic Four nemesis.

With a recent concept art of Doctor Doom circulating that has been reported to be from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘s post-credit scene, it appears like he may be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after all. But why in a sequel to Black Panther and not in a Fantastic Four film? That, my friends, is the million-dollar question.

Doctor Doom, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, originally appeared in Fantastic Four #5 in April 1962. He is the ruler of Latveria and goes by the name Victor Von Doom. Doom is a brilliant magician and a potential candidate for the position of Sorcerer Supreme, as well as one of the most skilled scientists in the Marvel universe.

He put on an iron mask and armor after an accident left him scarred. He is also Reed Richards’ nemesis and one of the most powerful villains the Marvel heroes have ever fought. Doom believes that by conquest, he can bring order and balance to the world. That is essentially his philosophy. However, he has a complicated relationship with Wakanda.

With a recent concept art flying around the internet and suspicions swirling about Doom’s involvement in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘s post-credits scene, fans believe we may see a setup for Doomwar in the film. Doctor Doom carried out a hostile invasion of the Nation of Wakanda in Doomwar, one of Marvel’s most significant storylines. With a slew of superheroes rushing to the Black Panther’s help, we see an all-out conflict as Wakanda engages in its most epic battle yet.

With the Fantastic Four already being introduced and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever set to highlight some major consequences for the country, a hint at Doctor Doom appears to be in the works. With the concept image surfacing, we should expect Doom to infiltrate Wakanda and take a large amount of Vibranium, as this was a major aspect of Doomwar. With the setup in the works and the alleged concept art most likely being true, it appears that MCU fans are in for a treat.

According to Everything Always, Ryan Gosling will play Doctor Doom in the MCU. As with most other Marvel casting speculations, there are currently no confirmations. Ryan Gosling is one of the big-name actors who has yet to feature in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Given that we expect to see the character in numerous films, a Doctor Doom casting is an intriguing decision for the actor.

Also, while Doom will undoubtedly become a major MCU villain, Marvel can certainly explore other aspects of the character and his route to villainy. An experience that Gosling is unquestionably capable of delivering. That is, provided Gosling is interested in a long-term MCU commitment. Fans, too, are in need of a strong Doctor Doom interpretation, as the figure has yet to live up to expectations in live-action.