In a recent interview promoting The Mandalorian and Grogu, Pedro Pascal delighted fans with a charming insight into his working relationship with Robert Downey Jr. The two actors are set to share the screen in Avengers: Doomsday, but their collaboration has already produced a memorable anecdote. During an appearance on BBC Radio 2, host Gary Davies asked Pascal about visiting Downey Jr.’s residence for what Pascal called “homework.”
“Homework with Robert Downey Jr.? A lot of good food, really,” Pascal said, laughing. “He loves to feed you like an Italian mother. It’s crazy — cookies, everything. If you’re with him, he’s trying to feed you food.” The Last of Us star’s description painted a warm, domestic picture of the usually larger-than-life actor, known for his iconic roles as Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes. This humanizing detail comes as Downey Jr. prepares to tackle a dramatically different Marvel role: the villainous Doctor Doom.
Pedro Pascal’s Journey Into the MCU
Pascal officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2025 as Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film introduced a new iteration of the beloved superhero family, with Pascal leading a cast that includes Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Critical reception was enthusiastic, with many praising Pascal’s blend of intellectual gravitas and quirky charm. His take on the character has been described as both brilliant and deeply compassionate, capturing the essence of the comic-book genius without losing the human warmth that Pascal brings to all his roles.
Now, Pascal is preparing to reprise the role in Avengers: Doomsday, which marks the beginning of the next epic phase for the MCU. The film is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, who helmed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, the two highest-grossing superhero films of all time. Co-writer Stephen McFeely returns to pen the script, ensuring continuity of tone and narrative complexity. The movie is slated for a December 18 release, with Avengers: Secret Wars following exactly two years later on December 17, 2027.
Robert Downey Jr.: From Iron Man to Doctor Doom
Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU was one of the most shocking announcements in recent Hollywood history. After his character Tony Stark died heroically in Endgame, fans believed his time in the franchise was over. However, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed at San Diego Comic-Con in 2024 that Downey Jr. would portray Victor Von Doom, the monarch of Latveria and one of the most formidable antagonists in Marvel lore. The decision sparked intense debate among fans: Could the same actor who defined the wisecracking, heroic Iron Man convincingly embody the dark, regal, and ruthless Doctor Doom?
Early promotional materials and behind-the-scenes reports suggest Downey Jr. is fully committed to the role. He has been spotted with a shaved head and a new physique, and insiders say he has been studying the character’s comic-book history extensively. The actor is known for his deep dives into character preparation, often immersing himself in the psychology and backstory of his roles. Pascal’s anecdote about the “Italian mother” feeding habits indicates that Downey Jr. also prioritizes a comfortable, collaborative atmosphere on set. It’s a stark contrast to the menacing presence he will command on screen, but it speaks to the actor’s ability to separate performance from real-life persona.
The Stellar Ensemble of Avengers: Doomsday
The cast of Avengers: Doomsday reads like a who’s who of the MCU and beyond. Alongside Pascal and Downey Jr., Chris Evans returns as Steve Rogers / Captain America, a role he retired in Endgame but has reprised in subsequent multiverse stories. Chris Hemsworth will once again wield Mjolnir as Thor, while Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi, Anthony Mackie’s Captain America (Sam Wilson), Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki are all confirmed. The film also includes actors from the X-Men universe: Patrick Stewart returns as Professor Charles Xavier, James Marsden as Cyclops, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, and Kelsey Grammer as Beast. This crossover is a direct result of the multiverse collapsing, a storyline that began in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and continued through Deadpool & Wolverine.
Vanessa Kirby reprises her role as the Invisible Woman from The Fantastic Four, linking the two teams together. The inclusion of so many characters from different eras of Marvel filmmaking signals that Doomsday will be a sprawling event, potentially surpassing even Infinity War in scope. Kevin Feige has described the film as a “culmination of everything we’ve built,” and rumors suggest that the plot will involve Doctor Doom attempting to reshape reality itself, forcing the Avengers and their allies to unite against a common threat.
Behind the Scenes: The Russo Brothers and Marvel’s Creative Vision
The return of Joe and Anthony Russo to direct Avengers: Doomsday was widely celebrated. The brothers are credited with bringing a gritty, emotionally resonant style to the MCU, balancing action spectacle with character-driven drama. Their previous Avengers films earned over $4 billion combined, and their collaboration with Stephen McFeely ensures that the storytelling is tight and thematically rich. In interviews, the Russos have hinted at a darker tone for Doomsday, comparing it to The Empire Strikes Back — a middle chapter where the heroes face significant loss and moral dilemmas.
The first trailer for the film was unveiled in April 2025 at CinemaCon, and although it has not been released to the public, descriptions from attendees paint an epic picture. The trailer reportedly opens with a shot of Earth from space, slowly zooming in to reveal a shattered moon — a harbinger of Doom’s power. A voiceover from Downey Jr., speaking in a thick Latverian accent, declares, “You have built your world on lies. I will rebuild it in truth.” The trailer then cuts to quick flashes of the heroes in action: Captain America’s shield clashing with energy beams, Thor summoning lightning against a metallic sky, and Mister Fantastic stretching to save a falling civilian. A fan-made LEGO recreation of the trailer has gone viral, showcasing the immense anticipation for the official release.
Marvel’s Expansion Beyond the Mainline Films
The excitement around Avengers: Doomsday is part of a larger strategy by Marvel Studios to maintain momentum across multiple platforms. In addition to the theatrical releases, Disney+ continues to produce high-quality series that feed into the movies. Shows like Loki, WandaVision, and What If...? have expanded the multiverse concept, while Secret Invasion and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier have deepened character arcs. The upcoming Fantastic Four sequel, Doomsday, and Secret Wars are expected to tie together threads from these series, creating a cohesive narrative tapestry.
Musically, the film’s score is being composed by Alan Silvestri, who previously wrote the iconic themes for The Avengers and Avengers: Endgame. Silvestri’s return provides a sense of continuity and emotional resonance, as his music has become synonymous with the team’s triumphs and sacrifices. The visual effects are being handled by Industrial Light & Magic, along with several other top-tier studios, to ensure that Doctor Doom’s powers are rendered with the necessary grandeur and menace.
Pedro Pascal’s Rising Star Power
Pedro Pascal’s career has skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to his roles in Game of Thrones, Narcos, The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, and now The Fantastic Four. His ability to infuse every character with vulnerability and wit has made him a favorite among audiences and directors alike. The Avengers: Doomsday role is arguably his biggest to date, placing him alongside some of the most seasoned actors in the industry. His chemistry with Robert Downey Jr., even just in preparation, signals that their on-screen dynamic will be compelling. Pascal reflected on the experience of joining such a massive franchise: “It’s surreal. You’re surrounded by legends, but they all make you feel welcome. Robert especially — he’s like the ultimate host. He makes sure you’re comfortable, fed, and ready to work.”
The “homework” sessions that Pascal referred to likely involve table reads, character discussions, and even improvisational exercises. Given Downey Jr.’s background in improvisation (his improvisations in Iron Man famously shaped Tony Stark’s persona), these sessions are probably creative and relaxed. Pascal’s comment about the cookies and Italian mother vibe suggests that Downey Jr. uses food as a way to break the ice and build camaraderie. It’s a technique that many actors use — the shared meal becomes a bonding ritual that eases tensions and fosters trust.
The Future of the MCU After Doomsday
With Avengers: Secret Wars set for 2027, the MCU is clearly planning for the long term. The multiverse saga will likely conclude with that film, potentially resetting the timeline or merging universes. Kevin Feige has stated that Secret Wars will bring together heroes from every era of Marvel cinema, including legacy characters like Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. The goal is to create a definitive, celebratory event that honors twenty years of storytelling while paving the way for new beginnings.
For now, fans are counting the days until December 18, when Avengers: Doomsday will hit theaters. The buzz is palpable, and every new detail — from Pascal’s Italian mother analogy to the Russo brothers’ behind-the-scenes updates — only adds to the anticipation. Whether Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom will surpass his Iron Man in popularity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the actor is bringing his A-game, and he’s making sure his co-stars enjoy the ride. As Pascal put it, “If you’re with him, he’s trying to feed you food. It’s crazy — cookies, everything.” And that, perhaps, is the secret ingredient to making a great superhero movie: a little bit of love, a lot of food, and a shared commitment to the story.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News