Robert Downey Jr.’s “Downey Land” on “Avengers: Doomsday” Set Fuels Marvel Excitement
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A lavish on-set setup for Robert Downey Jr., dubbed “Downey Land” by cast and crew, is generating buzz around the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” film. The movie, slated for release on December 18, marks Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – this time as the villainous Doctor Doom – and is already a major point of interest for fans.
A Return to Marvel, But Not as You Know It
Downey Jr.’s transition from the beloved Iron Man to a central antagonist is a key driver of anticipation for “Avengers: Doomsday.” According to reports, the studio spared no expense in accommodating the Oscar-winning actor, creating a dedicated area on set that quickly became legendary.
“Downey famously has this convoy of trailers and this whole area in base camp that we affectionately called Downey Land,” shared Shang-Chi star Simu Liu in a recent interview with Collider. The actor described his first invitation to “Downey Land” as entering a tent filled with “beautiful Andy Warhol-esque artwork,” but with a unique twist: “except all the characters are Downey.” Liu noted Downey’s remarkable “self-awareness” in curating such a display.
Beyond Trailers: A Fully-Staffed Oasis
The extravagance didn’t stop at artwork. Liu recounted an experience where he attempted to eat his packed lunch only to be informed by Downey Jr. that such things weren’t necessary within “Downey Land.” “The chefs had come and laid out this full buffet,” Liu explained, adding that he was struck by the caliber of people surrounding him during the meal. “I was like, ‘I cannot believe I’m having lunch with these people.’”
“Avengers: Doomsday” boasts a sprawling cast, blending established MCU figures like Chris Hemsworth, Florence Pugh, and Tom Hiddleston with returning actors from the X-Men franchise, including Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden. New additions to the MCU, such as Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, and Vanessa Kirby, further amplify the film’s star power.
While specific scene pairings remain undisclosed, Liu emphasized the challenge of reconciling his fandom with his professional responsibilities on set. “For me, it was very imperative that I put that fan side away,” he stated. “I compartmentalized that side of me because I have a job to do…the worst thing that I can do right now is be a fan. I’m not a fan. I’m a coworker.” He acknowledged the absurdity of the mindset, but maintained it was crucial to treat his celebrated colleagues as equals.
The level of detail and accommodation afforded to Downey Jr. on the set of “Avengers: Doomsday” underscores the studio’s investment in his villainous turn and the overall scale of the project. As the December 18 release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a landmark event in the MCU.
