David Harbour has had to debunk one of the most discussed rumors surrounding Avengers: Doomsday, the next major Marvel Studios blockbuster. The actor, who returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Alexei Shostakov, the Red Guardian, became embroiled in a controversy following an interview in which, according to many fans, he had hinted at a direct connection between Iron Man and the Doctor Doom to be played by Robert Downey Jr.
The episode is now relevant because the film, directed by the Russo brothers, is approaching its scheduled release on December 18, 2026, and any clue about the real identity of the villain played by Downey Jr. generates enormous interest among MCU followers.
The origin of the controversy
It all started in August, when Variety magazine asked Harbour to recite a line from his character in Avengers: Doomsday. The actor, imitating his characteristic Russian accent, pointed at the interviewer and uttered a phrase that caused an immediate stir: "You... are Tony Stark."
Those words fueled a theory that has been circulating for months among Marvel fans: that Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom could have a much closer relationship with Tony Stark than Marvel Studios has acknowledged so far.
David Harbour denies revealing the film’s secret
In a new interview with ScreenRant, David Harbour had to respond directly to the repercussions of that phrase. His reaction combined surprise, humor, and a different version of what happened.
The actor claimed not to remember mentioning Tony Stark and offered his own explanation: "Did I say that I said that? No, I think you guys make these things up. The guy asked me to say a line from Avengers: Doomsday, and my line was: Five, four, three, two, one. That is the line I gave him. I don't know anything about the Tony Stark thing."
Harbour added that it was his co-star Wyatt Russell who alerted him to the impact of his words: "Wyatt Russell sent me an article that said something like: David Harbour just ruined the movie. And I thought: okay. So I don't know. I don't think I said that. If I did, I'm sorry. I don't say that in the movie."
The actor insisted that the only real line for his character is a countdown: "What I do say is five, four, three, two, one. That is a big spoiler. At one point in the movie, I do a countdown from five and something very important happens."
Is Doctor Doom a variant of Tony Stark?
The true identity of the Doctor Doom played by Robert Downey Jr. remains one of the great mysteries ahead of the film's release. Since his return to the MCU was announced, theories about a possible relationship with Tony Stark have not stopped growing.
The most widespread hypothesis suggests that Downey Jr. will play an independent Victor Von Doom, without a direct plot link to the Iron Man of the Infinity Saga. However, the multiverse introduced by Marvel opens the door to less conventional possibilities.
The production company has already shown that the same actor can play different characters within its universe. Chris Evans, for example, played Captain America for years and later reprised the role of Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, in Deadpool & Wolverine.
Therefore, Doctor Doom having Tony Stark's face does not necessarily imply that they are the same person. Even so, many consider it unlikely that Marvel would bring back one of its most iconic faces without somehow exploiting the emotional impact it will cause among the characters who knew Iron Man.
A role for Red Guardian that could hold more surprises
Another point of interest revolves around Harbour's participation in the film. According to previous reports not officially confirmed, Red Guardian would have a reduced presence, remaining in the Avengers Tower alongside Bob, also known as Sentry, while the rest of the New Avengers face a mission across the multiverse.
If Harbour actually uttered the line about Tony Stark during that interview, it does not necessarily have to be related to Doctor Doom. It could be an improvised joke or a reference to another character, although for now, this remains solely in the realm of speculation.
Avengers: Doomsday will bring together heroes from various universes
While the debate over the true identity of Doctor Doom continues, the new film by the Russo brothers prepares a confrontation that will unite characters from different realities of superhero cinema.
The confirmed cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Tom Hiddleston, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell, Simu Liu, and Lewis Pullman.
The protagonists of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, played by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, will also participate. Joining them are several historic faces from the X-Men franchise, such as Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, Alan Cumming, and Kelsey Grammer, while Channing Tatum will reprise his role as Gambit.
The film is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, with a script by Stephen McFeely and contributions from Michael Waldron, Chris McKenna, and Erik Sommers.
Its release is scheduled for December 18, 2026, and it will serve as a prelude to Avengers: Secret Wars, which will hit theaters on December 17, 2027.
Until then, David Harbour can insist that his only big secret is a countdown from five. But after mentioning Tony Stark in a movie starring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, it is understandable that Marvel fans will continue to look for hidden meanings in each of his statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did David Harbour say that sparked the controversy?
During an interview with Variety in August, Harbour uttered the phrase "You are Tony Stark" while supposedly quoting his character, which many interpreted as a clue about Doctor Doom.
Did David Harbour confirm any connection between Iron Man and Doctor Doom?
No. The actor denied having said that phrase in the context of the film and stated that his only real line is a countdown: "five, four, three, two, one."
Who plays Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday?
Robert Downey Jr., previously known for playing Tony Stark / Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will take on the role of Doctor Doom.
What character does David Harbour play in the film?
Harbour returns as Alexei Shostakov, also known as Red Guardian, a character he had previously played in the MCU.
When is Avengers: Doomsday released?
The film is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.
What is the relationship between this film and Avengers: Secret Wars?
Avengers: Doomsday will serve as a prelude to Avengers: Secret Wars, which is scheduled for release on December 17, 2027.
