Robert Downey Jr. is confirmed to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Robert Downey Jr. is confirmed to be returning to the MCU, but not as Iron Man.

The MCU veteran was revealed at San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) to be coming back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Was it a desire to return to this specific role? The itch needing to be scratched of being in the MCU as someone other than Tony Stark? Robert Downey JR. needing a new kitchen?

Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man (Marvel Studios)

We may never know, but the actor is back.

The Oppenheimer actor was revealed to be cast as an iconic Marvel villain at the end of the Fantastic Four SDCC panel.

See the video of him being revealed to be returning.

The actor was confirmed to be appearing in Avengers: Doomsday, as well as Avengers: Secret Wars.

The panel also confirmed rumours that Joe and Anthony Russo would be directing the next two Avengers film.

This sees the pair who directed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame return to the MCU for the first time since Endgame.

Downey Jr. has stated he has been open to a return to the MCU, however the news came as an absolute shock to fans.

The actor recently won an Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer, and was critically acclaimed for his role in The Sympathiser.

RDJ is back! (Handout via Getty Images)

Understandably, fans lost it.

One posted on X with a reference to The Dark Knight, saying: "'“You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become a villain'".

Another said: "I FW THIS SO MUCH WHAT A WAY TO BRING HIM BACK".

A third fan even went as far as to say: "This is the best surprise ever."

Regarding returning to the MCU, RDJ has been coy but open recently.

The Russo Brothers were equally hyped to return, saying: "Oh, my God, we missed you guys. You are the best damn fans in the world."

They went on to add that Avengers: Secret Wars was 'the biggest story Marvel Comics ever told'.

The reveal of RDJ as Dr Doom. (Michael Bucker via Getty Images)

Downey Jr. added: "New mask, same task. What'd I tell you, I like playing complicated characters."

The reveal came in typically dramatic fashion for the actor, who came out surrounded by a mass of Dr Dooms.

When the mask came off, Hall H of SDCC erupted at the news the Marvel icon would be coming back.

Speculation is already rife as to what version of the character he will be playing, with theories ranging from the comics Infamous version of Iron Man in which Victor von Doom took on the suit, all the way to the idea that RDJ is simply playing a traditional version of Dr Doom.

Whatever he's doing, we will be tuning in.