MOVIE NEWS – “I didn’t even realize Downey Land had its own chefs,” revealed a cast member of Avengers: Doomsday, offering a rare glimpse into how Robert Downey Jr. is treated behind the scenes. Returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom rather than Iron Man, the actor reportedly enjoys a level of comfort and reverence few can match. Simu Liu has now shared what it was like to step into that world for the first time.

Filming on Avengers: Doomsday wrapped earlier this year, bringing together an unprecedented lineup of characters from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Robert Downey Jr. makes his long-awaited return in the role of Doctor Doom, the central antagonist of this new chapter. According to Simu Liu, the Marvel legend is treated like royalty on set, complete with a private area affectionately nicknamed “Downey Land.”

Speaking to Collider, Liu reflected on joining one of the biggest crossover events ever put to screen. He recalled meeting Downey Jr. for the first time and stepping into the tent the actor had set up for his crew: “Downey famously has this convoy of trailers and an entire section of base camp we all called Downey Land. The first time I was invited in, I walked into this tent filled with beautiful, Andy Warhol-style artwork, except every character was Downey. He’s incredibly self-aware.”

Liu also remembered an unforgettable lunch break: “He greeted me, and that’s when I realized Downey Land had its own chefs. I had brought my usual set lunch, and he said, ‘Oh no, no, we don’t do that here.’ The chefs laid out a full buffet, and I just stood there thinking I couldn’t believe who I was having lunch with.”

After debuting as the title hero in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Liu reprises his role in Avengers: Doomsday, joining one of the largest casts in cinema history. Describing his first real encounter with Downey Jr., Liu called it a true pinch-me moment: “Those moments happened in between takes. When we’re on set and in character, everyone is focused, so I had to put my fan side away, even though inside I felt like a little kid.”

He added: “Meeting Downey for the first time was huge in itself. I’d crossed paths with almost everyone around him, but never with him directly. It felt momentous, like we were saying, ‘We’re about to work together.’ I got to tell him how much his work meant to me, and he was incredibly kind.”

Avengers: Doomsday Is Shaping Up to Be Massive

Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theaters on December 18, 2026. Anthony and Joe Russo return to direct after delivering MCU heavyweights such as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The ensemble cast includes Simu Liu and Robert Downey Jr. alongside Chris Hemsworth, Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Channing Tatum, and many more.

Plot details remain tightly under wraps as the film moves through post-production. What is known is that the original Avengers will unite with groups like the Fantastic Four and the original X-Men to face Doctor Doom.

Marketing efforts are already underway, with four different teaser trailers attached to screenings of Avatar: Fire and Ash. Two are available online, while a third is set to debut in theaters soon.

Source: MovieWeb