Holland admitted keeping the secret was tough, especially given his reputation for accidentally revealing Marvel spoilers. “That was a tough secret to sit on because I have a reputation for ruining things,” Holland joked, noting he had avoided doing press to keep the news under wraps.
Holland and Downey have a close bond, with their MCU characters sharing numerous scenes across films like Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Avengers: Endgame. Downey's Iron Man played a key mentor role for Holland’s Peter Parker, making Downey's return to Marvel, though as a villain, a surprising twist for fans.
While some speculated Downey might return as Iron Man through the multiverse, his new role as Doctor Doom has taken fans by surprise. Marvel has kept the details about Doctor Doom’s storyline under wraps, but fans are eager to see if Spider-Man will confront a villain who wears the face of his former mentor.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has previously stated that they will not undo the emotional conclusion of Iron Man’s story, ensuring that Tony Stark’s death in Endgame remains impactful. However, Downey’s return as a completely new character allows Marvel to keep the legacy intact while introducing fresh dynamics.
The reveal was a tightly held secret, with even Marvel star Sebastian Stan, who was at Comic-Con promoting Thunderbolts, unaware of Downey’s presence. Marvel reportedly kept Downey separate from his co-stars until the big announcement.