Marvel

Robert Downey Jr. returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dr. Doom has some fans already bitching ... but one fellow actor who's worn the villain's iron mask is all in.

Here's the deal ... RDJ made a jaw-dropping appearance at Comic-Con where his MCU return after years as Tony Stark, AKA Iron Man, was announced ... which of course led to some clutching their nerd pearls -- as if it would sully his Marvel legacy.

Joseph Culp, who played Dr. Doom in the infamous 1994 “The Fantastic 4” film-- which never got an official release over an epic rights fight and has been bootlegged all to hell -- tells TMZ the trash talk needs to stop ... 'cause RDJ was and is the Marvel man!

Ryan Reynolds is weighing in on Jamie Lee Curtis' Marvel criticism and subsequent apology ... and the actor's response to the sitch would make Deadpool proud.

Here's the deal ... after JLC issued a heartfelt apology for recently claiming Marvel was in its "bad" phase, the "Deadpool & Wolverine" star chimed in -- and reminded everyone Jamie Lee's original quip really wasn't all that serious ... nor did it warrant an I'm-sorry.

Ryan took to X on Thursday amid Jamie Lee's announcement that she'd stop with the "mud slinging" -- with RR making it clear the apology wasn't necessary in the first place.

Jonathan Majors is down in the dumps, Bill Maher is making a bold prediction and Simone Biles is rubbing salt in a wound ... all this on today's TMZ TV Hot Takes.

First up on "TMZ Live," Harvey and Charles explained why Jonathan is feeling heartbroken over Robert Downey Jr.'s upcoming Marvel movies.

Jonathan Majors is expressing heartbreak after Marvel officially announced Robert Downey Jr. as the franchise's new villain ... pivoting away from his Kang the Conqueror character.

We caught up with the actor in West Hollywood Tuesday, where he explained why the RDJ Dr. Doom news was bittersweet for him. As he put it ... Dr. Doom's introduction into the MCU is pretty cool, but he loved playing Kang -- and so, it's only natural he's bummed about Marvel's redirection.

Though, some fans have felt Jonathan being blacklisted from the MCU has been too harsh of a punishment ... given he was found guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment and given no jail time.

Justin Timberlake may have a good defense in his DWI case, Robert Downey Jr. is making a Marvel comeback and Robbie Chosen is eyeing a new NFL team ... all this on today's TMZ TV Hot Takes.

First up on "TMZ Live," Harvey and Charles explain Justin's possible ace in the hole as his lawyer tries to get his DWI case dismissed.

Kanye West and Bianca Censori are clearly cinephiles ... with the pair hitting another movie in their regular attire -- and, this time North West's with them for a flick that might be a little mature for her.

The couple hit a movie theater in Los Angeles Saturday ... Kanye wrapped up in a black hoodie and sweatpants while Bianca wore her usual body-baring attire -- a tight compression shirt and booty shorts leaving little to the imagination.

This time though, North West's right in between them ... and, we're told they decided to see the family-friendly comedy "Deadpool & Wolverine."

Robert Downey Jr. stunned fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe when it was announced Saturday that he would play Doctor Doom in a new 'Avengers' film – and the big reveal was done in classic comic book fashion!

The legendary actor showed up as the infamous supervillain in a green costume with a mask over his face at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con Saturday night. The packed audience had no idea Robert was behind the silver mask as he stood front and center onstage before other hooded figures.

Check out the video ... Robert suddenly ripped off his mask and spread his arms like wings while triumphantly staring into the crowd. The fans went totally nuts, cheering and clapping and shooting cell phone footage of the incredible moment.

Comic-Con fans at the "Deadpool & Wolverine" panel this week got way more than they bargained for when all the movie’s cameo stars crashed the stage ... spoilers ahead, y'all.

It all kicked off Thursday in Hall H down in San Diego -- with Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Corrin, director Shawn Levy, and Marvel honcho Kevin Feige treating the audience to the movie's screening Thursday ... before RR upped the ante by bringing out the movie’s guest stars together in one place for the first time, which we have on video.

We said it once, but we'll repeat it here again ... DO NOT KEEP READING IF YOU DON'T WANNA KNOW! Good? Okay, good ... let's proceed.

Comic-Con is in full swing in San Diego, and the cosplay game is on fire! From "Diablo 4"'s Lilith to Orin the Red ... attendees are bringing their A-game with their epic looks.

Check out the pics ... we've got everything from Elphaba from "Wicked" and Professor Garlick from "Harry Potter" to Springtrap from "Five Nights at Freddy’s."

Whoever said playing dress-up can't be glamorous was clearly wrong -- because these mega fans look great! Check out this fem Captain America outfit ... definitely a super-powered dose of style, not to mention the other costumes.

Celebrities on the East Coast are showing up in force at the premiere for the new "Deadpool & Wolverine" action flick ... but the big takeaway here is a pooch in costume.

The usual suspects like Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Blake Lively dressed their best for Monday's event in New York City ... but all eyes were on Dogpool.

The pooch, a Pug and Chinese Crested mix named Peggy, has a part in the movie as Dogpool ... and the pup was decked out in full costume, looking super cute and adorable!!!

A 1975 X-Men comic book fetched an impressive $170,000 at an auction ... marking it as the second-highest price ever paid for a '70s comic book.

ComicConnect recently sealed the deal on "Giant-Size X-Men #1," the only comic to ever score a near-perfect 9.9 from CGC.

The site's President, Vincent Zurzolo, noted that '70s comics often linger in discount bins for years before nostalgia and significance catch up -- and bump up their value.

Chris Pratt's keeping it real: never say never to jumping from Marvel to the DC Universe -- which seems like a possibility with his director pal James Gunn making the shift with 'Superman!'

We caught up with Pratt Thursday in L.A., and he says he's cool with any DCU role James thinks fits him -- especially since 'Superman' is off the table with actor David Corenswet swinging into action for the iconic role.

He basically tells us if a worthwhile flick fits into his packed schedule, he's ready to swoop over to the DCU.

Alan Cumming takes great Pride in his 'X-Men' movie "X2" ... quite literally 'cause the actor's claiming it's the gayest movie he's ever made!

The actor -- who now hosts the hit reality competition show "The Traitors" -- sat down for an interview with Entertainment Weekly recently where he reflected on his diverse career including his appearance in the 2003 follow-up to "X-Men."

If you haven't seen the movie, Cumming plays Nightcrawler -- a bright blue mutant with the ability to teleport in the flick. Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Patrick Stewart and James Marsden star in the movie and, by all appearances, the film's a pretty standard comic book film.

YouTuber Ben Potter -- AKA, Comicstorian -- has died suddenly ... and it sounds like a freak accident.

The content creator's wife, Nathalie, confirmed the tragic news Monday, throwing up a loving tribute to the online star ... who had racked up over 3 mil subscribers discussing Marvel/DC Universes and creating comic book audio dramas.

Nathalie wrote, "Two days ago, on June 8th, my husband, Ben Potter, passed away in an unfortunate accident.  To many of you, he was Comicstorian, voicing stories from across multiple different mediums. To his loved ones, he was one of the best and most supportive individuals anyone could ask for."

Marvel chief Kevin Feige promised a "crude and rude" popcorn bucket for "Deadpool & Wolverine" ... and, boy, did they deliver.

Ryan Reynolds revealed the new buckets on X Thursday, posting a suggestive video of a hand caressing the item ... which is shaped like Wolverine's head with its mouth wide open.

At one point, butter dribbled down the face of the popcorn bucket ... which may be too suggestive to even spell out.

Jonathan Majors' punishment for the guilty verdict in his assault and harassment trial is in ... and he's avoided jail time.

The actor went into court Monday in NYC with his attorney and his girlfriend, Meagan Good, by his side. He looked solemn and serious, and didn't stop for questions. A judge sentenced him to a one-year intervention program that'll be completed in L.A.

As part of his program, he'll have to do 12 months of counseling ... one session per week over the course of 52 weeks. The D.A.'s office says if he doesn't comply with the conditions set here, he could face time behind bars.