Robert Downey Jr. has personally announced that veteran Japanese voice actor Toshiyuki Morikawa will provide the Japanese voice of Doctor Doom in Marvel Studios’ upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The announcement was made through a special video message released by Marvel Studios Japan, alongside a new Japanese-language trailer featuring the film’s extensive dubbing cast.
The casting carries particular significance because Downey previously portrayed Tony Stark, whose Japanese voice was provided by the late Keiji Fujiwara throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In his announcement, Downey acknowledged Fujiwara’s contribution to the franchise while welcoming Morikawa to the role. The decision also brings one of Japan’s most recognizable voice actors into a major Marvel villain role ahead of the film’s December 18, 2026, theatrical release.
Robert Downey Jr. Pays Tribute to Iron Man’s Japanese Voice Actor
Marvel Studios Japan had previously announced 29 Japanese voice actors for Avengers: Doomsday, but deliberately withheld the identity of the performer who would voice Doctor Doom. The mystery was resolved when Downey appeared in a recorded message introducing Morikawa as the Japanese voice of his new character.
During the announcement, Downey expressed his appreciation for Morikawa and acknowledged the legacy of Keiji Fujiwara, who voiced Tony Stark in the Japanese versions of Marvel films beginning with Iron Man in 2008. Fujiwara continued portraying the character through Avengers: Endgame in 2019 before his death in April 2020 at the age of 55.
Fujiwara’s performances helped establish a consistent Japanese voice for Tony Stark throughout the character’s cinematic journey. His work accompanied Downey’s portrayal across 11 Marvel films, making his interpretation familiar to Japanese audiences over more than a decade.
Morikawa’s appointment introduces a different voice for Downey’s return to the franchise, although the actor is portraying Victor von Doom rather than Tony Stark. The distinction allows the Japanese adaptation to establish a new vocal identity for Doctor Doom while acknowledging the performer who previously voiced Downey’s most recognizable Marvel character.
The announcement was accompanied by footage from the Japanese-language trailer, offering audiences an opportunity to hear Morikawa’s interpretation of the villain before the film’s release.
Toshiyuki Morikawa Reflects on His Connection to Keiji Fujiwara
Following the announcement, Morikawa shared his reaction to receiving a personal message from Downey. The veteran performer, whose voice acting career spans approximately four decades, described the experience as emotional and unexpected. He also expressed his determination to approach Doctor Doom as a significant milestone in his career.
Morikawa revealed that he and Fujiwara began their voice acting careers during the same period and spent many years developing professionally alongside one another. Their shared history gives the casting additional personal meaning, particularly because Morikawa has previously succeeded Fujiwara in another prominent Japanese role.
In 2016, Morikawa took over the role of Hiroshi Nohara, the father of the title character in the long-running anime series Crayon Shin-chan. Fujiwara had voiced the character for more than two decades before stepping away from the role because of health concerns.
Morikawa explained that he wanted his performance as Doctor Doom to reflect his respect for Fujiwara’s work while delivering something audiences could enjoy. He also acknowledged the expectations surrounding the casting, particularly among viewers familiar with the Japanese performances of Downey’s previous Marvel character.
Beyond his connection to Fujiwara, Morikawa has an extensive career in anime, video games, and foreign-language dubbing. He is widely recognized for portraying Sephiroth in the Final Fantasy franchise and Yoshikage Kira in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. His other work includes regularly providing Japanese voices for Hollywood actors such as Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves.
Morikawa has also contributed to previous Marvel productions, including Japanese dubbing performances for Jude Law in Captain Marvel and Martin Freeman in Black Panther. However, Doctor Doom represents a substantially different assignment, placing him at the center of one of Marvel’s largest upcoming ensemble films.
Avengers Doomsday Brings Together Major Japanese Anime Voice Actors
Morikawa joins a Japanese dubbing cast featuring several performers whose careers span major anime franchises and Hollywood productions. Marvel’s announcement includes returning voices for established MCU characters alongside performers associated with newer additions to the franchise.
Yuichi Nakamura, known internationally for portraying Satoru Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen, returns as the Japanese voice of Steve Rogers. Kenta Miyake, whose anime credits include All Might in My Hero Academia, continues voicing Thor, while Daisuke Hirakawa returns as Loki.
The film’s Fantastic Four characters also feature recognizable Japanese performers. Takehito Koyasu, known for his portrayal of Dio Brando in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, voices Reed Richards, while Maaya Sakamoto provides the Japanese voice of Sue Storm.
Yuki Kaji, widely recognized as Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan, voices Sentry. Other announced performers include Akio Otsuka as Red Guardian and Showtaro Morikubo as Gambit, adding further established anime talent to the Japanese adaptation.
The casting reflects a longstanding practice in Japanese dubbing, where prominent Hollywood performers frequently develop recognizable associations with particular voice actors. These relationships can continue across multiple films and franchises, helping audiences maintain familiarity with international characters through consistent vocal performances.
For Avengers: Doomsday, that tradition becomes especially relevant because Downey is returning to Marvel in an entirely different role. His portrayal of Doctor Doom introduces a new antagonist to the franchise, while the Japanese adaptation must establish a voice that distinguishes the villain from Tony Stark.
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Avengers: Doomsday will bring together characters from the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men franchises. The film is scheduled for release in Japan and the United States on December 18, 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars planned for December 17, 2027.
Morikawa’s casting completes one of the most closely watched announcements surrounding the Japanese-language version. His extensive experience portraying powerful antagonists, combined with his personal connection to Fujiwara, places additional attention on how Doctor Doom will be presented to Japanese audiences when the film arrives in theaters.