Robert Downey Jr. was revealed as Doctor Victor von Doom at Marvel’s Comic-Con panel on Saturday, surprising fans. Following the announcement, Doctor Doom and Jonathan Majors, who was officially replaced as the MCU’s main villain, trended worldwide.

One fan commented on the Reddit megathread,”RDJ Doom is either the most creatively bankrupt decision ever or it’s going to be the coolest sh*t we’ve ever seen.”

Fans expressed shock or simply posted-mind-blown emojis on Twitter and elsewhere, while others debated the significance of this reveal. Is this a multiverse Tony Stark? Or someone else entirely? Downey Jr’s cryptic quote offered a hint: “New mask, same task.”

A common concern among fans is the anticipated interactions between Doctor Doom and Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the relationship between Spider-Man and Iron Man evolves from a chance encounter to a deep bond akin to that of a mentor and protégé. Tony Stark recruits Peter Parker during the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” providing him with a high-tech Spider-Man suit and guidance. Stark’s death profoundly impacts Peter, who struggles to honor his mentor’s legacy in “Spider-Man: Far From Home.”

Fans were quick to wonder what the interactions between Tom Holland’s Spiderman and Robert Downey Jr. ‘s Doctor Doom will look like, given the characters long history. One fan questioned: “whats going to happen when tom holland’s peter parker meets rober downey jr’s doctor doom and he can’t help seeing him as tony stark the mcu is nothing but pain for spider-man.“

Another fan explored the possibility of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man actually recognizing Doctor Doom: “when Doctor Doom’s mask gets knocked off in battle and 32 year old Tom Holland Spider-Man goes “M-Mister Stark.. ?”