Despite widespread online speculation, there is no conflict between Ryan Reynolds and Robert Downey Jr. in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. An insider revealed to PEOPLE that there is “absolutely no bad blood” between the actors.
Rumors escalated following reports by Cosmic Book News and John Rocha’s The Hot Mic podcast, which suggested that a joke taken too far had created tensions during the filming of a new Marvel project, rumored to be Avengers: Doomsday. Yet, the source emphasized that these claims are baseless — particularly surprising since “the two have never met in person.”
While Downey Jr. is indeed involved in Avengers: Doomsday, he is not reprising his iconic role as Iron Man. Instead, he is set to portray the Marvel villain Doctor Doom. Reynolds, on the other hand, has not been confirmed to return as Deadpool in the film.
The actors have only engaged publicly once, back in 2019, exchanging playful banter during Joe and Anthony Russo’s AGBO Superhero Fantasy Football League. Downey Jr. humorously told Reynolds to “eat me” in a video, to which Reynolds responded by eating a cookie with Downey Jr.’s face on it. This lighthearted interaction showcased camaraderie, not conflict.
The eagerly awaited Avengers: Doomsday will feature a star-studded lineup of returning superheroes, including characters from the X-Men, the upcoming 2025 Thunderbolts film, and the newly rebooted Fantastic Four. Confirmed appearances include Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Letitia Wright, and Simu Liu.
Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, has indicated that Avengers: Doomsday will set the stage for Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for release on December 17, 2027.
For now, fans can dismiss the feud rumors — Reynolds and Downey Jr. continue on separate journeys without any hostility between them.
