In a shocking twist that has left fans reeling, Hollywood icon Robert Downey Jr. has reportedly dropped out of the upcoming Marvel blockbuster AVENGERS: Doomsday and announced his plans to leave the United States. The decision comes in the wake of the 2024 presidential election, which saw a decisive Republican victory, commonly referred to as the “Great Red Wave,” and a failure of the anticipated progressive “Blue Wave” surge. Downey Jr., long known for his outspoken political views, declared his displeasure with the direction of the country, saying, “Bye, I’m leaving.”

The news has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the Marvel fandom, as Downey Jr. was rumored to reprise his iconic role as Tony Stark/Iron Man on a limited basis for the highly-anticipated AVENGERS: Doomsday. While the exact nature of his role in the film had been kept under wraps, many believed it would involve a pivotal appearance as a mentor or in a multiverse storyline. Now, his abrupt departure has thrown the project into uncertainty, with fans wondering how Marvel Studios will move forward without one of its founding stars.

Robert Downey Jr. has been outspoken about his progressive beliefs in recent years, using his platform to champion causes such as climate action, social justice, and voting rights. He was a fervent supporter of Democratic candidates in the 2024 election, urging his followers to back the “Blue Wave” movement to combat what he described as regressive policies. The election results, which gave Donald Trump another term in the White House and consolidated Republican control of Congress, left the actor deeply frustrated.

Sources close to Downey Jr. suggest his decision to leave the United States is as much a political statement as a personal choice. “He feels the country is moving in a direction he cannot support,” said an anonymous source. “For Robert, it’s not just about politics, it’s about living in a place that aligns with his values.”

The news of Downey Jr.’s departure from AVENGERS: Doomsday has sparked mixed reactions in Hollywood. Many of his peers have expressed understanding and support, praising his bravery in standing up for his principles. “Robert has always been someone who leads with his heart,” said a fellow Marvel actor. “This decision shows how much he cares about the issues he cares about.”

However, fans are divided. While some applaud Downey Jr. for taking a stand, others are disappointed by his decision to leave the Marvel project. Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions, with hashtags like #GoodbyeIronMan and #RobertDowneyJrOut trending around the world. One fan tweeted: “I respect RDJ’s decision, but it’s hard to imagine the MCU without him. He’s the heart and soul of the Avengers.” Another wrote: “Politics aside, Marvel will never be the same without Tony Stark.”

Critics have also weighed in, accusing Downey Jr. of turning his back on a country and industry that helped revive his career. “He owes a lot to America and Marvel,” said one conservative commentator. “To quit now seems like a betrayal of the fans who supported him through thick and thin.”

Downey Jr.’s exit from AVENGERS: Doomsday has left Marvel Studios scrambling to adapt. The film, which was due to begin production in early 2025, is reportedly undergoing major rewrites to make up for Tony Stark’s absence. Industry insiders suggest Marvel could focus on other historical characters or introduce a new multiverse story to fill the void left by Downey Jr.