With Avengers: Doomsday just two months away, Marvel fans are gearing up for what promises to be a cinematic event like no other. The Russo Brothers have teased a "complete reinvention" of the franchise, promising a new level of spectacle that could rival the record-breaking Avengers: Endgame. The cast is a who's who of Hollywood, including Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Tom Hiddleston, Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, and Pedro Pascal, with a possible return for Mark Ruffalo's Hulk. But the most talked-about addition is Robert Downey Jr., who is swapping his Iron Man armor for the mask of the villainous Doctor Doom—a move that has sparked both excitement and controversy among fans.
In the lead-up to his most anticipated MCU role yet, audiences are rediscovering one of Downey Jr.'s finest dramatic performances. Zodiac, David Fincher's 2007 masterpiece, has surged into the top ten most-streamed movies on HBO Max in the U.S. The film, which also stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo, chronicles the real-life hunt for the Zodiac Killer during the late 1960s and 1970s, a case that baffled law enforcement and captivated the public. It's a meticulous, atmospheric thriller that showcases Downey Jr. as a crime reporter obsessed with cracking the case.
Despite its critical acclaim—it earned a Palme d'Or nomination at Cannes—Zodiac was surprisingly snubbed at the Oscars, receiving zero nominations. Financially, it was also a disappointment, grossing just $83 million worldwide against an $85 million budget. Yet, over time, it has been reevaluated as a modern classic, often cited as one of Fincher's best works and a benchmark for true-crime storytelling. Its current streaming success is a testament to its enduring appeal.
For those who haven't seen it, Zodiac is more than just a crime procedural; it's a deep dive into obsession, the media, and the limits of justice. Downey Jr.'s performance is a reminder of his range beyond the superhero genre, which makes his upcoming turn as Doctor Doom all the more intriguing. As the MCU prepares to reinvent itself, revisiting this thriller offers a glimpse into the actor's dramatic chops.
Fincher, meanwhile, is returning to theaters next month with a standalone sequel to Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, a project that has already generated buzz. But for now, Zodiac is the film on everyone's mind, especially as it climbs the streaming charts. If you're looking for a gripping, intelligent thriller to tide you over until Doomsday, this is the one.
For more streaming recommendations, check out our list of Netflix thrillers that never had a bad season or explore timeless thrillers that still grip you. And if you're in the mood for more Fincher, his filmography is full of gems worth revisiting.
