Dhoom 4: After John Abraham, Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan, will Ranbir Kapoor step into the villain’s shoes

After John Abraham, Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan portrayed memorable antagonists, rumors swirl around Ranbir Kapoor potentially stepping into the villain’s shoes in Dhoom 4. Fans eagerly await confirmation on who will bring the next high-octane adversary to life.

Updated: February 18, 2026 2:00 AM IST

For years, fans of the Dhoom franchise have eagerly speculated about who will play the next big antagonist. With John Abraham, Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan already leaving their mark as unforgettable villains, attention has now turned to superstar Ranbir Kapoor.

The actor’s recent performance in Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, showcased a menacing presence and intensity that fans feel could perfectly carry forward the Dhoom legacy. Social media is abuzz with theories and excitement as audiences wonder whether Kapoor could redefine villainy in the next installment.

What do latest reports say about the fate of Dhoom 4?

Despite growing speculation, Ranbir Kapoor’s involvement in Dhoom 4 remains unconfirmed. Reports suggest that Yash Raj Films is still finalizing the script after years of revisions, with multiple drafts rejected. Until the script is locked, casting decisions, including who will play the villain, are fluid.

Ranbir’s schedule is also packed with other projects, such as Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War and Namit Malhotra and Nitesh Tiwari’s mega project, Ramayana, which could influence his availability for a high-octane action thriller like Dhoom 4.

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Can Ranbir Kapoor set a new benchmark for Dhoom franchise?

Ranbir Kapoor has evolved into a versatile actor capable of portraying complex characters with nuance. His intense, dark performance in Animal has sparked conversations about his potential as a new type of Dhoom antagonist: sophisticated, menacing, and psychologically layered.

Fans are curious whether he can create a benchmark by bringing both charm and menace to a role that demands charisma, intelligence, and action skills. If cast, Kapoor could continue the series’ tradition of making villains as captivating as the heroes themselves.

Also read: Dhoom 4: Ranbir Kapoor replaces Abhishek Bachchan in Aditya Chopra’s action thriller? Know here

The legacy of Dhoom franchise

The Dhoom franchise has always balanced pulse-pounding stunts, stylish visuals, and memorable villains. The series redefined Indian action cinema by shifting the spotlight to the stylish, high-tech antagonist. Its legacy lies in popularizing the “heist thriller” genre, blending sleek superbikes with international locales. The villain evolution is the backbone of the series: it began in Dhoom (2004), directed by late Sanjay Gadhvi, with John Abraham’s gritty, bike-thieving Kabir.

It progressed to Dhoom 2 (2006), featuring Hrithik Roshan’s sophisticated, shape-shifting Aryan aka Mr. “A”. The series culminated in Dhoom 3 (2013), directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, with Aamir Khan’s emotionally driven, circus-performing Sahir Khan and Samar Khan. Over a decade, the antagonists transitioned from mere criminals to complex anti-heroes with tragic backstories, making the chase as much about psychological depth as it is about high-speed adrenaline.

Ranbir Kapoor could be the next actor to continue this evolution, taking the Dhoom antagonist into uncharted territory. His blend of physicality, psychological intensity and star power could bring a fresh edge to the franchise while honoring its iconic history.

Why fans are excited just from a speculation of Ranbir Kapoor playing antagonist?

Fans are excited because a new villain means a new energy, a new chase and new spectacles. Social media conversations suggest that audiences are eager to see a multi-dimensional antagonist who can challenge the hero, create suspense, and leave a lasting impact. Ranbir’s proven ability to portray dark, conflicted characters makes him a favorite in this speculative role.

BIG QUESTION: Who can direct Dhoom 4?

While Ayan Mukerji was initially considered the top choice to direct Dhoom 4, recent reports suggest he has stepped away from the project. After facing creative challenges and mixed reception around Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR starrer War 2, he is now focusing on expanding his ambitious “Astraverse.” This development has left Yash Raj Films searching for a new director who can elevate the franchise to the next level.

Industry buzz indicates that the studio may be exploring visionary filmmakers from the South to give Dhoom 4 a larger pan-Indian scale with grand action sequences and fresh storytelling techniques. At the same time, some insiders believe that producer Aditya Chopra could step in to direct the film himself in order to safeguard the franchise’s legacy and maintain its signature style.