Photo Credit: Marvel Studios
Jonathan Majors, who was previously cast as Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has expressed his disappointment over
being replaced by Robert Downey Jr., who will now portray Doctor Doom in the upcoming “Avengers” films. This change follows Majors’ conviction on charges of assault and harassment in December 2023, which led to his dismissal from the MCU.
In an interview, Majors described himself as “heartbroken” by the decision. He expressed a deep connection with the character of Kang and was saddened to see the role being phased out. Despite this, Majors acknowledged Doctor Doom as a compelling villain, stating, “Doctor Doom is wicked, though”.
The shift to Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom comes as Marvel Studios reconfigures its plans for future films. The previously announced “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” has been renamed “Avengers: Doomsday,” now scheduled for release in May 2026. This move aligns with a broader narrative strategy involving the introduction of Doom as the next major antagonist in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga.
Majors also touched on the broader industry issue of how actors are treated following legal troubles. He noted the differences in how his situation was handled compared to other actors like Downey Jr., who has been given a second chance despite a history of legal issues. Majors did
not comment directly but hinted at feeling unfairly treated compared to others who have faced similar challenges .
Despite the setback, Majors remains open to returning to the MCU if the opportunity arises, expressing his continued affection for the character of Kang and his desire to meet fan expectations. Meanwhile, he has secured a role in a new supernatural revenge thriller titled “Merciless,” indicating that his career continues to progress beyond the MCU.
