Jonathan Majors Reacts to Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Casting
Jonathan Majors Breaks Silence on Marvel’s Shift: “Heartbroken” Over Kang’s Replacement with Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
In the ever-evolving world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), nothing stays the same for long. But few could have predicted the dramatic changes that have unfolded recently, especially regarding Jonathan Majors’ unexpected departure from his role as the next big bad. The actor, once set to dominate the MCU as Kang the Conqueror, has opened up about Marvel moving on without him and how he feels about Robert Downey Jr. taking on the role of Doctor Doom.
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Marvel Cuts Ties with Jonathan Majors After Legal Troubles
Jonathan Majors was on track to become one of the most influential villains in Marvel’s vast cinematic universe. His portrayal of Kang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and his various incarnations across the MCU hinted at a future where he would be the main antagonist in upcoming blockbuster events. However, everything changed in December 2023 when Marvel Studios decided to part ways with the actor following his conviction for reckless assault and harassment. The fallout was swift and severe, with other studios also cutting ties, shelving completed projects, and leaving Majors’ career hanging in the balance.
Jonathan Majors Reacts to Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Casting
TMZ recently caught up with Majors, and the actor didn’t hold back his feelings about being replaced. The news that Robert Downey Jr., the man who once defined the MCU as Iron Man, would now return as the infamous villain Doctor Doom, has stirred up a lot of buzz. For Majors, the shift is bittersweet.
“Yeah, heartbroken. Of course, I love him. I love Kang. Doctor Doom is wicked though,” Majors admitted, clearly still attached to the character he brought to life.
When asked about the treatment of other actors with troubled pasts, like Downey’s well-documented struggles and The Flash star Ezra Miller’s legal issues, Majors pointed out a double standard. “I think it’s fair that Mr. Downey is being and has been greeted with patience and curiosity and love, and that Mr. Miller has gotten the same treatment, and that they’re being allowed to work their art and be creative at that level. I didn’t really get that,” he noted.
Could Jonathan Majors Return as Kang?
Despite the dramatic turn of events, Majors hasn’t completely shut the door on his Marvel future. When asked if he’d ever consider returning as Kang, his answer was enthusiastic. “Kang? Hell yeah, hell yeah, hell yeah. I love him. That’s what I said, I love him. I love Kang, I love [Victor] Timely, I love He Who Remains. Love him,” Majors exclaimed. “If that’s what the fans want. If that’s what Marvel wants, let’s roll.”
Yet, with Marvel clearly shifting its narrative gears, the odds of seeing Majors return as Kang seem slim. The studio is working hard to rebuild its reputation after a series of setbacks, including the underwhelming performance of The Marvels at the box office and production delays on other projects like Captain America: New World Order.
Kevin Feige Dodges Questions About Kang’s Future
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has been characteristically tight-lipped about Jonathan Majors’ departure and the future of Kang in the MCU. In a recent interview, Feige skillfully sidestepped questions about whether Kang will continue to be part of the MCU’s plans. When pressed, he quipped, “I’ve done a number of interviews in the last couple of days, and you’re the first person to … I give you credit for just outright asking the question and I’ll give myself credit for trying to evade it and avoid it entirely.”
This non-answer has only fueled speculation about how Marvel will navigate the villain vacuum left by Majors’ exit and how they plan to weave Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom into the larger MCU tapestry.
The MCU’s Next Chapter: Doctor Doom Takes Center Stage
With Robert Downey Jr. stepping into the role of Doctor Doom, Marvel is gearing up for a new era of storytelling. How exactly Doom will be integrated into the MCU remains under wraps, but fans are already buzzing with anticipation. Will he be the next Thanos-level threat? Or will he serve as a more complex character, blurring the lines between hero and villain?
One thing is clear: Marvel is pulling out all the stops to recapture the magic that made the MCU a cultural phenomenon. With Downey back in the mix, they’re betting big on a new direction that could redefine the superhero genre once again.
