Jonathan Majors has expressed his profound disappointment and heartbreak over being replaced by Robert Downey Jr. as the chief antagonist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Speaking to TMZ, Majors revealed his feelings about the change and praised Downey's return as Doctor Doom, despite his own departure.
"Yeah, heartbroken. Of course. I love Kang. Doctor Doom is wicked, though," Majors told TMZ. When asked if he thought it was fair for Downey to get another chance with Marvel after his 1996 arrest for possession of heroin, cocaine, and an unloaded gun, Majors responded, "I think it’s fair that Mr. Downey is being and has been greeted with patience and curiosity and love, and being allowed to work (his) art and be creative at that level. I didn’t really get that."
Majors expressed a strong desire to reprise his role as Kang if given the opportunity. "Hell yeah! Hell yeah! I love him. I love Kang. If that’s what the fans want, and that’s what Marvel wants then let’s roll. Hell yeah."
In December 2023, Majors was found guilty of one count of misdemeanor third-degree assault and one count of second-degree harassment by a Manhattan jury. Although he avoided jail time, he was sentenced to participate in an intervention program. Following the guilty verdict, Marvel Studios decided to drop Majors from future MCU projects, including the next two installments of the 'Avengers series. Kang, Majors' character, was originally set to be the main antagonist in the upcoming Avengers films, with one of the films even titled 'Avengers: Kang Dynasty'. However, with Majors' departure, the studio opted to replace Kang the Conqueror with Doctor Doom.
At the recent Comic-Con, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, along with directors Anthony and Joe Russo, revealed that Robert Downey Jr. would be returning to the MCU as the villain Victor Von Doom, or Doctor Doom, in two upcoming Avengers movies. The titles of these movies are 'Avengers: Doomsday' and 'Avengers: Secret Wars', both directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, marking their return to the franchise after the success of 'Avengers: Infinity War' and 'Avengers: Endgame'.
This decision to bring back Downey in a villainous role has stirred mixed emotions among fans and the cast, with Majors' heartfelt response highlighting the complexities of navigating personal and professional setbacks in the entertainment industry. As the MCU continues to evolve, the shift in key antagonists promises new dynamics and challenges for the beloved superhero ensemble.
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