Jonathan Majors is breaking his silence after Marvel found the actor to replace him as its next big villain.
The "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" star, 34, told TMZ he is "heartbroken" about Marvel announcing that Robert Downey Jr. will star as Doctor Doom in the next "Avengers" film, "Avengers: Doomsday." The movie was originally called "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty" and was expected to star Majors as the title villain.
Though Majors told TMZ that Doctor Doom "is wicked," he said that he loves his character of Kang and would still return to play him "if that's what the fans want" and "that's what Marvel wants."
Marvel officially dropped Majors in December after he was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Majors had pleaded not guilty. The actor did not receive any jail time but was sentenced to a domestic violence intervention program.
The "Creed III" actor also said he has not received the same "patience and curiosity and love" as Downey, who was hired to star in 2008's "Iron Man" after a string of legal issues. "I didn't really get that," he told TMZ.
Doctor Doom's Return to Marvel
The month before his arrest, Marvel premiered "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," which starred Majors as the villain Kang the Conqueror. The movie ended with the tease that Majors would return as many different versions of Kang, positioning him as the new equivalent of Josh Brolin's villain Thanos from "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame." The previous year, Marvel announced the next "Avengers" film would be called "The Kang Dynasty."
But on Saturday, Marvel revealed a major pivot at Comic-Con by announcing that Downey's Doctor Doom will be the villain of its next "Avengers" movie, which is now called "Avengers: Doomsday" and is set for release in 2026. This title change implied that Marvel's Kang storyline has been abandoned, rather than simply continued with a new actor replacing Majors.
Majors' Response
In a recent interview, Majors revealed that he is disappointed about the studio’s pivot away from his time-traveling villain. In December 2023, Marvel swiftly cut ties with Majors after a New York jury convicted the “Lovecraft Country” actor of assault and harassment of his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari after a contentious two-week trial.
Majors’ December firing sparked public concern over how Marvel would proceed with its plans for Majors’ Kang and his role in the MCU, including “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,” which was slated to premiere in 2026. At San Diego’s Comic-Con last week, Marvel unveiled its strategy: Robert Downey Jr. will return to the franchise as Doctor Doom to replace Kang in the new “Avengers” film, now dubbed “Avengers: Doomsday.” The film is still set to premiere in 2026.
“Of course. I love him, I love Kang,” he said, before adding, “Doctor Doom is wicked, though.”
Double Standards?
TMZ also pressed Majors about his falling-out with Marvel, bringing up Hollywood’s treatment of Downey and also “The Flash” star Ezra Miller, who both have criminal histories but went on to star in high-profile movies. Oscar winner Downey served jail time in the late ’90s after he was arrested for drug possession, among other charges, and went on to star in “Iron Man,” the “Avengers” films and, most recently, “Oppenheimer.” Miller remained in Warner Bros.’ 2023 “The Flash,” despite a string of arrests and accusations of abuse leveled against them in recent years.
“I think it’s fair that Mr. Downey is being and has been treated with patience and curiosity and love and that ... Miller’s gotten the same treatment and they’re being allowed to work their art and be creative at that level,” Majors said. “I didn’t really get that.”
A Second Chance?
Adding to the Marvel sting, Majors’ then-upcoming drama “Magazine Dreams” was shelved in the months before the actor’s domestic violence trial. He also parted ways from a starring role in a biopic about NBA star Dennis Rodman. But earlier this month, Deadline reported that the “Creed III” actor is set to star in the revenge thriller “Merciless,” and Majors revealed Wednesday that he is open to revisiting the MCU.
“Hell yeah, I love [Kang]” Majors told TMZ. “If that’s what the fans want, if that’s what Marvel wants, let’s roll. Hell yeah.”
A Future for Kang?
While Majors was dropped from Marvel, the actor did not receive any jail time, instead being sentenced to a domestic violence intervention program. While he has faced legal setbacks, the actor is still eager to return to the role that made him a household name.
Despite being replaced, Majors remains hopeful about a potential return to the MCU. The outcome of his case and the public's reaction to it will play a significant role in determining whether or not Marvel will reconsider their decision.
Only time will tell if the multiverse will see the return of Kang. The MCU is a constantly evolving landscape, and the future of Kang remains shrouded in uncertainty.
The Future of the MCU
The shift in the MCU’s plans, with the replacement of Kang by Doctor Doom, marks a significant departure from the original vision for the franchise. This change has sparked speculation and debate among fans, leaving many wondering about the future of the MCU and the possibility of Kang’s return.
It is important to note that the MCU has a history of surprising twists and turns, and the future of the franchise is constantly evolving. The recent developments with Kang and Doctor Doom add a new layer of intrigue to the upcoming “Avengers” films, and fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how these storylines unfold.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Actors
The controversy surrounding Majors’ legal troubles and subsequent dismissal from the MCU has raised questions about double standards in Hollywood. While some argue that actors with a history of criminal behavior have been given second chances, others point out the unique circumstances surrounding Majors’ case. The actor’s fate remains uncertain, but his willingness to return to the MCU suggests a determination to prove himself and potentially reclaim his place in the Marvel universe.
The comparison between Majors and Downey Jr. is particularly striking. Both actors have faced challenges in their personal lives, but their professional trajectories have taken vastly different paths. While Downey’s redemption story is well-documented, Majors’ future remains to be written. The MCU is a dynamic entity, and the future of both actors in the franchise is subject to change.
Ultimately, the fate of Kang and the direction of the MCU lie in the hands of the studio and the public. The upcoming “Avengers” films will provide a platform for the story to continue to evolve, offering fans a glimpse into the future of the MCU and the possibility of Kang’s return.
