Jonathan Majors was dismissed from Marvel Studios amidst his assault trial, resulting in the loss of his role as Kang the Conqueror.
Originally, Majors’ Kang was set to be the next major antagonist in the MCU. The role has since been reassigned to Robert Downey Jr., who will portray Doctor Doom.
“I’m heartbroken, of course,” Majors, 34, expressed on Wednesday, July 31. “I love Kang. Doctor Doom is wicked, though.”
He continued, “I think it’s fair that Mr. Downey is being and has been greeted with patience and curiosity and love … and [he’s] being allowed to work [his] art and be creative at that level. I didn’t really get that.”
In 1996, Downey, 59, was arrested on drug charges and sentenced to three years of probation. After achieving sobriety, he was cast by Marvel as Tony Stark/Iron Man in 2008.
Majors debuted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and the Disney+ series Loki. He was dropped by the studio in 2023 following his arrest for assault.
His ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, accused him of physical abuse in March 2023, allegations he vehemently denied at the time.
In a trial held in December 2023, Majors was found guilty of assault in the third degree and harassment. He received a sentence requiring him to complete a 52-week in-person domestic violence program.
Downey’s casting as the new MCU villain was announced at San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend. Joe Russo introduced the news during a panel on Saturday, July 27, stating,
“As proof of the unimaginable possibilities in the Marvel multiverse, we give you the one person who could play Victor Von Doom.” Downey’s character will lead *Avengers: Doomsday*.
Downey, who has a history of portraying complex characters, previously played Tony Stark/Iron Man until his character’s death in *Avengers: Endgame*.
The casting revelation surprised many in the MCU, including Jeremy Renner, who portrayed Hawkeye.
Renner shared, “I had no idea. This son of a bitch didn’t say anything to me, and we’re good friends. I started blowing up [Downey’s] phone [in our cast group chat].
I’m like, ‘What’s going on? Are you hiding this from us? That’s exciting news, man.’ I’m really, really excited about it.” Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release in May 2026.
