I Wondered How Much Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Casting Was Affected By Jonathan Majors’ Legal Woes. Now, Kevin Feige Is Getting Real About Dropping Kang

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A little over a year ago, Marvel Studios sent shockwaves through Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con (as well as those not in attendance) when it was announced that Robert Downey Jr. would portray Doctor Doom in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. This revelation followed the dismissal of Jonathan Majors from his role as Kang the Conqueror, after he was tried and convicted on several charges, including assault. I’ve been wondering about the specific sequence of events leading to the swap from Kang to Doom, and now, Kevin Feige is shedding light on this transition.

Kevin Feige Explains When Marvel Studios Shifted Away From Kang For Doom

It might seem logical to assume that the decision to make Doctor Doom the main villain of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga came after Jonathan Majors was let go from his role as Kang. However, it appears that isn’t entirely accurate. In a recent interview with several news outlets like THR, Kevin Feige clarified the reasons behind introducing Doctor Doom: he explained that the plan for Doom had been in the works even before the casting of Majors as Kang.

Before the actor’s incident occurred, we had already begun to recognize that Kang wasn’t suitable for the role, not like Thanos. We knew there was only one character who could fill those shoes, as he had been a significant character in the comics for many years. With Fox’s acquisition, we finally got our man, and it was Dr. Doom. Conversations about Dr. Doom were underway even before we officially shifted from Kang. In fact, I had already discussed this bold concept with Robert Downey Jr. before Ant-Man 3 hit theaters. This was part of a well-thought-out plan to bring one of our most iconic characters to life using one of our most talented actors.

Essentially, the plan for Robert Downey Jr. portraying Victor von Doom had been thought of before the legal issues involving Jonathan Majors, and this idea was even in place prior to Kang’s introduction on the big screen in 2023’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”. This tidbit is intriguing because I myself have always found Kang an engaging character, and I was eager to see how he and his variants would pose a threat in what was initially planned as “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” but later became “Doomsday”.

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I greatly enjoyed the idea of Earth’s strongest heroes clashing with a character who was both symbolically and physically torn within himself, and I am optimistic about Doctor Doom’s future plotlines. Meanwhile, as this storyline develops, Jonathan Majors is now operating in an entirely new professional realm.

Where Did Jonathan Majors’ Kang Pop Up In The MCU, And Why Was The Actor Fired?

It was announced late in 2020 that Jonathan Majors would be cast for the third Ant-Man movie, arousing much anticipation about the newcomer stepping into the role of Kang the Conqueror. He first appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a variant of Kang named He Who Remains during Loki’s first season, and later reprised this role while playing Victor Timely in Season 2. In addition to his portrayal of Kang in Quantumania, Majors also depicted the variants Rama-Tut, Centurion, and Immortus in the film’s mid-credits scene.

In April 2023, the actor from “Creed III” was taken into custody for allegedly attacking his partner, Grace Jabbari. The legal proceedings commenced in November of the same year, and the verdict was announced in December 2023. Majors was found guilty on charges of reckless assault in the third degree and harassment, but was acquitted on charges of assault and aggravated harassment. He received a sentence of 52 weeks’ probation and was mandated to participate in a domestic violence education program.

Following the verdict, Jonathan Majors disclosed that he penned a letter to Kevin Feige. Moreover, Majors signaled his desire to reprise the role of Kang. However, Feige and team are now geared up to breathe life into Doctor Doom once more on the big screen. No matter how things unfold in the end, I’m simply relieved to have some insight about Doctor Doom’s debut and Kang’s departure.

The movie “Avengers: Doomsday” is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. In the meantime, enthusiasts can enjoy streaming other Marvel Cinematic Universe films and series on Disney+.

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2025-07-21 01:08