Jonathan Majors was the main center of attention when his role as the supervillain Kang the Conqueror was announced. Further, he would be playing a pivotal role in the then-named Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. But due to his arrest on domestic violence charges, the MCU cut all ties with the actor, and he was immediately dropped from the project.
Now with Robert Downey leading the project as Doctor Doom, it has sparked a heartbreaking response from Jonathan Majors and his fandom, who continue to support the actor despite the controversy.
Jonathan Majors Responds to Robert Downey Jr. Being Cast as the New Supervillain
After Jonathan Majors was dropped from the highly anticipated project, fans were hooked to social media on what would be the next move of the MCU. To their surprise, the Russo brothers, alongside Kevin Feige, presented Robert Downey Jr. as the new supervillain Dr. Victor von Doom, aka Doctor Doom at San Diego Comic-Con.
Not only this, but Avengers 5 is now titled Avengers: Doomsday, perfectly capturing the true essence as well as the important role of Doctor Doom in the movie. To get the latest scoop on the matter, TMZ (via Variety) got in touch with Jonathan Majors to get his reaction to Robert Downey Jr. being cast as the new antagonist in his place.
To this, even though heartbroken, Majors said, “I love Kang. Doctor Doom is wicked, though.” In between the interview, the media outlet also brought in the fact that even the Iron Man actor had a turbulent past; to this, he answered, “I think it’s fair that Mr. Downey is being and has been greeted with patience and curiosity and love…and allowed to work his art and be creative at that level.”
During the interview, Majors also emphasized that if the viewers and Marvel would want him to play Kang again, then he’s definitely open to the idea. The same wish that some of his die-hard fans also shared on X.
Doom is a better villain but Majors was a great Kang!
— Jeffrey Torres (@evolnine) July 31, 2024
Jonathan Majors might bounce back down the road eventually… that second chance will come around.
— 𝕊𝕚𝕘𝕘𝕪𝔾𝕦𝕟𝕤 (@Siggyv) July 31, 2024
The fact that Marvel did not recast him, means that they are eventually open to bringing him back
— Hollywood After Dark (@HWADPodcast) July 31, 2024
Same you were amazing as Kang 😢
— Crè (@BrainlyCre47) July 31, 2024
100% I would love to see RDJ return to the MCU as Dr. Doom. However, I am also very sorry about Kang, the character has so much potential, the actor is so excellent. Unfortunately, I hope he gets a chance. I would love for the “Council of Kang” to fight the entire Avengers.
— Bàn Luận MCU (@BanluanMCU) July 31, 2024
Was kinda looking forward to the Kang storyline. Doctor Doom in place of it is okay but I hope they revisit the Kang storyline at some point.
— Mai-BotoIchi (@Mai_BotoIchi) July 31, 2024
The Marvel Cinematic Universe had an ambitious plan to present Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, making him the central antagonist of the multiverse saga. Kang made his debut in Loki, and after this Majors was predominantly featured as the supervillain in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, showing his formidable and complex powers.
The character was also set to play a major role in the then-titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (now Avengers: Doomsday), but tragedy struck midway. The actor was dropped from the project when he was arrested for two counts of domestic violence.
Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo Brothers Cashing In Humongous Checks for Avengers: Doomsday
After a rather challenging phase, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is reviving its winning streak by reuniting with several important figures from the past. Apart from Robert Downey Jr. as the supervillain Doctor Doom, the Studios also brought in the Russo brothers. The duo were the masterminds behind the MCU’s highly successful Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
But bringing back Anthony and Joe Russo comes with a hefty price, and as reported by Variety, Marvel is paying a humongous paycheck of $80 million to the duo to direct Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. On the other hand, Downey Jr. can easily be one of the highest-paid actors in the MCU, having earned between $500 million and $600 million across multiple movies. In the upcoming movie, despite his high paycheck, he’ll also be given a private jet for travel and security.
