Against the current of the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, a stream of excitement has surged with recent reports that Robert Downey Jr. is set to don a new mantle as Doctor Doom. Sure, this has rekindled the spark in the hearts of fans worldwide. Have we ever expected or witnessed such a remarkable comeback?
Well, as many leap for joy, Jonathan Majors harbors a bittersweet sentiment, his own hopes as Kang left in the dust as he lost his Marvel villain role to the Iron Man star. Downey Jr., 59, announced his casting of Doctor Doom, the primary antagonist in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars at San Diego Comic-Con last weekend.
In a Tuesday interview with TMZ, Majors revealed his thoughts on the casting announcement. The actor, 34, expressed his confusion when asked whether it was unfair that he didn’t get the same treatment for a superhero movie comeback that Downey Jr. & Ezra Miller got following their arrests.
However, it seems fans won’t favor Majors’ cry for sympathy.
Why Jonathan Majors Feels Heartbroken About the MCU’s Latest Twist
Jonathan Majors, known for his role as Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, found himself at a crossroads when news broke that Robert Downey Jr. would be taking on the role of Doctor Doom. In a conversation with TMZ, Majors described feeling “heartbroken” and expressed his love for Kang but also acknowledged the wickedness of Doctor Doom:
Yeah, heartbroken. Of course, I love him. I love Kang. Doctor Doom is wicked though.
The actor also voiced his thoughts on the casting news and reflected on the treatment of actors with criminal histories in the industry. Despite being dropped by Marvel following his conviction (see LA Times), Majors expressed understanding for Downey Jr. and Ezra Miller’s second chances (via TMZ):
I think it’s fair that Mr. Downey is being, and has been greeted, with patience, and curiosity, and love, and that Mr. Miller has gotten the same treatment, and that they’re allowed to work their art and be creative at that level… I don’t really get that.
Moreover, Majors expressed a desire to return as Kang if the fans and Marvel were open to it, showcasing his “love” for the character:
Kang? Hell yeah! Hell yeah, hell yeah. I love him.
After making his debut as Kang the Conqueror in Michael Waldron’s Loki, Majors showcased his powerful and multifaceted abilities as the main antagonist in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
The character was also supposed to play a significant role in the then-titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (now Avengers: Doomsday), but tragedy struck midway. Upon his arrest for two counts of assault and harassment, the actor was removed from the project.
Fans Weigh in: Does Jonathan Majors Deserve Another Chance?
When celebrities voice their desires and challenges in the limelight, the world pays attention, but how does the public react when those expressions come loaded with comparisons to other stars?
In a recent heartfelt revelation, actor Jonathan Majors conveyed a plea for parity in the opportunities afforded to him as compared to his peers, Robert Downey Jr. and Ezra Miller. This, however, was met with a chorus of dissent, with fans quick to point out the unique circumstances that catapulted Miller and Downey Jr. to superstardom. Let’s hear some of the fans’ comments:
So, while the road ahead may be fraught with challenges and obstacles, it’s important for Majors to remember that success is not a sprint, but a marathon. With patience, perseverance, and a little bit of luck, there’s no telling where Majors’ star may rise next.
Anyway, we last saw him as Damian ‘Diamond Dame’ Anderson in Michael B. Jordan’s Creed III (2023), which was met with favorable reviews from critics. The Creed II follow-up was a commercial success, taking in over $276 million worldwide (Box Office Mojo).
Avengers: The Doomsday will be released on 1 May 2026.
