Marvel Studios is navigating turbulent waters as it reshapes the future of its cinematic universe, replacing Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom in a significant role shift that has sparked conversations about Hollywood’s handling of controversy and alleged double standards.
Initially set to become the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s next significant villain as Kang the Conqueror, Jonathan Majors found himself sidelined following a conviction for assault and harassment in December 2023. His dismissal from Marvel came swiftly after a New York jury found him guilty, leading to a year of mandated counselling, though he was acquitted of more severe charges. This pivot from Marvel raises questions, especially given Majors’ expressed heartbreak and ongoing affection for his character. “Yeah, heartbroken. Of course. I love Kang. Doctor Doom is wicked, though,” he said in a recent TMZ interview.
In a stark shift, Marvel announced at San Diego Comic-Con that Robert Downey Jr. would be stepping in to portray Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, slated for a 2026 release. This decision is noteworthy not only for the change in character dynamics within the MCU but also for the implications it carries about Hollywood’s treatment of its stars amidst legal controversies.
Robert Downey Jr., now celebrated for his roles in Iron Man and the Avengers series, had his own tumultuous past, including a 15-month prison stint in the late 1990s for drug-related charges. His comeback into the limelight was hard-won, with director Jon Favreau championing his casting as Iron Man — a move that arguably resurrected his career and was pivotal in the success of Marvel’s franchise.
Similarly, Ezra Miller continued their role in Warner Bros.’ The Flash (the studio even backed them up) despite multiple arrests and controversies in 2022, leading to a guilty plea for trespassing in 2023. Yet, one must point out that Miller has been recast in Amazon Prime Video’s Invincible series following their controversies.
Majors recently spoke candidly in the same TMZ interview about feeling a lack of support compared to his counterparts, suggesting a possible racial bias in how rehabilitation and second chances are afforded within the industry. “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 being allowed to work their art and be creative at that level…” Majors reflected. “I didn’t really get that.”
This sentiment is echoed by some of Majors’ supporters who see a racial double standard at play. The situation is further complicated by the sidelining of Majors’ projects in the lead-up to his trial, including the cancellation of his role in a Dennis Rodman biopic and the shelving of his drama Magazine Dreams.
Despite these setbacks, Majors remains hopeful about his career and open to returning to the MCU if the opportunity arises and the fans desire it. “Hell yeah! Hell yeah! Hell yeah! I love him. I love Kang. If that’s what the fans want, if that’s what Marvel wants, then let’s roll. Hell yeah,” he said. His recent casting in the thriller Merciless suggests a path forward in his acting career, albeit outside the Marvel universe for now.
The unfolding drama off-screen, however, will likely continue to provoke debate about fairness, opportunity, and redemption in Hollywood.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
