In a surprising twist at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios announced that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) not as Iron Man, but as the iconic villain Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday movie.
Jonathan Majors’ tenure as Kang was cut short following his legal troubles, where he was found guilty of harassment and assault charges. Marvel Studios decided to part ways with Majors, leading to a significant shift in their plans for the MCU.
“Yeah, I’m heartbroken. Of course,” Majors told TMZ when asked if Marvel’s new direction affected him emotionally. “I love Kang. Doctor Doom is wicked, though.”
Majors also commented on Robert Downey Jr.’s history of legal troubles, saying, “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.”
When asked if he would return to the MCU as Kang, Majors enthusiastically replied, “Absolutely! I love Kang. If the fans and Marvel want it, then let’s make it happen. Absolutely.”
The new direction involves Robert Downey Jr. stepping into the role of Doctor Doom, a character poised to be the new central villain in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga.
Majors expressed his disappointment and heartbreak over the decision, highlighting how much he had invested in the character of Kang.
Initially introduced in the series Loki and later featured prominently in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Kang was set to be a major antagonist across multiple MCU films.
However, with the change in casting, Marvel is now set to pivot its storyline away from Kang and focus on Doctor Doom’s rise to power.
Robert Downey Jr., who previously bid farewell to his role as Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame, surprised fans with his return, albeit in a completely different capacity.
Downey’s Doctor Doom is expected to be a variant of Tony Stark from an alternate universe, adding a complex layer to his character’s dynamics.
While fans may miss Majors’ portrayal of Kang, Downey’s return as Doctor Doom is anticipated to bring a new level of excitement and intrigue to the MCU.
The next chapter in the Avengers saga, Avengers: Doomsday, is set for release in May 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2027.
Both films will explore the consequences of this major villainous shift and set the stage for the future of the MCU.
