Marvel's unexpected twist: Jonathan Majors' possible return and the rise of Doctor Doom

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At one point, Jonathan Majors was poised to become the next major antagonist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), following in the footsteps of Josh Brolin’s Thanos. His character, Kang the Conqueror, was introduced through several appearances, setting the stage for significant roles in “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” However, in 2023, Marvel Studios severed ties with Majors following his conviction for assault. This decision came after an altercation with his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, in March 2023, which led to his guilty verdict on two misdemeanor charges. The legal fallout from this incident had a profound impact on Majors’ career, resulting in the loss of multiple roles and his dismissal from the MCU. In April 2024, Majors was sentenced to a 52-week in-person domestic violence intervention program as part of his legal consequences.

Despite the initial fallout, recent reports suggest that Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige is contemplating bringing Jonathan Majors back into the MCU. The rationale behind this potential return is to provide closure for Majors’ character, Kang the Conqueror, and to tie up any loose ends left by his abrupt departure. This consideration indicates a possible shift in the studio’s stance, possibly influenced by Majors’ efforts towards rehabilitation and the desire to maintain narrative continuity within the MCU. The decision to reintroduce Majors would not only address the unresolved storylines involving Kang but also reflect Marvel’s commitment to storytelling integrity, even amidst significant challenges.

In the wake of Majors’ departure, Marvel Studios has been actively restructuring its upcoming projects. The most notable change has been the transformation of “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” into “Avengers: Doomsday.” This new iteration will feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, a character shift that marks a significant departure from the original plan to center the film around Kang. Downey Jr., who previously portrayed Iron Man, will now take on the role of the iconic villain Doctor Doom, adding a new layer of intrigue to the Avengers saga. This recalibration underscores Marvel’s ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances while continuing to deliver compelling narratives that captivate their audience.