Jonathan Majors Speaks Out on Being Replaced by Robert Downey Jr. in MCU

Jonathan Majors expresses his heartbreak over being replaced by Robert Downey Jr. as the main villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite legal troubles leading to his exit, Majors remains hopeful for a potential return. Downey is set to play Doctor Doom in upcoming 'Avengers' movies.

Jonathan Majors has voiced his disappointment after being replaced by Robert Downey Jr. as the primary antagonist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In a statement to TMZ, Majors said he is 'heartbroken' over news that Downey's Doctor Doom will now lead as the main villain in the upcoming 'Avengers' films, replacing his character, Kang the Conqueror.

According to Variety, Majors was dropped by Marvel in December following his conviction on two misdemeanor counts of harassment and assault. Originally, Kang was set to be the new major villain, poised to play a central role in 'Avengers: The Kang Dynasty', which has been rebranded as 'Avengers: Doomsday,' starring Downey. When asked about the change, Majors responded, 'Yeah, heartbroken. Of course. I love Kang. Doctor Doom is wicked, though.'

Majors also noted Downey's return to the MCU despite his past legal issues, including a 1996 arrest for drug possession. He said, '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.' Majors expressed his openness to return to the MCU if fans and Marvel wanted it, saying, 'Hell yeah! Hell yeah! I love Kang. If that's what the fans want, and that's what Marvel wants then let's roll. Hell yeah.'

Majors' legal troubles started in March 2023 when he was arrested following allegations of assault by his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Jabbari claimed Majors injured her during a dispute over his phone. In court, Majors was acquitted of some charges but convicted of others, leading to a loss of representation from his talent manager and publicity firm. Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the MCU, announced at Comic-Con, will see him portraying Doctor Doom in 'Avengers: Doomsday' slated for 2026 and 'Avengers: Secret Wars' in 2027.