If asked to name who are some of the most iconic villains of the Marvel Universe, chances are the name “Doctor Doom” will come up. First appearing in Fantastic Four Issue #5 in May of 1962, the power-mad dictator has proven himself a worthy adversary for anyone who challenges his authority. He is set to make his debut as part of Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will be portrayed by Robert Downy Jr.
However, not everyone seems all that happy about the announcement, specifically Jonathan Majors. Prior to his recent legal issues, Majors was cast as Kang the Conquerer, another Marvel villain who first appeared in Avengers Issue #8 in September 1964. Kang was also featured in the Disney+ series Loki and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Initially, he was set to be the next main MCU threat with Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. However, following Majors’ recent abuse case, he was dropped from the franchise. Marvel, rather than recasting the character, outright deleted any current plans for the character. Now Doctor Doom will be the villain of Avengers: Doomsday.
Recently, TMZ spoke with the actor on the streets and asked for his reaction to his character being replaced. He stated:
“I’m heartbroken. I love him. I love Kang.“
He was also asked how he felt that actors like Robert Downy Jr. and Ezra Miller are still portraying characters in these kinds of movies despite their history with the law. He said:
“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 are being allowed to work their art and be creative at that level.“
He did express that he would want to return if given the opportunity, but that ship may have sailed at this point. While Kang’s character does have big screen potential, this iteration may not have a future. We will probably have to wait until the rumored reboot following Avengers: Secret Wars.
What do you think? Should Marvel have kept Kang as the lead villain? Should Majors have been given a second chance, or should they have recast the character? Is Doctor Doom the better choice? Let us know your thoughts.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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