Marvel Studios has ambitious plans for the latest phase of its cinematic universe, but actor Jonathan Majors isn’t entirely on board with the changes. Majors, who played the formidable Kang the Conqueror, was expected to be the next major antagonist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) following his roles in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Loki.” However, in a recent interview, he shared his disappointment over the studio’s sudden shift away from his character.
In December 2023, Marvel Studios decided to part ways with Majors after a New York jury found him guilty of assault and harassment involving his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari, following a contentious two-week trial. The firing led to public speculation about Marvel’s future plans for Kang and the actor’s role in the MCU, including his part in the highly anticipated “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,” slated for a 2026 release.
Last week, during San Diego’s Comic-Con, Marvel revealed a surprising strategy: Robert Downey Jr. would return to the franchise, this time as Doctor Doom, replacing Kang in the newly titled “Avengers: Doomsday,” still set to premiere in 2026. This announcement received mixed reactions, including confusion from Gwyneth Paltrow, Downey’s onscreen wife, who questioned, “I don’t get it, are you a baddie now?”
In a video interview published on Wednesday, Majors expressed his heartbreak over the studio’s pivot. “Of course. I love him, I love Kang,” Majors said, though he acknowledged, “Doctor Doom is wicked, though.”
Majors also discussed his fallout with Marvel and the contrasting treatment of other actors with criminal histories, such as Robert Downey Jr. and Ezra Miller. Downey, who faced numerous drug possession charges and served jail time in the late ’90s, went on to star in “Iron Man,” the “Avengers” films, and the recent “Oppenheimer.” Despite multiple arrests and accusations of abuse, Miller continued to lead Warner Bros.’ 2023 “The Flash.”
“I think it’s fair that Mr. Downey is being and has been treated with patience and curiosity and love and that Miller’s gotten the same treatment,”
Majors commented. “I didn’t really get that.”
Further compounding his disappointment, Majors’ upcoming drama “Magazine Dreams” was shelved just before his domestic violence trial, and he lost a leading role in a biopic about NBA star Dennis Rodman. However, earlier this month, Deadline reported that Majors is set to star in the revenge thriller “Merciless.” When asked if he would consider returning to the MCU, Majors enthusiastically responded, “Hell yeah, I love [Kang]. If that’s what the fans want, if that’s what Marvel wants, let’s roll. Hell yeah.”
Reflecting on regrets is a common yet revealing question for actors, often shedding light on their true feelings about their careers. For instance, Ryan Reynolds and Dakota Johnson have both expressed regret over some of their past roles. Reynolds has frequently criticized his 2011 superhero film “The Green Lantern” while promoting “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Johnson has also shared less-than-flattering opinions about her own superhero ventures.
Regrets in Hollywood are not uncommon, and sometimes, missing out on a role can be just as significant as taking one. Scarlett Johansson, for example, experienced such regret in 2013 when she missed a major opportunity.
In the ever-evolving world of Hollywood and the MCU, Majors’ story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of fame and the complexities of navigating a high-profile career amidst personal and professional challenges.
