Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. will take over the role of the MCU’s major villain, replacing Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror, ahead of the multiversal events set for Avengers: Doomsday. This change follows controversies surrounding Majors and a strategic shift by Marvel to introduce Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in the upcoming multiversal saga, signalling a new direction for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Behind the Shift from Kang the Conqueror to Doctor Doom
Marvel Studios’ leadership began evaluating the role of Kang the Conqueror well before Jonathan Majors’ personal issues emerged, realizing the character lacked the gravitas to be the MCU’s ultimate threat akin to Thanos. Following Disney’s acquisition of Twentieth Century Fox, Marvel gained access to a broader range of characters, including Doctor Doom. Feige explained that this acquisition unlocked the potential for Doom to become the central antagonist in the MCU’s next big event. Discussions with Robert Downey Jr. about taking on a villainous role started even before Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania was released, indicating a long-term plan to leverage both a revered character and a celebrated actor.
“We had started even before what had happened to the actor happened, we had started to realize that Kang wasn’t big enough, wasn’t Thanos, and that there was only one character that could be that, because he was that in the comics for decades and decades,” said Feige. “Because of the Fox acquisition, we finally had it and it was Dr. Doom. So we had started talking about Dr. Doom even before we officially pivoted from Kang. And in fact, I had started talking with Robert [Downey Jr.] about this audacious idea before Ant-Man 3 even came out. It was a long plan that we had had to take one of our greatest characters and utilize one of our greatest actors.” —Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios President
How Jonathan Majors’ Position in the MCU Changed Over Time
The introduction of Kang the Conqueror began with much promise during the Loki series, where Jonathan Majors portrayed a significant multiversal antagonist known as He Who Remains. However, the character’s potential was not fully realized in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, where Kang’s threat felt diminished compared to previous major villains like Thanos. Furthermore, the Multiverse Saga has faced challenges in maintaining coherence and momentum, which weakened Kang’s role as the central villain moving forward. Ultimately, Majors’ off-screen controversies culminated in his removal from the role, prompting Marvel to turn its focus away from Kang.
Fans have speculated how Marvel plans to weave Kang’s existing storylines into the new narrative focusing on Doctor Doom. The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film aims to unite various iconic Marvel teams, including the Avengers, X-Men, New Avengers, and Fantastic Four, introducing a different arc that moves beyond Kang’s multiversal threat toward a larger crossover that channels Doctor Doom’s legacy.
The Disney-Fox deal was a pivotal moment for the MCU, as it opened doors to introduce classic characters like the Fantastic Four and their nemesis, Doctor Doom. This expansion reshaped Marvel’s approach to the multiverse saga, prioritizing new antagonists that reflect decades of comic book history and fan enthusiasm.
The Significance of Robert Downey Jr.’s Role as Doctor Doom
The introduction of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom represents a major turning point in the MCU. His casting signals Marvel’s confidence in his star power to headline what is expected to be a grand multiversal conflict in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Returning as a villain after his iconic portrayal of Iron Man adds a deeper layer of intrigue and excitement surrounding the character’s debut.
Reports suggest Downey’s involvement comes with a considerable salary package, believed to be around $500 million, underscoring Marvel Studios’ trust in his influence on the franchise’s future phases. With Doctor Doom being the principal adversary in Marvel Comics’ acclaimed 2015 Secret Wars storyline, this cinematic adaptation draws heavily from comic lore, promising a thrilling, expansive story arc for the audience.
Doctor Doom’s ascendancy as the ultimate villain fits naturally within the expansive multiverse concept, offering infinite possibilities for storytelling while connecting various Marvel teams and characters. The upcoming Avengers films are set to usher in a new era under the Russo brothers’ direction, with Downey’s Doom playing a central role in this dramatic multiversal event.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the MCU’s Future
With the transition away from Kang the Conqueror to Doctor Doom, Marvel Studios is recalibrating its approach to the MCU’s multiverse saga, aiming for a more coherent and impactful storyline that draws on proven characters with deep comic book roots. This shift is expected to elevate stakes and broaden the scope of crossover events by involving beloved heroes such as the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and the X-Men, while positioning Doctor Doom as the ultimate foe for this new chapter.
The upcoming release of Avengers: Doomsday on December 18, 2026, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, will be a decisive moment in this saga. By featuring an ensemble cast including Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, the film promises to bring Marvel’s most powerful teams together against Doctor Doom’s threat.
Following Avengers: Doomsday, Avengers: Secret Wars will continue this expansive narrative, drawing on writers like Stephen McFeely, Jack Kirby, and Stan Lee to reinforce its strong comic book foundations. This new phase marks a bold reinvention of Marvel’s storytelling direction, leveraging both new and returning talent to captivate audiences worldwide.
