The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is no stranger to upheaval, but the sudden firing of Jonathan Majors and the subsequent scrapping of Kang the Conqueror's storyline has left fans reeling. From the global pandemic to internal studio challenges, Phases 4, 5, and 6 have been a rollercoaster of adjustments. Originally, Kang was poised to be the next major villain, with Majors bringing the complex character to life from the comics. But here's where it gets controversial: after Majors was found guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment charges, Marvel Studios made the bold decision to not only part ways with the actor but also to entirely rewrite the Multiverse Saga, erasing Kang from its narrative. Was this the right move, or did Marvel throw the baby out with the bathwater?
During an appearance on Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM, Jeremy Renner, the actor behind Hawkeye, shared his thoughts on the situation. Renner admitted, 'I don't know. I don't know what the difference is between gossip and anything else.' He emphasized his limited knowledge of Majors' personal circumstances, stating, 'I don't know enough about Jonathan and his situation to know.' However, he did acknowledge the significance of Kang's role, saying, 'I know they had big plans for that character, that's for sure. Whatever transpired...that sucks, I think.' Renner concluded by advocating for due diligence, a sentiment that resonates in an era of swift public judgment.
And this is the part most people miss: Marvel's pivot wasn't just about replacing an actor; it was about redefining the entire trajectory of the Multiverse Saga. At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, the new direction became crystal clear with the announcement of Robert Downey Jr.'s return—but with a twist. The iconic Iron Man star will now portray Victor von Doom, a.k.a. Doctor Doom, in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, both directed by the Russo brothers. Principal photography for Avengers: Doomsday wrapped on September 19, 2025, while Avengers: Secret Wars is set to conclude the Multiverse Saga on December 18, 2027.
While Renner has denied returning as Hawkeye in the upcoming Avengers films, the MCU marches on. Phase 6 kicks off in January 2026 with the Wonder Man TV show on Disney+, followed by highly anticipated projects like Blade and Marvel Zombies. But the question remains: Can Doctor Doom fill the void left by Kang, or will fans always wonder what could have been? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Marvel made the right call, or did they miss an opportunity to handle the situation differently?
