Time for Majors to Return as Kang?

Jonathan Majors’ rise to fame in the MCU was meteoric, with his portrayal of Kang the Conqueror marking him as the key villain for the next phase of the Multiverse Saga. His debut in Loki as He Who Remains captivated audiences, and his role in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania solidified his place as a major antagonist. Kang was supposed to be the central figure in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars, with plans for the multiverse to be his domain.

However, everything came crashing down in March 2023 when Majors was arrested on charges of assault and harassment in connection to a domestic violence case. While Majors denied the allegations, the scandal left Marvel with no choice but to distance itself from the actor, reshuffling plans for the MCU and even changing the title of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty to Avengers: Doomsday in order to remove Kang from the picture. This left fans questioning how Marvel would continue with its multiverse saga without the character at its core.

Fast forward to 2025, and Majors has completed a 52-week domestic violence intervention program, attempting to rehabilitate both his career and personal life. With Marvel Studios reportedly considering bringing him back to tie up Kang’s story, the question arises: is it time for Majors to return as Kang?

The Case for Jonathan Majors’ Return

From a narrative standpoint, Kang is too important to the MCU’s future for his story to be abruptly abandoned. As the face of the Multiverse Saga, Majors’ version of Kang played a pivotal role in the MCU’s direction. The multiverse, already complex and chaotic, relies on Kang’s character arc to unite various threads. Simply recasting or writing Kang out would create significant disruptions to the story, leaving plot holes and missed opportunities for the eventual conclusion of the saga. Given that Marvel has already heavily invested in Kang’s character, Majors returning to complete that arc would be the easiest and most logical choice for continuity.

Moreover, the MCU has a history of offering second chances. Robert Downey Jr. famously overcame his personal struggles and became the cornerstone of the MCU as Iron Man. Majors, too, has the potential for a comeback. His performance as Kang was widely praised, and there’s room for redemption—both in terms of the character and Majors himself. If Majors has shown genuine remorse and made strides toward rehabilitation, Marvel could view this as a moment to reflect the broader narrative of growth and second chances, mirroring the journey of his character.

The Risks of Majors’ Return

Despite the potential for a smooth return, there are undeniable risks in bringing Jonathan Majors back. The legal case, the allegations, and the resulting damage to Majors’ reputation still linger. While Majors may have served his time and completed his rehabilitation, many fans and critics may not be willing to overlook the nature of the charges. The MCU’s fanbase is diverse, and there will likely be a strong divide over whether Majors’ return is appropriate. Public opinion is a key factor here, as the backlash could be significant, especially if Marvel is seen as prioritizing the character’s continuity over the seriousness of Majors’ past actions.

Additionally, the optics of reintroducing Majors could risk overshadowing the important elements of the MCU itself. With so much of the Multiverse Saga still unfolding, the focus might shift away from the story at hand to Majors’ personal journey, which could disrupt the immersive world Marvel has built. There’s also the matter of setting a precedent for how Hollywood and major studios handle allegations like these—does allowing Majors to return send the wrong message?

The Alternatives: Recasting or Shifting Focus

If Marvel chooses not to bring Majors back, they could pivot in several directions. One option would be to recast Kang with a new actor, which is a bit more complicated considering how integral Majors’ portrayal is to the character. A recast would require an explanation within the multiverse framework, perhaps introducing a new version of Kang, but this could still risk confusing or alienating fans who were invested in Majors’ take on the character.

Another path Marvel could take is to shift focus to another major villain in the MCU. Rumors have already circulated that Avengers: Doomsday could feature Doctor Doom, and this would give the studio the opportunity to explore new threats to the MCU. The Beyonder is another potential antagonist that could replace Kang without derailing the multiverse saga. However, this would require significant rewriting, and fans may find it difficult to accept a change so late in the game.

The Surprising Power of Insect Group Decisions | Maya

Is It Time for Majors to Return as Kang?

The decision to bring Jonathan Majors back into the MCU is undoubtedly a tough one for Marvel Studios. There are compelling narrative reasons to bring him back—his Kang is integral to the overarching plot of the Multiverse Saga—but the studio must weigh these against the potential public backlash. Majors has taken steps toward rehabilitation, and the idea of a second chance is central to many redemption stories in Hollywood.

Ultimately, whether it’s time for Majors to return as Kang depends on a delicate balance. Marvel will need to consider the potential impact on its brand, the public’s perception, and, most importantly, the integrity of the story it has been building. The next move is crucial for both Majors and the MCU, and how they handle this moment will likely define how Hollywood approaches second chances for its stars in the future.