Marvel Nearly Replaced Kang with Doctor Doom Amid Jonathan Majors' Controversies

Article Overview

Marvel Studios considered replacing Kang the Conqueror with Doctor Doom following Jonathan Majors' arrest, causing potential changes to the Multiverse Saga.

Production delays, controversies, and low ratings spurred discussions among Marvel Studios executives, including Kevin Feige, during their retreat in Palm Springs. They explored the possibility of introducing a backup villain, with Doctor Doom being one of the options. However, altering the storyline would present unique obstacles and complexities.

According to a recent report, Marvel Studios explored the possibility of replacing Kang the Conqueror with Doctor Doom after Jonathan Majors' arrest and assault allegations in March 2023. Majors portrayed Kang the Conqueror, known as He Who Remains, in the first season of Loki, and was slated to become the primary villain in the MCU's Multiverse Saga.

Variety's report sheds light on discussions held at Marvel Studios' annual retreat in Palm Springs, where executives, including President Kevin Feige, contemplated alternative plans for the MCU due to production delays, Hollywood strikes, controversies, and unfavorable ratings. One potential alteration involved replacing Kang the Conqueror with the iconic Marvel Comics adversary, Doctor Doom, thus significantly transforming the narrative trajectory of the MCU's future storylines.

During the Palm Springs meeting, executives deliberated alternative strategies, such as shifting focus to another comic book antagonist, such as Dr. Doom. However, implementing any change would come with its own set of challenges.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I have mixed feelings about the news that Marvel Studios considered replacing Kang the Conqueror with Doctor Doom as the main antagonist following Jonathan Majors' arrest. On the one hand, I understand the studio's desire to mitigate potential damage to the franchise's reputation and ensure a smooth rollout of the Multiverse Saga. On the other hand, I am concerned about the impact this change could have on the overall narrative and character development within the MCU.

Replacing Kang with Doctor Doom would undoubtedly have significant implications for the MCU's future. Kang has been positioned as the overarching villain of the Multiverse Saga, and his presence has been teased in various projects, including Loki and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. His complex character and motivations have the potential to drive the narrative forward and create compelling conflicts for the heroes to overcome. Introducing Doctor Doom at this stage would require significant adjustments to the storyline and could potentially undermine the buildup and payoff that has been carefully crafted over several phases.