One of Hollywood's fastest-rising stars, Jonathan Majors, who played the multiversal villain Kang the Conqueror, is no longer part of the franchise. This development comes after Majors was found guilty of assault and harassment charges, leading Marvel Studios to sever ties with the actor. The decision weighs heavily on the future of the MCU, as Majors' character was poised to be the central antagonist in the upcoming Phase 5 and Phase 6 after being introduced in the first season of Loki, playing a crucial role in defining the trajectory of the franchise.
Audiences welcomed Majors' entry into the MCU with open arms and his performance was met with critical acclaim, a combination of factors that only heightened expectations for his future appearances as the central villain in the planned Avengers movies, The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars.
Majors' portrayal of Kang was unique in its complexity, presenting a character that was both intimidating and nuanced, setting the stage for what was expected to be an epic showdown in the MCU.
However, Majors' legal troubles have cast a shadow over his future in the MCU. His arrest in March for alleged domestic violence and subsequent trial, where he was found guilty of assault and harassment, led to his removal from several of his ongoing and upcoming projects. This includes not only his role in Marvel Studios but also other films like The Man in My Basement, an Otis Redding biopic, and an ad campaign for the Texas Rangers. The guilty verdict has had a domino effect on his career, as his talent management company and public relations firm also dropped him.
