Marvel Studios is reportedly contemplating the reinstatement of Jonathan Majors, an actor whose tumultuous relationship with the studio has been marred by controversy. Following his arrest and conviction for domestic assault, Marvel severed ties with Majors, who played the key role of Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The studio’s shift in focus led to plans for Robert Downey Jr. to return as Doctor Doom. However, rumors have now emerged suggesting that Marvel might be interested in bringing Majors back, igniting a flurry of reactions from fans and echoing the studio’s previous handling of James Gunn.
Majors had starred as various versions of Kang, setting up his character as a crucial antagonist in the forthcoming Multiversal Saga. However, after being charged with domestic violence in 2023 and subsequently convicted, he faced a sentence that included 52 weeks of a domestic violence intervention program along with probation in April 2024. Following these developments, Marvel dropped Majors from several projects and distanced itself from the actor altogether. Despite this, in February 2025, chatter began circulating that Marvel was reconsidering its decision regarding Majors in the role of Kang for future films.
The response from fans on social media has been overwhelmingly supportive of Majors, with many expressing their desire for a second chance. One fan noted, “I had a feeling this would happen after a reasonable cooling off period. Charge them triple what your original fee was, King.” This sentiment reflects the parallels some are drawing between Majors’ situation and that of James Gunn. In 2018, Gunn was dismissed from directing the third installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy series due to offensive tweets from years prior, only to be reinstated about a year later after substantial public outcry.
However, fans have been quick to pick up on the stark differences between Majors’ situation and Gunn’s. While Gunn’s offense involved past tweets deemed inappropriate, Majors’ legal troubles have had serious consequences that many find hard to overlook. One Twitter user remarked, “Majors is too talented and was too good as Kang to just throw away.” Conversations about Majors’ potential comeback have led to discussions on what that might mean for his future pay, with many fans urging him to negotiate significantly higher fees if reinstated. “If I were to return, it would be 5x the amount from originally because we all have bills to pay,” another fan added, highlighting the leverage Majors could possess in negotiations after being sidelined by the studio.
Despite the buzz surrounding Majors, another layer of complexity was added when a source told TMZ that the actor was not under consideration for a return to the MCU. This revelation casts doubt on the speculation about a reconciliation between Majors and Marvel. Whatever the studio’s intentions might be, it seems unlikely that they would reverse their decision as they did with Gunn, especially given the nature of Majors’ conviction.
The implications of these unfolding events for both Majors and Marvel are substantial. As the MCU continues to evolve, the potential for such a controversial comeback raises ethical questions about the standards and practices within the entertainment industry. While fans fervently advocate for Majors, expressing a sentiment that he deserves another shot despite his past, the conversation surrounding accountability remains a pressing issue. The Marvel Cinematic Universe films are available for streaming on Disney+, but whether Majors will return in any capacity remains to be seen, as the ramifications of the studio’s past actions continue to unfold.
