Remember how Avengers: The Kang Dynasty was the big talk at San Diego Comic-Con 2022? Well, in 2024, Marvel hit the reset button, scrapping Kang’s storyline for something far bigger—and more surprising. Enter Avengers: Doomsday, a cinematic game-changer that brought back the Russo Brothers and Robert Downey Jr., but with a twist: Downey is playing Doctor Doom, not Iron Man. It’s Marvel’s boldest move yet in the Multiverse Saga.
Why the Change?
Jonathan Majors, who was set to become the face of the Kang the Conqueror arc, hit legal troubles that caused Marvel Studios to rethink its plans. After Majors was convicted of reckless assault in 2023, Marvel decided it was time to end Kang’s journey. While fans weren’t exactly blown away by Kang as a villain (especially compared to Thanos), the decision to wrap up his story in Loki Season 2 was a clean break—but it left a huge hole in Marvel’s Multiverse Saga.
A New Beginning
Fast forward to Comic-Con 2024: The Kang Dynasty was officially cancelled. In its place, Avengers: Doomsday would take center stage, directed by none other than the Russo Brothers, the duo behind Avengers: Endgame. And the real shocker? Robert Downey Jr. was returning to the MCU, but this time, he’s not playing Iron Man—he’s stepping into the role of Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s most iconic villains.
Joe Russo, speaking to an electrified Comic-Con crowd, said, “We found an extraordinary story that convinced us to come back.” And fans couldn’t wait to hear more. Paired up again with screenwriter Stephen McFeely, the Russo Brothers promised a saga that would eclipse anything they’d done before.
The Big Twist: Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
Marvel’s decision to cast Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom is a major shake-up. Tony Stark, the hero who became synonymous with the MCU, will now be playing the villainous Victor Von Doom. This casting is sure to add a new layer of complexity to the Multiverse Saga, as the Avengers will have to face a villain who looks just like their greatest hero. It’s an identity crisis on a multiversal scale, with all the emotional depth and stakes that come with Downey’s iconic charm—only this time, it’s darker and more dangerous.
What Does This Mean for the MCU?
Marvel’s shift from The Kang Dynasty to Avengers: Doomsday isn’t just about drama or changing villains—it’s a strategic move to breathe new life into the franchise. With Jonathan Majors’ legal troubles and Kang’s less-than-warm reception from fans, Marvel needed a bold new direction. Scrapping The Kang Dynasty and pivoting to a fresh, exciting storyline gave Marvel a chance to reinvent itself and keep the fans hooked.
Release Dates and What’s Next
Avengers: Doomsday is now set for release in May 2026, followed by Secret Wars in May 2027. The Russo Brothers’ AGBO studio is co-producing both films, marking a new era for Marvel. While Kang’s storyline may have fizzled, Avengers: Doomsday promises to bring a new kind of chaos, power, and emotional depth that will redefine the Multiverse Saga.
Marvel didn’t just rewrite the next chapter of their cinematic universe—they’ve rewritten the rules for how to keep fans guessing, eagerly awaiting the next big surprise. And with Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, they’ve raised the stakes to a whole new level.