The SHOCKING New Cast Of Avengers 5: Why 'The Kang Dynasty' Is DEAD And Who Replaced Jonathan Majors

As of December 10, 2025, the entire landscape of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's next major crossover event has fundamentally changed. The film once known as *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty* is effectively dead, following a dramatic pivot by Marvel Studios. The catalyst was the highly publicized dismissal of actor Jonathan Majors, who was set to play the titular villain, Kang the Conqueror. This unprecedented shift has led to a new title, a new central villain, and a completely redefined—and arguably more star-studded—cast for the film now widely known as *Avengers: Doomsday*. The intense focus on a new villain has created the most buzzworthy casting news in years: a shocking return of a beloved MCU veteran in a completely unexpected role. The new ensemble is a blend of veteran heroes, newly established leads, and the much-anticipated introduction of the *Fantastic Four* team, setting the stage for a conflict that will dwarf the Infinity Saga.

The New Villain's Profile: Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom

The most explosive and defining element of the new *Avengers: Doomsday* direction is the villain at its core, replacing the Multiversal threat of Kang. Marvel Studios has reportedly pivoted to the ruler of Latveria, Victor Von Doom, a character long considered the greatest villain in Marvel Comics. The shock factor comes from the actor rumored to be taking on the iconic metal mask. The casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom is a move that has sent shockwaves across the industry. Downey Jr. was, of course, the face of the MCU for a decade as Tony Stark/Iron Man, and his return in a villainous role is a monumental gamble and a narrative twist only the Multiverse Saga could allow.

Victor Von Doom (Doctor Doom) Biography & Profile Highlights:

• Actor: Robert Downey Jr. (Rumored/Highly Reported)
• First Appearance (Comics): *The Fantastic Four* #5 (1962)
• Origin: A brilliant but arrogant scientist and sorcerer, Victor Von Doom is the absolute monarch of the fictional nation of Latveria.
• Key Entities: Latveria, Fantastic Four, Reed Richards, Multiverse, Sorcerer Supreme, Iron Man.
• Role in *Doomsday*: Expected to be the primary antagonist, possibly a Multiversal variant of Tony Stark who becomes Doom, or a version of Doom who gains control of Kang's technology after his defeat.

This casting choice immediately raises the stakes and provides a narrative explanation for why the new Avengers team must assemble: a threat that is both a scientific genius and a master of the mystic arts, with a face that may be tragically familiar to some of the returning heroes.

The Confirmed and Rumored New Avengers Lineup

The cast of *Avengers: Doomsday* is a deliberate mix of established MCU veterans and the new generation of heroes introduced throughout Phase 4 and Phase 5. The team will not be the "Big Six" of old, but rather a sprawling ensemble ready to face the Multiverse's greatest threat.

The Returning Vanguard and Legacy Heroes

These are the established characters who will anchor the new team, bridging the gap between the Infinity Saga and the Multiverse Saga.

• Anthony Mackie as Captain America (Sam Wilson): Confirmed to be the new leader of the Avengers. His story arc from *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier* and *Captain America: Brave New World* culminates here, as he takes on the mantle in the face of a world-ending threat.
• Chris Hemsworth as Thor: The longest-running original Avenger is expected to return, bringing his immense power and comedic timing.
• Paul Rudd as Ant-Man (Scott Lang): Given his central role in the Kang storyline (and his survival), Ant-Man is a crucial returning member, likely providing key knowledge about the Quantum Realm and Multiverse mechanics.
• Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes): Expected to play a major role, continuing his journey of redemption and service to the new Captain America.

The Fantastic Four: The New Core Team

The introduction of the *Fantastic Four* cast is not merely a cameo; they are expected to be central to the plot of *Doomsday*, given Doctor Doom's deep connection to their leader, Reed Richards.

• Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman: Already mentioned in cast rumors, she is a confirmed major player.
• Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic: As the scientific rival to Doctor Doom, Richards' involvement is non-negotiable.
• Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch: Expected to bring the fiery energy to the new team.
• Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing: The powerhouse of the *Fantastic Four* will be a vital asset in the fight against Doom.

From Kang Dynasty to Doomsday: The Narrative Pivot

The shift from the *Kang Dynasty* to *Doomsday* is the most significant course correction in MCU history, driven primarily by the legal issues surrounding Jonathan Majors. This change is a massive undertaking that affects the entire Multiverse Saga.

The Ghost of Kang and the Multiverse Saga

The original plan for the Multiverse Saga was to establish Kang the Conqueror as the new Thanos, a villain whose variants were a threat across all realities. However, with Majors' firing, Marvel had to make a swift decision: recast Kang or pivot to a new villain. They chose the latter, effectively wiping the slate clean for the next *Avengers* film. The film's new title, *Avengers: Doomsday*, strongly suggests that the focus is shifting from a time-traveling conqueror (Kang) to a world-dominating, technologically advanced tyrant (Doctor Doom). The change allows Marvel to introduce a villain with a deeper comic book history and a more personal connection to the new heroes, particularly the *Fantastic Four*.

The Young Avengers and Wildcard Entries

The final roster is expected to be massive, featuring heroes from recent Disney+ series and films, creating the largest ensemble since *Avengers: Endgame*. This is where the topical authority becomes essential, as the team needs a large roster to face a multiversal threat like Doctor Doom.

Other Highly Expected Cast Members and Entities:

• Letitia Wright as Shuri/Black Panther: Expected to bring Wakandan technology and leadership to the team.
• Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova: Her role in *Thunderbolts* will likely lead directly into *Doomsday*, possibly as a reluctant anti-hero.
• Charlie Cox as Daredevil: His street-level heroics are expected to be amplified on the world stage.
• Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange: A necessary presence to handle the multiversal and magical elements of Doctor Doom.
• Simu Liu as Shang-Chi: A powerful martial artist and a new generation hero.
• Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop (Hawkeye): A key member of the potential Young Avengers team.

The fact that the film is now titled *Avengers: Doomsday* and is rumored to feature the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom confirms that Marvel is not simply replacing Kang, but aggressively course-correcting with a massive, high-stakes narrative that will redefine the MCU for years to come. The final cast list will be a testament to this ambitious new direction, setting the stage for the ultimate conclusion in *Secret Wars*.