**Wesley Snipes Calls Out Marvel’s Racial Bias Towards Black Men**

In the world of Hollywood and superheroes, controversies often arise regarding casting decisions and the treatment of actors. Recently, a significant debate emerged in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) regarding the replacement of Jonathan Majors, with actor Wesley Snipes calling out what he perceives as racial bias from Marvel towards Black actors.

During the latest San Diego Comic-Con, a surprising announcement was made that Robert Downey Jr. would be returning to the MCU, not as Iron Man, but in the role of the iconic villain Dr. Doom for the upcoming Avengers storyline. This announcement came on the heels of the revelation that Jonathan Majors, who was previously cast as the antagonist Kang the Conqueror, was being replaced following his legal troubles.

Majors’ replacement has ignited a debate about a perceived racial double standard within the MCU. Snipes, along with several fans, has criticized Marvel’s decision, suggesting that it unfairly penalizes Majors while allowing actors like Downey to thrive despite their past legal issues. This comparison draws attention to Downey’s past struggles with drug addiction and legal issues in the late 1990s and early 2000s, from which he made a successful comeback, culminating in his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man.

The controversy stems from the differing legal troubles of the two actors. Majors was convicted of reckless assault and harassment following a physical altercation with his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabari. This conviction led to his removal from his role in the MCU. In contrast, Downey’s past issues involved drug possession and addiction, crimes for which he was also blackballed from Hollywood for a time before making a notable comeback.

Critics of Marvel’s decision argue that the company is applying a harsher standard to Majors compared to Downey, pointing out the pressure placed on Black actors to maintain a spotless image. In response to this backlash, some supporters of Downey highlight the differences between the two actors’ situations. They argue that while Downey’s charges were related to drug possession, Majors’ charges were of a violent nature, thus justifying the disparity in their treatment by Marvel.

The discussion also encompasses the future of the MCU and its storylines. With Majors’ removal and the subsequent pivot to a Dr. Doom-centered storyline, fans are left questioning the fate of the Kang narrative that Marvel has been developing since the conclusion of “Avengers: Endgame.” Although Marvel has not yet provided clear answers, it appears that the Kang storyline is being sidelined in favor of the introduction of Dr. Doom, a character critical to the upcoming “Secret Wars” arc and the broader Fantastic Four saga.

This situation has sparked broader conversations about representation and fairness in Hollywood, especially in major franchises like the MCU. Snipes and others argue for a more equitable approach to dealing with actors’ legal troubles, irrespective of their race. As the MCU moves forward, these debates are likely to continue, highlighting the ongoing challenges of balancing creative decisions with social and ethical considerations.