Marvel will reportedly retool plans for the next phase of the MCU, which will include either minimizing or completely eliminating Kang the Conquerer from future films or TV series…
Marvel has big plans to revamp the next phase of the studio’s cinematic universe and that likely includes finding a new big bad to take over in films and TV series moving forward.
Initially, Marvel had heavily invested in time-traveling, multiverse jumping villain Kang the Conquerer as the next major villain, who would play a huge role leading up to a pair of “Avengers” films titled “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret War.”
Now it appears those plans have been scrapped in the wake of Marvel splitting with actor Jonathan Majors, who portrayed Kang in two seasons of “Loki” as well as the recent “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” sequel. Majors was convicted on assault charges in December in relation to a domestic violence incident with his ex-girlfriend and the studio wasted no time cutting ties with him.
That left Marvel in a tough situation because Majors was supposed to portray Kang in numerous films moving forward but that’s no longer the plan. In fact, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel was already moving towards a different trajectory after Kang’s appearance in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” was met with a muted response after the film failed to really catch hold with critics or the audience.
In the wake of that breakup with Majors, Marvel has plans to retool and rewrite the next “Avengers” movie, which will get a new title to move away from “The Kang Dynasty.” Rather than recasting Majors’ role, Marvel will ultimately “minimize the character or excise him entirely” from future films and TV series.
There’s no word on what villain Marvel will pivot towards instead but there are definitely options on the horizon. Marvel will only release one film in 2024 with “Deadpool & Wolverine” due out in July but there’s already excitement building towards the new “Fantastic Four” movie after that cast was recently revealed and there’s a notable villain attached to that franchise named Doctor Doom, who could potentially fill the role vacated by Kang.
Of course, Marvel has a wealth of options for other villains who could also play a major role leading into the next two “Avengers” films but it appears Kang the Conquerer will no longer serve as the primary antagonist moving forward.
We won’t know more until Marvel starts revealing casting for future projects but all signs are pointing towards some big changes moving forward in films and TV in 2024 and beyond.
