Colman Domingo Addresses Rumors of Kang the Conqueror Recasting
Colman Domingo addresses the rumors of his potential recasting as Kang the Conqueror in the upcoming Avengers movies and discusses how his portrayal could save Kang's MCU future. This article delves into the details of the rumors, the implications of a recasting, and the potential impact on the character and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Speculation and Rumors
As his name swirls as a potential replacement in the role, Colman Domingo addresses the rumors of a Kang the Conqueror recasting in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars. Jonathan Majors played the next big bad of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in both seasons of Loki and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, all of which was intended to build up to the next two crossover movies much like Josh Brolin's Thanos before him. Following his guilty verdict in his assault and harassment trial by ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari, Marvel fired Majors, though is reportedly still moving ahead with the next Avengers movies as planned.
Kang the Conqueror seemingly being killed at the end of Ant-Man 3
While details remain unclear for Kang's potential MCU future, Domingo recently addressed the rumors of his potential recasting in the next Avengers movies during a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight. The Fear the Walking Dead alum revealed that he has heard 'talk and conversations' of his name being in the mix for the role, though it's unclear if these have been said rumors or official discussions at Marvel for him to play the big bad, but he is open to the possibility.
Kang the Conqueror fighting Scott Lang at the end of Ant-Man 3
I don't know, I'm always looking at what I have to do right now... I know there's talk and conversations around, and I don't know how much is true. I don't even get that from my team, I can't tell if it's true or not. The fans are passionate. Somehow my name is out there in the world [and] I like the idea of just having your name called and someone speaking lovingly and kindly about something is a beautiful thing.
Jonathan Majors' Kang the Conqueror in the Quantum Realm in Ant-Man 3
The Potential Impact of Recasting
Majors' firing has led to much discussion among MCU fans over how to approach the future of The Multiverse Saga, with some pointing towards a direct recasting of Kang to others calling for a new villain, namely Doctor Doom, to become the new big bad. John Boyega was one name thrown around for a potential Kang recasting, though he had expressed disinterest in doing so a month before Majors' dismissal. Domingo, on the other hand, has previously expressed interest in playing a villain in either the MCU or DC Universe, feeling he was 'ready now' to take on such a role.
Jonathan Majors' Kang the Conqueror on his throne in Ant-Man 3
While Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's mid-credits scene established that most variants of Kang don Majors' appearance, there are still ways for the MCU to explain around this. Something like Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, which has reportedly dropped the subtitle internally at Marvel, could introduce a new variant played by Domingo or another actor with the reveal that he wiped out the Council of Kangs off-screen, subsequently eliminating any potential canonical issues. With Deadpool 3 rumored to feature the Time Variance Authority, it could similarly be reasoned that the multiverse-hopping threequel will explain this issue.
Kang the Conqueror statues in the Council of Kangs arena in Ant-Man 3
Should Marvel move forward with Domingo as a recasted Kang for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars, it could also serve as a more promising launchpad for the character heading into the MCU's future. Thus far, the villain has lost in every one of his appearances, being killed in the Ant-Man threequel and Sylvie killing his multiversal variant, He Who Remains, in the Loki season 1 finale, a drastic change from the slow buildup to Thanos' power in Infinity War and Endgame. By offering a more powerful Kang with a new actor, and someone who has seen more in life akin to an actor like Domingo, who would be in his mid-50s should he be cast, it would open the door to a more layered and tense exploration of the villain even outside of the next two Avengers movies should Marvel stick the landing of recasting.
The Future of Kang's MCU Journey
Domingo's potential recasting as Kang the Conqueror could significantly impact the future of The Multiverse Saga and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole. With the character's previous variants being intricately tied to Jonathan Majors, the introduction of a new actor in the role could present a unique challenge and an opportunity for Marvel. It would not only allow for a fresh portrayal of the character but also provide a chance to delve deeper into the complexities of Kang's character, a facet that has been lacking in the character's previous appearances.
Furthermore, the recasting of Kang could offer a more formidable and formidable adversary for the heroes of the MCU. By bringing in an actor like Colman Domingo, who has expressed a keen interest in portraying a villain and has the experience and depth to bring a new dimension to the character, Marvel could pave the way for a more nuanced and compelling portrayal of Kang in future MCU projects beyond the next two Avengers movies.
