Potential Reasons for MCU's Decision to Remove Kang Instead of Recasting
Contractual obligations of Jonathan Majors could be the reason behind the MCU's decision to deviate from recasting Kang the Conqueror, as suggested by a fan's report who collaborated with the actor
Reportedly, a crew member from the WWII drama Devotion has shared information about Jonathan Majors' distinctive contract as Kang the Conqueror in the MCU, shedding light on why he has not been replaced. Following the conclusion of Loki Season 2, numerous fans anticipated a new actor taking on the role of the primary antagonist.
Kang the Conqueror received a somewhat abrupt conclusion, and it appears that the variant known as He Who Remains was effectively eliminated from the narrative.
Emerging reports suggest that Marvel is opting to deviate from the Kang storyline instead of replacing the character, which may come as a surprise, but the rationale behind this decision can be discovered.
Jonathan Majors may be contractually bound as the only Kang
During the most recent episode of The Weekly Planet, a popular podcast discussing pop culture, the hosts shared a fascinating revelation made by a fan who claimed to have collaborated with Jonathan Majors on the World War II film Devotion. This fan provided insider information regarding Majors' involvement in the Kang project, along with an intriguing stipulation attached to it.
“While working on the movie Devotion, I befriended one of Jonathan Majors’ associates,” the listener recounted, “During our filming, JM finalized the Kang deal. I distinctly recall inquiring about it with my friend, who divulged some specifics. It involved a fixed number of movies, a generous sum of money, and what intrigued me the most was that, owing to the character's nature and potential for multiple iterations, JM had a contractual provision stipulating his exclusivity in portraying any and all incarnations of Kang.”
If the report regarding Majors' contract is accurate, it would provide an explanation for the decision not only to recast Kang. The existence of a good faith clause may potentially allow Marvel to terminate the agreement, but that would be dependent on the outcome of the ongoing criminal case, which could take several years.
Majors, who made his debut as Kang in Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania, was anticipated to become the next major antagonist in the MCU, similar to Thanos. His involvement in both seasons of Loki establishes his connection to the current MCU timeline and the looming threat of a multiversal conflict.
However, there have been uncertainties about Majors' future in the MCU following a 2023 arrest in which he is accused of harassing and assaulting a former partner.
Disney/MarvelJonathan Majors had great potential to portray various characters in the MCU.
Marvel has yet to make any official announcements regarding the future of Kang or Kang-focused spinoffs, such as the planned 2026 film Avengers: Kang Dynasty. However, there have been reports suggesting that the MCU will be abandoning Kang altogether. Writer Jeff Loveness is said to no longer be involved with Kang Dynasty, while director Daniel Destin Cretton has also departed the project and is now focusing on other endeavors like Shang-Chi 2.
The rest of the MCU is currently undergoing changes, with TV shows being rearranged and film release dates being pushed back. Meanwhile, other projects like Fantastic Four are starting to take shape, with rumors circulating that Pedro Pascal will join the cast as Reed Richards, and additional castings expected to follow.
Deadpool 3, the upcoming Marvel film, is set to be the sole addition to the MCU lineup in theaters throughout 2024. This marks the first occurrence since 2012 where only one MCU project graces the big screen. Stay updated with all the latest MCU news by following Dexerto's comprehensive coverage.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the MCU's decision to remove Kang instead of recasting. On the one hand, I understand that contractual obligations may prevent Marvel from recasting Kang, and I appreciate their commitment to honoring those obligations. On the other hand, I am disappointed that we may not see Jonathan Majors reprise his role as Kang in future MCU projects. I think Majors did an excellent job in Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania, and I was looking forward to seeing more of his portrayal of the character.
I am also concerned about the potential impact of this decision on the MCU's storytelling. Kang was set up to be a major antagonist in the MCU, and his removal could leave a significant void in the franchise. I hope that Marvel has a plan to address this and that they will find a way to continue the Kang storyline in a compelling way.
Overall, I think the MCU's decision to remove Kang instead of recasting is a disappointing one. However, I trust that Marvel will make the best of the situation and that they will continue to deliver high-quality content to fans.
