Rumors have been circulating within the Marvel Cinematic Universe about Kang the Conqueror possibly being replaced as the villain of the Multiverse Saga. This change could potentially impact the success of the franchise's storyline following Avengers: Endgame.
Back in 2022, Kevin Feige revealed the lineup of upcoming Marvel movies for Phases 4, 5, and 6 of the MCU. Among these, Avengers 5 generated a lot of buzz and anticipation as it was set to conclude the Multiverse Saga alongside Avengers: Secret Wars.
Initially, Avengers 5 was named Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, with Jonathan Majors teased to play the significant role of Kang the Conqueror. However, due to Jonathan Majors facing assault charges, the actor lost his role as Kang. Consequently, there have been talks of changing the title of Avengers 5 and moving away from featuring Kang as the main character. If this change is confirmed, it could potentially harm the success of the franchise's storyline, which has been regarded as one of the best projects since Avengers: Endgame.
Replacing Kang With Another MCU Villain Would Ruin Loki's Story
Loki protecting the multiverse in Loki season 2 - Replacing Kang With Another MCU Villain Would Ruin Loki's Story
Loki, the Disney+ TV show, is highly regarded as the best story of the Multiverse Saga. In Phases 4 and 5, Loki played a significant role in setting up Kang the Conqueror's introduction in the MCU. The show not only explored the formation of the MCU multiverse but also introduced various versions of Kang, making it a crucial part of the storyline.
If Kang were to be replaced by a new villain in the MCU, all the groundwork laid out in Loki would seem insignificant.
Recasting Kang Would Be Better For The MCU Than A Replacement
While other MCU projects like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania dealt with the threat of Kang, Loki's longer-lasting TV story positioned the villain as a much more central piece in the franchise's puzzle. If Kang is completely removed from the MCU in favor of a completely new villain, the years of set-up found in Loki would feel inconsequential. Loki's story would suddenly be rendered unimportant if Kang's threat is removed from the franchise, damaging what is undoubtedly the best MCU project since 2019.
A split image of Kang from Ant-Man 3 and Doctor Doom from a Marvel comic - Recasting Kang Would Be Better For The MCU Than A Replacement
Custom Image by Quinn Levandoski
For these reasons and more, it would be better to recast Kang in the MCU instead of replacing him with a new character. If a different actor took on the role of Kang, it would allow Loki's story to continue being a key part of the MCU. The buildup, teases, and hints about Kang's future would still hold significance, benefiting Loki's show and solidifying its importance to the Multiverse Saga.
Moreover, keeping Kang as the villain in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania would be crucial for the MCU. Not only would these projects benefit, but the subtle hints about Kang's presence in Phases 4 and 5 would remain essential to the overarching story of the MCU if the character were recast. Replacing Kang would erase almost 5 years of setup in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, rendering a story that was already divisive even more problematic.
Editor's P/S:
The article eloquently highlights the potential consequences of replacing Kang the Conqueror as the villain of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Multiverse Saga. It argues that such a change could undermine the continuity and significance of the Loki series, which has played a pivotal role in establishing Kang as a central antagonist. The author proposes that recasting the role with a different actor would be more beneficial to the franchise, preserving the integrity of Loki's narrative and maintaining the momentum built over the past several phases.
Overall, the article provides a compelling and well-reasoned argument against replacing Kang as the main villain of the Multiverse Saga. It demonstrates a deep understanding of the MCU's storytelling approach and emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistency and continuity within its interconnected narratives. The article effectively conveys the potential risks and rewards associated with such a significant change and offers a plausible solution that aligns with the established groundwork of the MCU.