The Brilliant Reason Behind Marvel's Silence on Kang in Loki

Article Overview

Kang's absence in the script of Loki holds a profound significance, emphasizing Loki's newfound ability to shape his own fate.

Loki's quest for self-discovery and redemption has significantly impacted the Multiverse Saga, all without the involvement of Kang.

Although Kang plays a central role in Loki, Marvel has deliberately refrained from mentioning him. This strategic choice has recently been explained. The second season of Loki has proven to be a tremendous success for the MCU and its Multiverse Saga, receiving both critical acclaim and impressive viewership. Interestingly, the show has skillfully avoided explicitly referencing the infamous arch-villain. While He Who Remains and Victor Timely have been key figures in Season 2's narrative, the exclusion of Kang from the script holds a profound significance, as revealed in the latest episode.

Loki Season 2, Episode 5, titled "Science/Fiction," proved to be a pivotal episode as Loki finally mastered his Time Slipping abilities. With this newfound power, he can now effortlessly travel to any point in any timeline, providing a stronger advantage to him and the rest of the TVA in resolving the aftermath of the overloaded and exploded Temporal Loom. Interestingly, the upcoming final episode is expected to lay the groundwork for the introduction of Kang. Surprisingly, however, the main antagonist has not been mentioned thus far.

Kang Isn't Mentioned In Loki Season 2's First 5 Episodes

Loki's objective in Season 2 appears to be safeguarding the TVA and preventing a multiversal conflict among Kang variants. However, intriguingly, the characters have skillfully avoided mentioning his name. Instead, they refer to and engage with He Who Remains and Victor Timely, both of whom are Kang variants. While He Who Remains is the Kang variant directly relevant to the Loki characters, it is curious that his true identity has yet to be revealed in the series.

Even in Loki Season 1, the show tiptoed around directly naming Kang, as the eccentric He Who Remains ambiguously referred to himself as a "conqueror." This explains why none of the characters utter the name "Kang," as their only familiarity lies with "He Who Remains" and his variants. However, there is a more significant reason why Kang's name is intentionally omitted from the script for this season – because Loki is not the central focus of his narrative.

Loki Isn't Kang's Story, It's Loki's

The central theme of Season 2, Episode 5 revolves around Loki gaining the ability to shape his own narrative. The titular protagonist has undergone a profound transformation, embarking on a journey of self-discovery that culminated in the realization of his deep care for his friends. This realization also led him to understand that he is not bound to the predetermined fate shared by all Loki variants: an inevitable defeat. He Who Remains serves as a temporary stand-in for Kang, the primary antagonist of the Multiverse Saga, ensuring that Loki's journey remains undisturbed. It is through this journey that Loki comes to the profound epiphany that he is the author of his own destiny.

Whether or not the Loki Season 2 finale will deviate from the norm and bring Kang to the forefront, setting the stage for the climactic team-up movie, "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty," remains uncertain. However, what is certain is that Loki, now assuming the mantle of the "God of Stories," has already left a significant impact on the Multiverse Saga without directly involving Kang. This particular aspect, among others, contributes to Loki's immense success and significance within the MCU, making the character beloved by many.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I find the article's analysis of Kang's absence in Loki Season 2 intriguing and thought-provoking. The deliberate omission of Kang's name from the script highlights the show's focus on Loki's personal growth and journey of self-discovery. This narrative choice allows Loki to take center stage and explore his own complexities, motivations, and relationships with other characters, without being overshadowed by the looming presence of the overarching villain.

Moreover, the article suggests that Kang's absence allows Loki to fully embrace his role as the "God of Stories." By focusing on Loki's ability to shape his own narrative and break free from predetermined fates, the show empowers Loki and emphasizes his agency as a character. This resonates with Gen Z fans who value individuality, self-expression, and the ability to forge their own paths in life. Overall, I appreciate the article's insights into the narrative strategy behind Kang's absence in Loki Season 2 and how it contributes to the show's success and the character's development.