The Future of Kang the Conqueror in the MCU: What's Next for Marvel's Multiversal Villain?

The TVA Can Succeed In Keeping Every Kang Variant In Check

As seen in the Loki season 2 finale, the TVA has shifted its mission to be on the lookout for Kang variants and other potential threats to the multiverse. Loki's actions in the finale reformed the Sacred Timeline into a multiversal tree, allowing the TVA to maintain the branches and restore free will. This narrative ending for Kang sets the stage for the TVA to be peacekeepers for the multiverse, potentially disrupting the Council of Kangs seen in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Mobius contemplating leaving the TVA in Loki season 2

Assuming the TVA can handle any Kang variants going forward, it could be revealed that the Council of Kangs was disrupted by Loki's actions, offering an organic narrative cul-de-sac for the MCU's future.

Lizard Kang and the Council of Kangs in Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania Post-Credits Scene

Doctor Doom Or Another Villain Can Kill The Council Of Kangs

The MCU could introduce another big bad villain, such as Doctor Doom, who could serve as a major player in the upcoming Avengers movie, potentially closing the door on the previous multiversal villain. Doctor Doom's debut in the MCU could demonstrate his power by destroying the Council of Kangs, paving the way for a new threat in the MCU.

Custom image of a cover of the head of Doctor Doom from the comics and Kang the Conqueror from the MCU.

Doctor Doom's compelling motivations and threat to the entire world make him a potential major big bad for the Multiverse Saga, offering an alternative to Kang.

Doctor Doom and Reed Richards

The MCU Can Ignore The Quantumania Post Credit Scene & Move On

Rather than continuing with the Council of Kangs set up by Quantumania's post-credits scene, the MCU could choose to ignore it altogether. This approach would allow Marvel Studios to move forward without the need to address the loose ends related to Kang, simplifying the narrative for future MCU projects.

The Council of Kangs in full costume at the end of Ant-Man 3

The MCU Can Just Focus On Incursions

Instead of focusing solely on Kang, the Marvel Studios could pivot to emphasize the threat of multiversal incursions in the MCU, which were first introduced in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The rising number of incursions could become the central threat that the Avengers need to stop in Avengers 5, potentially leading to Secret Wars and the end of their reality via an incursion. This storyline would mirror the Time Runs Out storyline from the comics and provide a compelling narrative without necessarily needing Kang.

Doctor Strange 2 Incursions Multiverse Threat Problem SR

Galactus Can Become A Major Avengers Threat

Galactus, also known as the World Devourer, could be set up as an effective Kang replacement in the MCU. With the rumors of Galactus debuting in 2025's Fantastic Four, he could be given an extended role as a major big bad for the entire MCU and beyond. His consumption of entire realities could provide a compelling threat for the Avengers, aligning with the concept of destroyed worlds and the end of the multiverse in Avengers: Secret Wars.

Galactus in purple clouds in Marvel Comics

Avengers 5 and Secret Wars Won't Have An Overarching Villain

The idea that Avengers: Secret Wars will be a massive showdown between various realities and variants suggests that an overarching villain like Kang may not be necessary. Instead, it could be a battle for survival itself, featuring multiple versions of heroes fighting to keep their respective worlds existing in the multiverse or whatever comes to replace it in the aftermath. This approach allows the MCU to explore a narrative without being tied to a specific villain, providing flexibility in storytelling and character development.

Secret Wars 2015 Key Artwork