Uncertain Fate for Kang in the MCU Following Loki and Ant-Man 3

Comments made by the author of the MCU: Reign of Marvel Studios podcast suggest that the forthcoming Avengers sequel might abandon the character Kang The Conqueror. Despite expectations that Kang would be reintroduced following the time-travel and universe-altering events of the Loki finale, this did not come to pass. The final episode instead reintroduced He Who Remains, played by Jonathan Majors, and solidified Victor Timely as a key figure within the Time Variance Authority.

However, this does not guarantee that the actors will definitely return as Kang or any of his various versions. It is widely believed among fans that Kang will eventually be written out of the story in some way.

Furthermore, an update on a previous report of conflict for future MCU sequels reinforces the notion that Kang the Conqueror is no longer part of the MCU.

Kang the Conqueror may be out of the MCU after Loki finale

During an episode of Ringer’s House of R podcast, Joanna Robinson, the author of MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, revealed that she had received information about the departure of Jeff Loveness, the writer of Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quanumania, from the upcoming Avengers sequels.

I inquired about the screenwriter Jeff Loveness, known for his work on Quantumania and his supposed involvement in Kang Dynasty. I received confirmation that he is no longer employed by Marvel. When I asked for the reason, I was informed that he was overly focused on the Kang storyline, which Marvel is now moving away from. This information aligns with Joanna's previous comments and unverified rumors from the summer, suggesting Loveness's departure from Avengers: Kang Dynasty. Loveness, who has previous experience writing for Jimmy Kimmel Live, Miracle Workers, and Rick & Morty, faced significant criticism for the quality of Quantumania's script.

Quantumania faced additional challenges due to its main attraction becoming a focal point of controversy. The portrayal of Kang by Majors has been uncertain following his arrest in 2023 on charges of harassment and assault against a woman. Speculation regarding recasting or removing the character has persisted, despite Majors making multiple appearances in Loki Season 2. Although there are theories about other villains taking over, Joanna emphasized that she has not been informed about future plans.

With Kang the Conqueror seemingly no longer a part of the MCU, enthusiasts of the franchise are turning their attention to Doctor Doom as a potential successor villain.

“There hasn't been any official announcement about Avengers: Kang Dynasty being renamed as Doom's Dystopia or anything like that. We are unsure about their precise plans. However, I believe that this presents them with a golden opportunity."

Doctor Doom is frequently suggested by fans as the clear choice for a replacement. Apart from being connected to the upcoming Fantastic Four, Doom plays a crucial role in the 2015 Secret Wars storyline. In this storyline, after a multiversal incursion devastates the Marvel and Ultimate universes, Doom reconstructs the universe in his own likeness. Loki's finale sets the groundwork for a multiversal conflict, but Kang's involvement has been relatively downplayed. Therefore, the unexpected conclusion of Loki could potentially open the door for a shift in the narrative direction.

Avengers: The Kang Dynasty is currently slated for a 2026 release date. The only MCU project for the next year, Deadpool 3, hits theaters on May 3, 2024. 

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the uncertain fate of Kang in the MCU. On the one hand, I am disappointed that we may not see more of Kang in the future, as I found him to be a compelling and complex villain. On the other hand, I understand that Marvel may be moving in a different direction with their storytelling, and I am excited to see what they have planned.

I think it is important to remember that the MCU is still in its early stages, and there is plenty of time for Kang to return in the future. Even if he does not appear in the next few movies, I believe that he could still play a major role in the MCU down the line.

In the meantime, I will be keeping my fingers crossed that we will see more of Kang in the future. I think he has the potential to be one of the most iconic villains in the MCU, and I would be disappointed if we did not get to see more of him.