According to recent reports, Marvel Studios is planning to significantly downplay the character of Kang the Conqueror in the upcoming film “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and may even remove him entirely.
This apparent pivot comes on the heels of both lackluster box office results for Kang’s debut film “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” as well as the controversial legal troubles of actor Jonathan Majors.
Insiders claim Marvel is looking to remedy recent stumbles by overhauling future MCU projects, starting with minimizing or excising Kang from the fifth Avengers installment.
Poor ‘Quantumania’ Reception Prompts Rethink of Kang
While the studio recently reaffirmed the “Kang Dynasty” title at an event, reports suggest the film is slated for major rewrites and Kang’s role will be diminished or eliminated.
The decision casts doubt on the future of the Multiverse-hopping villain after what was deemed an underwhelming introduction in “Quantumania” commercially and critically. It also follows domestic abuse charges against Majors late last year that resulted in a conviction, sparking further wariness around the controversial actor.
Majors’ Legal Issues Further Complicate Marvel Plans
Marvel has precedence for changing Avengers titles, going from “Infinity War Part 2” to “Endgame.” But removing Kang specifically from the title suggests a new antagonist like Doctor Doom or a pivot to the Young Avengers could be in the cards instead. With the “Kang Dynasty” still early in development, Marvel appears ready to chart a new course in response to recent roadblocks.
Beyond his future Marvel role, Majors also lost a planned Dennis Rodman biopic at Lionsgate following his legal issues. With major studios distancing themselves from the actor, Kang’s planned rise as the next Thanos-level threat seems very much imperiled. But Marvel likely hopes a redirected Avengers 5 can help reverse its recent fortunes.
