Marvel Studios is reportedly reworking the plot of the next Avengers film – as well as the title – with a possible change of villain upcoming after the actor concerned was convicted of assault.
The Avengers 5 film, which is set for release in 2026, was going to be titled The Kang Dynasty. But The Hollywood Reporter quoted sources within Marvel saying they are looking to move away from Kang as the main villain in the movie.
Jonathan Majors has played Kang in previous Marvel movies, but was fired by the studio after he was found guilty of one count of assault and one of harassment in December last year.
Back then, Disney, which owns Marvel, didn’t comment on whether the character would be recast, or if they would take the film in a different direction. But now it seems the latter is the preferred course of action. Although the Hollywood Reporter did also say there were plans to “minimise the character” before Majors’ conviction due to the under-performance of Ant-man and the Wasp: Quantumania at the box office.
Kang the Conqueror had first appeared in season 1 of Loki, before playing a large part in the most recent Ant-Man film, and it was seemingly the platform building up to the Avengers film where he would be the main antagonist.
Who will take over as the main villain is still the subject of speculation. Variety has reported that Doctor Doom could be in line to take up that role. One of Marvels most iconic villains (and occasional anti-hero) Doctor Doom has been in the comics since 1962 – and caused problems for many heroes in that time. There has been speculation that Doctor Doom could be making an appearance in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine and Fantastic Four films, but neither has been confirmed.
