by Marvel Studios has always prided itself on building vast cinematic universes that span time, space, and imagination. But in 2025, one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) biggest challenges has nothing to do with intergalactic threats or alternate dimensions — it’s about real-world consequences. This week, actor Jonathan Majors was found guilty of negligent assault and harassment involving his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Within hours of the court’s verdict, Marvel officially announced that it would no longer be working with the actor, who had been positioned as the MCU’s next Thanos-level threat: Kang the Conqueror.
For fans like me — a 25-year-old Marvel enthusiast who has followed the MCU since its inception — this moment marks a serious shift in the franchise’s direction. As someone who has been blogging about movies for over 5 years, I’ve seen how crucial a central villain can be to an overarching story. From Loki’s betrayal in The Avengers to Thanos’ snap in Infinity War, the best villains elevate the story and keep audiences invested.
Now that Majors is no longer part of Marvel’s plans, one big question looms: What happens next for Kang and the future of the MCU?
Let’s explore two very real, very possible paths Marvel can take to move forward — both rooted in existing MCU logic, and both capable of reshaping Marvel’s storytelling future.
Why Kang the Conqueror Mattered So Much
Kang wasn’t just any villain. He was set up as the face of Marvel’s Multiverse Saga, introduced through multiple variants in Loki and playing a major role in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. He was supposed to headline the next Avengers movie, once titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.
But with Jonathan Majors’ departure, the MCU faces a crossroads. Rebuilding the storyline isn’t just about finding another actor; it’s about maintaining audience trust and narrative coherence.
Option 1: Recast Kang the Conqueror
The most straightforward solution? Recast Kang.
The concept of the multiverse gives Marvel an easy out here. They’ve already shown us alternate Spider-Men (Tobey, Andrew, and Tom), multiple Lokis, and even Doctor Strange variants. So replacing Majors with a new actor could work — and work very well.
In fact, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania already showed us dozens of Kang variants in a single post-credits scene. Introducing a new, more menacing version of Kang who emerges as the dominant force by wiping out his other selves? That’s comic-book gold.
Marvel has already shown comfort with recasting:
- Terrence Howard was replaced by Don Cheadle as War Machine.
- Edward Norton gave way to Mark Ruffalo as Hulk.
- Now, Harrison Ford is stepping in for the late William Hurt as General Ross.
And guess what? Marvel never paused the story to explain these changes. Fans just accepted it — because the storytelling stayed strong.
- Minimal disruption to existing storylines.
- Kang’s presence in Loki, Quantumania, and upcoming titles can still be canon.
- The multiverse logic allows for seamless transition.
- A fresh actor could even re-energize Kang’s menace.
But there’s a catch: the audience must buy into the new Kang. The replacement actor must bring a fresh, compelling take while still maintaining continuity.
Option 2: Retire Kang and Introduce a New Villain
If Marvel chooses to completely drop the Kang storyline, they have another bold and possibly more exciting path: introduce a brand-new multiverse-level villain.
And honestly? This might be the more ambitious, creative move. With Fantastic Four officially entering the MCU, Marvel now has access to some of its most iconic villains ever — and they may be even more compelling than Kang.
Top Contenders to Replace Kang
1. Doctor Doom
Arguably the greatest villain in Marvel Comics, Victor Von Doom is intelligent, ruthless, and mystically powerful. Doom doesn’t just want domination; he wants order on his terms. And with Fantastic Four coming, the timing is perfect. Doom can easily slip into the multiverse chaos with a backstory that intertwines science, sorcery, and control over timelines.
2. Galactus
The planet-eater himself. Galactus brings cosmic-level stakes unlike anything the MCU has seen since Infinity War. His appearance could lead to stories involving the Silver Surfer, deep space explorations, and celestial threats.
3. Annihilus
From the Negative Zone, Annihilus could be the wildcard Marvel needs. A brutal conqueror with insectoid features, he brings an entirely different aesthetic and threat profile. He’s been a major Avengers and Fantastic Four antagonist in the comics and could be the centerpiece of a dark, gritty MCU saga.
How Marvel Could Transition from Kang
One thing Loki Season 2 did very well was provide a logical narrative exit for Kang. At the end of the season, Loki holds the timelines together, essentially becoming the “God of Stories.” This moment can be used to reset the multiverse itself — perhaps cutting off Kang’s influence permanently.
Think about it: with the timeline under Loki’s control, perhaps new threats begin to seep through the multiversal cracks. This opens the door for new villains to emerge from different realms, dimensions, or timelines.
This approach lets Marvel:
Pivot the storyline organically.
Explore fresh dynamics with new villains.
Avoid awkward recasting controversy.
It would also show fans that Marvel is willing to adapt and evolve, just like its characters do.
What Fans Want – And Why It Matters
Marvel fans aren’t just watching for action scenes and cameos. They want long-term payoff, character development, and stakes that feel real. That’s why Thanos worked — because we spent years watching him move in the shadows before finally confronting the Avengers.
To make fans believe in the next saga, Marvel must commit — whether to a recast Kang or a bold new villain like Doctor Doom. And above all, they need to deliver tight storytelling that doesn’t feel like a patch job.
Final Thoughts: Which Path Should Marvel Take?
As a lifelong Marvel fan and a dedicated blogger for over five years, I believe Marvel should lean into change rather than fight it. Recasting Kang is the safer option, but introducing a new central villain could be a game-changer.
The MCU is at a narrative crossroads. And as much as Majors’ Kang was meant to be the future, his absence could make room for something even bigger, better, and more thrilling.
Whether it’s the calculated menace of Doctor Doom, the cosmic threat of Galactus, or a left-field pick like Annihilus, Marvel now has the chance to refresh its universe with a new vision for Phase 5 and beyond.
And we, the fans, are ready.
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