Jonathan Majors, a prominent actor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has faced legal consequences with a conviction on two out of four charges in a controversial criminal case in New York. In response, Disney swiftly took action by terminating Majors’ role as the multiversal villain Kang, a character he had portrayed in both Ant-Man 3 and Loki. This decision, while impactful, was considered necessary by Disney, given the gravity of Majors’ legal situation.
The termination has prompted a reassessment of the original plan for the MCU’s transition from Phase 5 to Phase 6, particularly in the context of the anticipated 2026 film, The Avengers: Kang Dynasty. Majors’ departure and legal issues cast uncertainty on the continuation of this narrative trajectory.
The pivotal question now facing Disney and Marvel is whether to recast Kang or introduce an entirely new villain. In the latter scenario, Doctor Doom emerges as a plausible candidate, given his greater recognition as an antagonist compared to Kang. Majors’ legal troubles have potentially tainted the role of Kang, leading the studios to contemplate a fresh start.
The following are five potential actors who could step into the shoes of Kang, taking into account various factors such as age, physique, and availability:
David Oyelowo
Renowned for his exceptional acting abilities, David Oyelowo has consistently delivered compelling performances in various roles. While he may not have been an immediate consideration for Kang, recent evidence suggests otherwise. Oyelowo’s role in the series Lawmen: Bass Reeves demonstrated not only his acting prowess but also unveiled a previously unexplored physicality. This recent versatility positions him as a strong contender for the complex character of Kang, embodying the necessary gravitas and multifaceted qualities demanded by the role.
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Despite a relatively lower profile in recent years, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s memorable portrayal in Lost showcased his commanding presence and physicality. Although he is a couple of decades older than Jonathan Majors, Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s towering stature and ability to convey intimidation make him a compelling candidate for the role of Kang. His experience and established on-screen persona could bring a unique perspective to this complex character.
Aldis Hodge
Aldis Hodge, recognized for his role as Hawkman in DC’s Black Adam, has already undergone significant physical transformation for a superhero role. This prior experience positions him as a strong candidate for Kang, considering the character’s demand for a physically imposing presence. Hodge’s acting skills, coupled with his superhero-ready physique, make him a compelling choice to take on the challenges of portraying the multiversal villain in the MCU.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Despite already securing a role as Wonder Man in an upcoming MCU series, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II emerges as a versatile and talented actor capable of taking on complex characters. His portrayal of Black Manta in Aquaman showcased his ability to embody a villainous role convincingly. While the potential scheduling conflict with his Wonder Man role may present a hurdle, Abdul-Mateen II’s combination of acting prowess and physique positions him as a noteworthy candidate for the role of Kang.
Cast multiple actors as Kang Variants
In a departure from the conventional single-actor approach, considering the multiverse concept opens up intriguing possibilities for Kang. By casting multiple actors as different Kang variants, Marvel could explore diverse interpretations of the character. This approach not only aligns with the established multiverse narrative but also offers a creative solution to the challenges posed by Jonathan Majors’ legal issues. Embracing this strategy would allow for unique character dynamics and narratives, providing a fresh perspective on Kang and mitigating any potential impact from Majors’ departure.
In summary, the future of Kang in the MCU is uncertain, and the studios face the challenge of redefining this significant character in the wake of Jonathan Majors’ legal issues. The options range from recasting with a new actor to exploring innovative storytelling avenues through multiple Kang variants in the multiverse.
