The Possibility of Kang the Conqueror’s Return in Avengers: Doomsday
Against all odds, there are growing rumors that Jonathan Majors may be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Kang the Conqueror in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. This possibility comes after a tumultuous period for both Majors and Marvel Studios. In late 2023, Majors was accused of domestic assault by his then-partner, Grace Jabbari, leading to his firing from the MCU. At the time, it seemed that his role as Kang and his multiversal variants would be permanently removed from the franchise.
Majors had previously appeared in Loki and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, where he portrayed Kang and his various versions across the multiverse. His character was set to play a central role in the Multiverse Saga, culminating in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars. However, following his departure, Marvel shifted its focus to Robert Downey Jr. playing Doctor Doom as the main antagonist for the final two films in the saga.
Despite these changes, fans have not ruled out the possibility of Kang’s return. The latest reports suggest that Kang could still make an appearance in Avengers: Doomsday, even if it’s not as significant as originally planned.
A Potential Comeback for Jonathan Majors
Fans have long speculated about what might happen in Avengers: Doomsday, and many believe that anything is possible. With the film set to include numerous MCU cameos, some speculate that Jonathan Majors could reprise his role as Kang the Conqueror. While it was initially thought that Marvel would never work with Majors again, recent developments suggest otherwise.
Majors has taken steps to address the allegations against him, including participating in a Domestic Abuse Intervention Program. He has also expressed a desire to return to acting, potentially reprising his role as Kang. His 2023 film Magazine Dreams was delayed due to the controversy but finally released in March of this year. Additionally, he has been cast in the upcoming thriller Merciless, indicating that Hollywood may be reconsidering its stance on working with him.
Most importantly, Grace Jabbari dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against Majors, which could open the door for his return to the MCU. With Doomsday on the horizon, there is still a chance that Majors could appear as Kang, even if it’s not in a major role.
Marvel’s Possible Reversal
Rumors about Kang’s potential return have persisted, even after Marvel decided to pivot the Multiverse Saga toward Doctor Doom. Some believed that the studio might recast the role, with Colman Domingo reportedly meeting with Marvel to replace Majors. However, it seems that this idea was ultimately abandoned.
Even with the shift in focus, there are still whispers that Kang and his variants could appear in Avengers: Doomsday to address plot holes left by their absence. Given that Majors is now working in Hollywood again, it’s not out of the question for him to return as Kang without needing a recast.
This isn’t the first time Marvel has reversed its decision to drop an actor or filmmaker. James Gunn, for example, was let go from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 over controversial social media posts but was later rehired to finish the trilogy. This precedent shows that Marvel is not entirely closed off to second chances.
Why Kang’s Return Is Necessary
Kang the Conqueror’s return in Avengers: Doomsday is more than just a nostalgic moment—it’s necessary for the overall story of the Multiverse Saga. While he may no longer be the main antagonist, the MCU spent significant time building up Kang and his variants as a formidable threat. Loki focused on freeing the multiverse from the control of He Who Remains, a Kang variant, while Quantumania introduced multiple other versions of the character.
With the original plan for these variants likely never coming to fruition, there is a major plot hole in the MCU. To bring the saga to a satisfying conclusion, Kang needs a proper ending, even if it’s brief.
One possible way to do this is to include a scene where Doctor Doom eliminates the Kang variants from Quantumania, tying up loose ends and establishing him as a serious villain. Alternatively, Marvel could creatively weave Kang into the script, having him challenge Doctor Doom along the way before ultimately being defeated.
Doctor Doom as a More Nuanced Villain
While the lack of a conclusion for Kang’s storyline is frustrating, the Multiverse Saga is arguably better off with Doctor Doom as its main antagonist. Doctor Doom is a more nuanced and complex character compared to Kang, and he plays a central role in Jonathan Hickman’s Secret Wars storyline, which the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars film is set to adapt.
It’s somewhat odd that Marvel considered adapting Secret Wars without Doctor Doom in the first place. However, Majors’s firing may have pushed the studio in the right direction, even if it left some unfinished threads.
While Kang could have been an intriguing villain, he doesn’t carry the same narrative weight as other Marvel characters like Doctor Doom. That said, he still deserves a proper ending to his story. Whether through a recast or a return by Majors, Kang needs to appear in Avengers: Doomsday to pass the torch to Doctor Doom.
Avengers: Doomsday will open in theaters on December 18, 2026.