Yes, yes, we all know—Marvel Studios is in trouble. There are reports claiming the MCU is crumbling. Some fans are calling for a reset of the universe. Those critical of superhero films are celebrating. The current goings-on at Marvel Studios seem to be on the top of everyone’s mind, as the giant of the film industry is seemingly showing the first signs of weakness. While it’s unclear how much of this is overblown, according to one person with some insider knowledge, it does appear the big Multiverse Saga is getting a massive course correction.
In a recent episode of the House of R podcast, co-host Joanna Robinson (one of the authors of the book, “MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios”) talked a bit about some information she has acquired indicating Marvel Studios’ plan to change course and dump the big bad, Kang the Conqueror. This would lead to a massive change in the direction of the upcoming Phases of the MCU, as Kang, played by Jonathan Majors, was seemingly set up to be the new Thanos. Well, that doesn’t seem to be the case any longer, as Robinson claims the proposed ‘Kang Dynasty’ film is being scrapped.
Here’s the quote from Robinson, who explained that she has confirmation about Marvel moving away from Kang in the future MCU films:
“I heard from someone recently…the screenwriter Jeff Loveness, who wrote ‘Quantumania,’ was supposed to write ‘The Kang Dynasty’…anyway, it’s confirmed. I had it confirmed to me he’s no longer working for Marvel. I asked the person why, and they said the reason why is he was all wrapped up in this Kang storyline and they are likely going to be moving away from that.”
Why is Marvel Studios reportedly switching things up and moving away from Kang as the big bad? Well, all indications are that it’s actually two-fold. A clear reason is because Jonathan Majors is currently involved in a highly public legal matter involving an arrest for domestic violence, and the trial is going to generate tons of headlines. And another, more narrative-driven reason is because the Kang storyline that has played out in various TV shows and films just hasn’t been working for audiences. For the most part, the projects that have featured the Kang story have just been some of the weakest in the MCU.
Now, we must say that it’s difficult to know what is “confirmed” and what isn’t. Robinson is someone with knowledge about MCU matters, but we also know Marvel Studios has been incredibly tight-lipped about secrets in the past. So, even if there seems to be reports about a change in course, we can’t know for sure until we see the story play out.
That said, it would make sense to see Marvel switch gears and move in another direction.
