As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) evolves, several characters who once played pivotal roles may fade into obscurity with the departure of Kang the Conqueror as the central antagonist of the Multiverse Saga. Following the climactic resolution of the Infinity Saga in Avengers: Endgame, Marvel Studios introduced Jonathan Majors as Kang, along with various villainous variants, in order to fill the void left by Thanos. However, in light of recent events, including Kang’s removal from the narrative, the future of several compelling supporting characters now hangs in the balance.
Jonathan Majors was dismissed from Marvel Studios following his arrest and conviction in 2023, casting doubt on Kang’s future as a significant threat in the Multiverse. During the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, it was announced that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the MCU—not as Iron Man, but as Doctor Doom, a formidable antagonist who could plausibly assume Kang’s mantle. Consequently, The Kang Dynasty is rebranded as Avengers: Doomsday, diminishing the legacy of Kang and his supporting characters, which raises concerns about their potential future in the franchise.
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Kang The Conqueror
Kang The Conqueror Debuted In 2023’s Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania
While Kang was not the inaugural version of Jonathan Majors’ multiversal villain depicted in the MCU, he emerged as the primary antagonist of the Multiverse Saga, with even his variants fearing him. In Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, audiences witnessed Kang’s exile to the Quantum Realm, where he encountered Janet Van Dyne, who inadvertently contributed to the revival of his multiversal abilities. However, despite his attempts to reclaim power, the villain ultimately met his downfall at the hands of Ant-Man and his allies, which led to speculation about Kang’s return as a more formidable adversary—a notion that seems increasingly remote.
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Ravonna Renslayer
Ravonna Renslayer Debuted In 2021’s Loki Season 1
Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s portrayal of Ravonna Renslayer added depth to the MCU, adapting a character rooted in the comics as Kang’s love interest. Initially depicted as a Judge in the Time Variance Authority, Renslayer’s arc transformed when she discovered the truth about the Time Keepers. This revelation set her on a path that intertwined her fate with that of Kang, making her a key figure in his narrative. However, with the conclusion of Loki season 2, Renslayer faced dire consequences—being pruned to the Void, potentially falling victim to the creature Alioth, leaving her storyline unresolved but likely at an end.
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He Who Remains
He Who Remains Debuted In 2021’s Loki Season 1
He Who Remains was the initial incarnation of Kang portrayed by Jonathan Majors, serving as the architect of the TVA and the guardian of the Sacred Timeline as presented in Loki. Introduced as an antihero who had triumphed in the Multiversal War, he established the Sacred Timeline to prevent his more malicious variants from arising. Nevertheless, his actions led to the pruning of countless timelines, effectively wiping out trillions in the process.
Ultimately, the events of the series saw Sylvie assassinate He Who Remains, and Loki elected not to save him in season 2, choosing instead to become the new custodian of the multiverse. This marks the conclusion of He Who Remains’ narrative, with the departure of Jonathan Majors meaning that any replacement is unlikely to assume his role in the Citadel at the End of Time, further sealing the fate of Kang’s storyline.
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Council Of Kangs
The Council Of Kangs Debuted In 2023’s Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania
In Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Jonathan Majors also portrayed several members of the Council of Kangs, showcasing characters like Immortus, the Centurion, and the ancient pharaoh Rama-Tut. While their introduction promised a significant threat to the multiverse and Earth’s heroes, the narrative trajectory now seems compromised. Marvel Studios’ decision to cast Majors across all Council of Kangs roles eliminates the opportunity for a potential recasting following his dismissal.
Given that all members were represented by Majors—including several variants that appeared in unique forms—Marvel finds itself with a major loose end as the Council posed a threat that remains unresolved. The studio may need to explore options for eliminating the Council of Kangs or potentially delaying their involvement in the overarching storyline.
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Miss Minutes
Miss Minutes Debuted In 2021’s Loki Season 1
Voiced by Tara Strong, Miss Minutes served as an animated mascot for the TVA, but her future remains ambiguous following the shifts in Kang’s relevance. Originally designed as a virtual aide, Miss Minutes may face a reevaluation of her role, especially considering she was intricately connected to He Who Remains, thus complicating her potential return. This is further underscored by her absence from TVA-related scenes in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine.
Although a reimagined Miss Minutes could have easily fit into a new narrative with Mr. Paradox, her omission points toward a broader decision by the MCU to move away from her character. Recent controversies surrounding Tara Strong’s comments may further complicate her future within the franchise, leading Marvel to potentially eliminate Miss Minutes alongside Kang.
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MODOK
Darren Cross Debuted In 2015’s Ant-Man
Corey Stoll reprised his role as Darren Cross, the villainous Yellowjacket from the original Ant-Man, returning in a vastly altered form as MODOK in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Created by Kang, this transformation presented a unique opportunity to integrate MODOK into the MCU; however, it also tied his fate directly to Kang’s narrative. MODOK ultimately sacrificed himself, enabling Ant-Man and his allies to defeat Kang’s defenses, solidifying his role as an unexpected hero.
With MODOK’s demise and the disconnection from Kang’s storyline, the chances of his return to the MCU seem bleak. As Marvel continues to redefine its universe in light of recent developments, Kang the Conqueror’s overshadowing exit likely means that MODOK, along with other related characters, will also be written out.