Avengers 5 is in question after Marvel cut ties with Jonathan Majors, given that Kang would be the film’s big villain. So, which Marvel villains can replace the antagonist in production?
The new Avengers film – which, at least so far, is subtitled “Kang Dynasty” – is part of Phase 6 of the MCU, which encompasses all Marvel releases between 2025 and 2027.
Little is known about the plot of the film or the composition of the Avengers in the story. The premiere is scheduled for May 2026, and after the release, the team of heroes should have yet another film.
While Avengers 5 doesn’t premiere, check out 8 Marvel villains below who could replace Kang in the new film! (via ScreenRant)
Doctor Doom
Doctor Doom has already appeared in two different Fantastic Four films, but in the MCU, the character’s introduction is still highly anticipated. According to Variety magazine, the villain is already considered by some Marvel executives as the perfect replacement for Kang. The possibility began to be discussed in March 2023, shortly after the arrest of Jonathan Majors for domestic violence.
High-Evolutionary
The High Evolutionary was introduced into the MCU this year, as the main villain of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The character didn’t take long to join the list of Marvel’s best antagonists, mainly due to his detestable personality and without any redeeming characteristics. The villain, in this sense, is one of those characters that the public loves to hate, and therefore, he can be a great replacement for Kang.
Beyonder
In Marvel comics, the Beyonder is a character with incredible powers, with the ability to create, destroy and alter universes with a simple gesture. The villain plays a very important role in the Secret Wars arc, and as one of the next Avengers films is expected to address the plot, the character could fill the position left open by Kang’s (potential) departure.
Galactus
One of the most iconic villains in Marvel comics, Galactus has not yet appeared in MCU productions. The character is scary not only because he is “evil”, but also because he represents an uncontrollable force of nature that needs to consume entire planets to survive. Furthermore, Galactus’ death gives rise to Abraxas, one of the most dangerous forces in the multiverse.
Ravonna Renslayer
To replace Kang, the MCU needs to find a new villain who also makes sense in the history of the Kang Dynasty. Ravonna Renslayer, therefore, is a great option. The character takes a much darker path in season 2 of Loki, and due to her closeness to Kang, she could become a real thorn in the side of the Avengers – particularly with the help of Miss Minutes.
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange is one of the most powerful Avengers in the MCU. However, from this same point of view, the character is prone to being corrupted by power. After the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Stephen Strange acquires even more incredible abilities, which could pose a great threat to the heroes if the character switches sides. It would definitely be a shocking twist.
Annihilus
In the Marvel comics, Annihilus is introduced as an adversary of the Fantastic Four. Even so, the character is powerful enough to also threaten the Avengers. Coming from the Negative Zone, the villain aims to control all timelines in the Multiverse. Furthermore, he wields the Cosmic Control Rod, one of the most powerful weapons in the comics.
Mephisto
Since the release of the WandaVision series, Mephisto’s introduction has been highly anticipated in the MCU. The demonic entity may not be as linked to the plot of the multiverse as Kang, but due to its abilities to move between dimensions, it has everything it needs to represent a great challenge for the Avengers. The villain could be perfect for a more mystical turn to the MCU, something many fans want.
