Jonathan Majors’ Kang Replacement Actor Revealed (And His Next 2026 Marvel Appearance)

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During an in-depth conversation with Variety, the creator of X-Men ’97, Beau DeMayo, shared insights about Marvel Studios’ initial plans for their Kang the Conqueror project. If Marvel Studios had not abandoned the idea of Kang altogether, Jonathan Majors was set to voice Kang in Season 2 of X-Men ’97. With news of Majors’ trial approaching, DeMayo considered casting John de Lancie, known for his role as Q in Star Trek: The Next Generation, as a backup for Kang. DeMayo further discussed potential roles that Kang might have played in a highly speculated upcoming MCU storyline.

Initially, Kang the Conqueror, a powerful villain who spans across time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), was planned to be the next major antagonist. However, following the conviction of actor Jonathan Majors on charges of third-degree harassment and assault, Marvel decided to abandon the Kang character altogether. Instead, they opted for Doctor Doom, a longtime Fantastic Four character, which also signifies Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU.

In a groundbreaking interview, Feige revealed that Marvel Studios had already decided to shift away from the formidable antagonist Kang the Conqueror, prior to any final verdict. As he explained, they felt Kang lacked the magnitude needed to be on par with Thanos. Instead, discussions about Doctor Doom were initiated even before officially abandoning Kang as the main villain.

Through a sequence of posts on Twitter, Beau DeMayo presented contrasting information to Feige’s initial account, offering an array of insights into the original plan for Kang’s imminent course in the Marvel Cinematic Universe prior to the critical shift by Marvel Studios.

Kang the Conqueror Was Intended For X-Men ’97 Season 2

The initial season of X-Men ’97 received much praise as a high-quality Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) show that effectively mirrors the animation style and mood of X-Men: The Animated Series. Despite this, the production of Season 2 was approved, but DeMayo was subsequently removed from the series due to allegations of sexual misconduct.

In the second season, things moved forward steadily, with Magneto confirmed as the main antagonist, joined by Danger, Lady Deathstrike, Sabertooth, and Apocalypse. As per DeMayo’s sources (X), it was evident that Kang would make an appearance in Season 2.

According to DeMayo, his strategy for Season 2 featured Kang, with Majors specifically assigned to give life to the character. However, there were rumors suggesting that Marvel Studios executives wanted to shift away from Kang. In response, DeMayo asserted that Feige was being untruthful about this matter.

I recall watching John Wick 4 in March 2023 at the Americana movie theater in Glendale over the weekend when news about Majors’ legal issues surfaced. DeMayo explained, ‘We were talking about how Kang was definitely the plan and the studio was worried.’ It’s noteworthy that if Majors had voiced Kang, it would have been unusual for the MCU because in X-Men ’97, each character had a unique voice cast, with no live-action performers providing voices for their animated counterparts. This is different from What If…?, where live-action actors frequently lent their voices to their animated characters.

DeMayo went on to clarify that following the announcement of Majors’ upcoming trial, Marvel Studio executives indicated they might have to find a new actor for the part, contingent upon the court’s decision.

Following the announcement about Majors, Marvel Studios informed me that he might not be available for my plans with Kang in X-Men ’97 S2 due to their wait for a decision on his potential recast within the MCU. Consequently, I chose John de Lancie to play Kang since I believed that Q would serve as an excellent model for him in animated form.

Kang May Have Figured Into Marvel’s Initial Fantastic Four Plans

DeMayo’s comments shed light on more than just contradicting recent statements about Kang’s departure being planned ahead. It was initially intended for Jonathan Majors to introduce Kang in the second season of X-Men ’97, but Marvel had a fallback option, which was a legendary actor from Star Trek, if they needed to replace Majors.

DeMayo’s remarks hint that Kang could have been planned for a significant part in the movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” He elaborated as follows:

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Kang has a strong affiliation with the Fantastic Four. Given this connection, it seems more logical and emotionally resonant for Kang, rather than Doom, to abduct Franklin Richards (his ancestor).

Indeed, this implies speculation about the plot of “Avengers: Doomsday,” where Doctor Doom might abduct the newborn Franklin Richards, potentially leading the Avengers to Earth 616 according to the storyline. In comic book lore, Kang emerged as Nathaniel Richards, a descendant of Reed Richards’ grandfather Nathaniel.

In various storylines, Kang’s heritage has been depicted as unclear, yet it has consistently been linked with the Richards family line.

Kang’s ancestry is often shown as questionable in different narratives, but his history maintains a strong connection to the Richards clan throughout.

It might be wise to approach these statements with some skepticism, considering DeMayo has openly criticized Marvel Studios’ choices since his dismissal. Nevertheless, his remarks suggest a unique direction for Kang’s character that could have significantly altered the storyline, potentially impacting more than just the villain arc in the upcoming Avengers movies.

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2025-07-21 22:35