Jonathan Majors made a stunning debut as Kang the Conqueror in the finale of Loki, the hit Marvel series on Disney+. However, as fans of the comics know, Kang is not one person, but a multiversal entity with many variants and incarnations. This means that we might see different actors playing different versions of Kang in the future MCU projects, such as Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Secret Wars. But who are the potential candidates for the next Kang? And what factors might influence the casting choices? In this article, we will explore some of the possible names and speculations for the next Kang.
Candidates for the Next Kang
Here are some of the actors who could play the next Kang, based on their popularity, talent, and suitability for the role.
- John Boyega: The Star Wars actor has expressed his interest in joining the MCU, and he has the charisma and range to pull off a complex character like Kang. He could play a heroic or anti-heroic version of Kang, such as Iron Lad or Rama-Tut, who have different motivations and alignments than the main Kang.
- Will Smith: The veteran actor is no stranger to sci-fi and comic book movies, having starred in Men in Black, I Am Legend, and Suicide Squad. He could bring his star power and humor to a more comedic or lighthearted version of Kang, such as Kid Immortus or Mr. Gryphon, who are more playful and whimsical than the usual Kang.
- Chukwudi Iwuji: The Nigerian-American actor has impressed audiences with his performances in The Underground Railroad, When They See Us, and Designated Survivor. He could play a more serious and menacing version of Kang, such as Immortus or Scarlet Centurion, who are more manipulative and ruthless than the other Kangs.
- John David Washington: The son of Denzel Washington has proven his acting chops in BlacKkKlansman, Tenet, and Malcolm & Marie. He could play a more action-oriented and charismatic version of Kang, such as Kang the Conqueror or Kang the King, who are more adventurous and ambitious than the rest of the Kangs.
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: The rising star has made a name for himself in Watchmen, Aquaman, and The Trial of the Chicago 7. He could play a more mysterious and powerful version of Kang, such as Kang the Master or Kang the Timeless, who are more cosmic and transcendent than the other Kangs.
Other Potential Actors for Kang
Here are some of the other actors who could also play Kang, based on their fan support, diversity, and potential.
- Lakeith Stanfield: The versatile actor has shown his talent in Get Out, Sorry to Bother You, and Judas and the Black Messiah. He could play a more quirky and eccentric version of Kang, such as Kang the Gardener or Kang the Librarian, who are more interested in preserving and studying the multiverse than conquering it.
- Jeffrey Wright: The acclaimed actor has voiced the Watcher in What If…?, and he has also starred in Westworld, The Hunger Games, and The Batman. He could play a more wise and authoritative version of Kang, such as Kang the Prime or Kang the Supreme, who are more responsible and benevolent than the other Kangs.
- Caleb McLaughlin: The young actor has gained popularity for his role as Lucas in Stranger Things, and he has also appeared in Concrete Cowboy and The New Edition Story. He could play a younger and more innocent version of Kang, such as Kang the Young or Kang the Student, who are more curious and naive than the other Kangs.
- Regé-Jean Page: The breakout star of Bridgerton has charmed audiences with his charisma and charm, and he has also been in For the People and Sylvie’s Love. He could play a more romantic and elegant version of Kang, such as Kang the Lover or Kang the Gentleman, who are more passionate and refined than the other Kangs.
- Gugu Mbatha-Raw: The talented actress has been in Loki as Ravonna Renslayer, and she has also starred in The Morning Show, Black Mirror, and Beauty and the Beast. She could play a female version of Kang, such as Kang the Queen or Kang the Empress, who are more powerful and dominant than the other Kangs.
Speculations on Casting for the Next Kang
Here are some of the factors that might influence the casting decisions for the next Kang, based on the trends, expectations, and preferences of the MCU and its fans.
- Potential influence from popular franchises: The MCU has often cast actors who have been in other popular franchises, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Sherlock. This could give an edge to actors who have been in such franchises, such as John Boyega, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Regé-Jean Page.
- Previous performances as villains: The MCU has also cast actors who have played memorable villains in other movies or shows, such as Josh Brolin, Cate Blanchett, and Michael B. Jordan. This could favor actors who have shown their villainous side, such as Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Lakeith Stanfield, and Jeffrey Wright.
- Diversity in casting choices: The MCU has been more diverse and inclusive in its casting choices, especially in its recent and upcoming projects, such as Black Panther, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Eternals. This could benefit actors who represent different ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds, such as Chukwudi Iwuji, Caleb McLaughlin, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
Conclusion
The next Kang is a mystery that has intrigued and excited the MCU fans, as it opens up many possibilities and opportunities for the future of the franchise. There are many actors who could play the next Kang, each with their own strengths, styles, and fan bases. However, the final decision will depend on the vision, direction, and creativity of the MCU and its creators. Whoever the next Kang is, we can be sure that they will be a worthy successor to Jonathan Majors, and a formidable foe or ally to the heroes of the MCU.
