Disney-Fox Merger: What about the MCU’s next big villain?
By Mike McNulty
Credit: Jim Cheung (Marvel Comics); cover for Young Avengers #4
3. Kang the Conqueror
Why Kang works as the next major MCU villain: Along with Thanos, Loki, and Ultron, this time-travelling dictator from the 31st Century is one of the Avengers’ greatest foes. He has a huge advantage on them for the simple fact that, as a time traveler, they’re historical figures from his perspective. Also, just like Eobard Thawne/Reverse Flash from The Flash, he’s someone who could potentially die only to later show up again as another version from a different timeline.
He’d also have the perfect motive for targeting the Avengers. If the rumors are true that the fourth Avengers film involves time travel as a means for defeating Thanos, that’s the catalyst for Kang right there. What if by restoring all those Thanos snapped out of existence, this endangers Kang’s own timeline from becoming a reality? Thus, he goes back in time to make sure his future empire isn’t erased. His time travel could even be based on what the Avengers used. This not only would build on the MCU’s continuity, but show the consequences of the Avengers’ actions.
Kang also provides the means for the Avengers and the Fantastic Four to team-up. That’s because Kang’s ancestor is Reed Richards, a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic. Not only would this fit in nicely with the FF’s theme of family, it provides some extra and necessary sources of drama. Even more drama could take place if Kang’s first cinematic appearance also coincidences with a Young Avengers film, especially if there’s also Iron Lad. In either case, it brings up questions about fate and predestination, the kind of philosophical quandaries time travel stories crave.
Why Kang doesn’t work as the next major MCU villain: In some ways, an MCU Kang has the opposite dilemma that an MCU Magneto does. Even though he’s someone who would have enemies beyond just the Avengers, he’s also a one movie villain. Even though entire franchises like The Terminator are built around an unstoppable threat from the future, that’s not something you want to do for the MCU. There must be variety and, unfortunately, Kang, great villain though he is, doesn’t bring much of that.
Ideally, Kang would be the type of villain one uses when creating a new team. If Marvel Studios ever decides on a New Avengers or Young Avengers movie, then he’ll be a great adversary for either of those films. But afterwards, that will likely be his only appearance in the MCU, unless he shows up somewhere else as a cameo. Besides, there are two other villains who would definitely be perfect for multiple movies.