Marvel: (Spoiler) exits Avengers: The Kang Dynasty

Avengers: The Kang Dynasty has suffered another major blow as its director Destin Daniel Cretton has stepped down from the Marvel project.

Following the announcement regarding movie delays and schedule changes, Marvel hits us with another wave of sadness. The studio, who has been actively making me cry this year (and succeeding, but that’s a topic for another time), will reportedly be looking for a new director to helm one of their biggest movies.

According to reports from Deadline, Destin Daniel Cretton, the director behind Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is stepping back from directing Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. He had officially joined the project last summer, but it seems that he won’t be the one bringing it to life after all.

But hey, at least it’s all friendly and on good terms. Cretton is still very much part of the Marvel family, and he’s got plenty on his plate with other exciting Marvel Cinematic Universe projects like the sequel to Shang-Chi, and the Disney Plus show Wonder Man, which he co-created with Andrew Guest. The show, part of the new Marvel Spotlight series banner, promises to be a standalone hit, adding a fresh twist to the MCU.

With Marvel Studios’ impressive track record of over $30 billion at the box office since 2008, it’s clear that Cretton’s talents are in high demand. Although he’s stepping away from The Kang Dynasty, slated for a May 1, 2026 release, he’s still very much a key player in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s future.

This report comes after rumors of writer Jeff Loveness’ departure from the project as well. A new report suggests that Loveness, who wrote Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, is no longer working with Marvel as the studio now plans on moving away from Kang altogether – something that the Loki season 2 finale also may have leaned into with its powerful conclusion.  Given the recent legal issues with actor Jonathan Majors, who plays Kang the Conqueror, the movie might be getting repackaged. We’ll have to wait and see.

My only hope is that the movie does get made (which makes me sound a smidge dramatic, but such is life) and that it’s done well, with the right cast, right crew, and right everything for my favorite MCU villain. But really, all drama aside, I do hope for things to settle around the subject of Kang and Kang Dynasty.

So, while I might be a bit bummed out (understatement of the year, folks) about Cretton not directing Kang Dynasty, there’s so much more to look forward to from this brilliant filmmaker. When it comes to more updates from Marvel, I’m honestly hoping it’s a good one (you know, like Pedro Pascal being cast as Mr. Fantastic or something).

Are you looking forward to the next Avengers movie? Are you excited for the release of Shang-Chi 2?