Marvel Studios has officially let Jonathan Majors go as Kang and his variants. Majors had the world in the palm of his hands. Unfortunately, he did something he shouldn’t have done and actions have consequences. Now, Marvel has to recast the character.
The Kang variants were supposed to be the next big villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now, a decision has to be made. The rumor is Dr. Doom could replace Immortus. As Bam Smack Pow writer Camila Domingues mentioned, that wouldn’t be a good idea. Instead, recasting Jonathan Majors is the way to go.
The great thing about variants is there’s an infinite amount of options. There are women, men, non-binary, and animal versions of Loki. The same can be said for Kang. Just because we've only seen Majors as the character doesn't mean he's the only one. These actors are the best choices to replace Jonathan Majors.
11. John David Washington
John David Washington is regarded as the best actor in Hollywood. It makes sense he’s the most popular choice to replace Jonathan Majors. The only thing Majors has over him is his physique. That’s easily rectified. And, when it comes to Kang, it isn’t a big deal. This writer's only issue is he'd be better off playing Adam Brashear (Blue Marvel). He'd be around longer and Brashear is an important Marvel character.
10. Sam Reid
Interview with a Vampire was an amazing movie, but a better series. The show allowed the characters to have more depth. The best of this cast was Sam Reid who played Lestat de Lioncourt. In this series, Sam Reid played a smooth and manipulative character. As easygoing as he was, Lestat was quick to anger. These are attributes of Kang.
Sam Reid not being an A-List actor helps as well. It leaves him with fewer expectations from MCU fans. A good thing for when the more toxic fans criticize him before he even performs.
9. Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson is the definition of a star. Even when his projects are bad, it's not his fault. He will always shine wherever he is. People gravitate towards him. For example, Black Adam wasn't a box-office hit, but Dwayne was phenomenal. However, none of that matters if he can’t perform. And, as we’ve seen, he’s one of the best action stars ever.
Dwayne Johnson would bring a needed edge to the MCU. As fun as Dwayne can be, he’s been ruthless too. Not only that, he’s physically imposing. It’s a perfect combination for MCU heroes to battle. Who wouldn’t want to see The Rock fight Captain Marvel or the Fantastic Four?
8. Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Ravonna Renslayer spent all her time in Loki being a pawn for Kang. Before she ran the TVA, she helped Kang defeat his variants. It’s a shame that he betrayed her. If he didn’t she may not have been so angry.
This is the best option. First, Gugu Mbatha-Raw already has MCU and Kang experience. Second, Ravonna was Kang having impersonated Kang the Conqueror in Marvel Comics. Lastly (and most importantly), she’s a fantastic performer.
7. Tom Ellis
Tom Ellis hasn’t been in much since Lucifer ended on Netflix. It's not because of his lack of skills. Throughout Lucifer, Ellis showed an array of skills needed to play Kang for Marvel Studios.
Among his versatility is the ability to be fun when you’re evil. Lucifer isn't necessarily wicked, but he isn’t always good. His best attribute is talking trash. Picture him doing this to the Avengers while he’s got them trapped or defeated. Talking down to his opponents is a very Kang thing to do and he'd perform the line with more charisma than anyone on this list.
6. Lena Heady
Unless she didn’t want to, there’s no reason why Lena Heady isn’t in the MCU. Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones) was an elite character who personified immoral. She went on to be even worse in Dredd as Ma-Ma (yes, that's possible).
Lena Heady could become the most evil villain in MCU history. All it would take is her being the flawless performer we know her to be.
5. Gwendoline Christie
People don’t talk about Gwendoline Christie enough. She’s the second (of three) Game of Thrones actors on this list. However, she may have more range than either of them. She was a leader in the field as Captain Phasma (various Star Wars projects). She was a friendly and stern teacher as Larissa Weems in Wednesday. Her crowning achievement may be Lucifer in Sandman. Each of these personalities could be used to play an MCU version of Kang.
4. Iwan Rheon
Ramsay Bolton is the most hated person in Game of Thrones. Considering everyone else on that show, that’s an accomplishment. The things he did were unforgivable, but Iwan Rheon had to make it believable.
If Marvel wanted someone the audience would despise, he’s the one to use. He deserves a second chance after Inhumans was canceled. Especially since he wasn’t the problem with the show.
3. Idris Elba
Idris Elba’s no stranger to comic book projects. He was Heimdall in the MCU, Bloodsport in The Suicide Squad, Roque in The Losers, Moreau in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, and more. He’s also one of the most popular, versatile, and accomplished performers ever. You can see that from his performances in The Wire, Hijack, and Luther.
Casting Idris Elba as Kang would bring a different look, approach, and level of skill to Kang. Fans would recognize him as Heimdall, but, it was mentioned earlier that variants can look like anyone.
2. Anthony Starr
If you want someone to play an awful person, Antony Starr is your guy. His performance as Homelander in The Boys has shown that he can play a villain better than most. One thing he’s done better than anyone on this list is portray arrogance. However, like Kang, Homelander’s hubris is justified. The only thing that would change is fighting with powers as Homelander to using technology as Kang.
1. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
This is a sleeper of a pick. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has been in a variety of projects in his short career. He was Cal Abar/Dr. Manhattan in Watchmen, Black Manta in the DCEU, and Anthony McCoy/Candyman in Candyman. The only “bad” role he’s played is Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections. Even then, he wasn’t bad. Yahya Abdul-Mateen just wasn’t what fans wanted. This writer can guarantee he’d fit into the role of Kang perfectly.