The Marvel Cinematic Universe is reportedly undergoing a significant shift in narrative direction, particularly concerning Jonathan Majors and the Multiverse Saga’s overarching villain, Kang the Conqueror. The recent talks of this still-to-be-confirmed change emerges amidst various challenges faced both by Marvel Studios and Disney as well as the controversies surrounding Majors with the mixed responses to recent MCU projects.
Jeff Loveness, known for his work on Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania and as a writer for Rick & Morty, was said to have been hired as the scriptwriter for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty in September 2022. His excitement about the role was evident in his social media interactions following the announcement. Unfortunately, the recent developments hint at a dramatic shift in Marvel Studios’ plans. Specifically, Joanna Robinson, a reporter for Vanity Fair and co-author of the book, MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, revealed on the House of R podcast that Loveness is no longer involved with Marvel Studios.
Joanna Robinson, a reporter for Vanity Fair and co-author of “MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios,” revealed on House of R, podcast she hosts alongside Mallory Rubin, that Loveness is no longer working for Marvel Studios. This departure is significant as Loveness was deeply involved in the Kang storyline, and his exit indicates that Marvel may be steering its multi-billion dollar franchise away from this narrative arc. This change in direction was further corroborated by insider Jeff Sneider, who had earlier speculated about Loveness’s detachment from Avengers 5.
Front and center to these developments are the legal issues faced by Jonathan Majors, the actor behind the MCU’s new villain, Kang the Conqueror. Majors was arrested earlier in March for allegedly assaulting a woman, complicating things for Marvel Studios. Kevin Wright, an executive producer for Loki Season 2, described Majors’ situation as “complicated,” and there’s no official statement regarding whether or not Majors remains part of the MCU or not.
While Loki Season 2 concluded with Majors’ character assuming a pivotal role, Marvel might have to focus on the other antagonists after spending the past three years building him up as the next ultimate threat. It’s been said that the MCU is considering recasting Majors or using a different major villain, like Doctor Doom, instead.
Regardless of what happens, any shift in the narrative direction will have major implications for the broader Multiverse Saga of the MCU.
These shifts in narrative direction have implications for the broader Multiverse Saga of the MCU. Despite the successful wrap-up of Loki Season 2, which remained unaffected by Majors’ legal issues, the uncertainty surrounding his future is still a topic of discussion within the industry.
Michael Waldron, who penned Loki Season 1 and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, is tasked with writing a monumental project in The Multiverse Saga’s finale, Avengers: Secret Wars. This burden becomes heavier now that the role of Kang has become less clear. Additionally, the reshuffling of Disney’s Marvel Studios slate, which includes delays for several major titles, adds to the sense of flux within the MCU. The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars, originally slated for release in 2025 and 2026, respectively, have been pushed back, reflecting the ongoing reassessment of the franchise’s direction.
At the moment, the only MCU film that’s confirmed for 2024 is Deadpool 3, which is now officially on track for summer following the end of the Hollywood strikes. Prior to this, Echo’s release on Disney+ was set in stone as well, which was met with cheers from fans who are looking forward to watching the first TV-MA film of the MCU.
Ultimately, as Marvel Studios navigates its most recent set of challenges, the future of the Multiverse Saga and the MCU remains an evolving and closely watched aspect of the film industry.
