User:RebelYasha/sandbox: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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{{Infobox moviefilm

| italic_title = no

| name = Avengers: The Kang DynastyDoomsday {{No italics|and}} Avengers: Secret Wars

| director = [[Destin Daniel Cretton]] {{smallplainlist|(''The Kang Dynasty'')}}

* [[Anthony Russo]]

| writer = {{plainlist| ▼

* [[Joe Russo]]

* [[Jeff Loveness]] {{small|(''The Kang Dynasty'')}}

* [[Michael Waldron]] {{small|(''Secret Wars'')}}

}}

| writer = [[Stephen McFeely]]

| based_on = {{Based on|''[[The Avengers (comic)|The Avengers]]''|[[Stan Lee]]|[[Jack Kirby]]}}

| producer = [[Kevin Feige]]

| studiomusic = [[MarvelAlan StudiosSilvestri]]

▲| writerstudio = {{plainlist|

* [[Marvel Studios]]

* [[AGBO]]

}}

| distributor = [[Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures|Walt Disney Studios<br />Motion Pictures]]

| released = {{Start date|20252026|5|21}}<br>(''[[Avengers: The Kang DynastyDoomsday]]'')<br />{{Start date|20262027|5|17}} (''[[Avengers: Secret Wars]]'')

| country = United States

| language = English

}}''Avengers: The Kang DynastyDoomsday'' and ''Avengers: Secret Wars'' are upcoming American [[Superherosuperhero film|superhero films]]s based on [[Marvel Comics]] featuring the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]], produced by [[Marvel Studios]] and distributed by [[Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures]]. They are the sequels to ''[[The Avengers (2012 film)|The Avengers]]'' (2012), ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]'' (2015), ''[[Avengers: Infinity War]]'' (2018), and ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'' (2019), and serve as the 40th and 41st films of the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU), respectively. ''TheBoth Kang Dynasty''films will be directed by [[DestinAnthony Danieland Joe CrettonRusso]], andfrom bothscreenplays filmswritten by [[Stephen McFeely]], and will feature an [[ensemble cast]] composed of [[List of Marvel Cinematic Universe film actors|previous MCU actors]].

Development of the films began with [[Phase Four (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Phase Four]] of the MCU in 2021, during which Marvel Studios introduced the concept of the [[Multiverse (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|multiverse]], with certain [[List of Marvel Cinematic Universe films|films]] and [[List of Marvel Cinematic Universe television series|television series]] fully exploring it as a setting or plot device. The films were officially announced a year later during the studio's Hall H panel at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] in July 2022. Destin Daniel Cretton was revealed to be directing ''The Kang Dynasty'' later that month, while [[Jeff Loveness]] was hired to write the film the following month. Both individuals departed the film in November 2023 while Marvel was discussing shifting the focus away from the intended antagonist [[Kang (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Kang the Conqueror]], amidst controversies concerning his actor, [[Jonathan Majors]]. Marvel fired Majors the following month, by which point the fifth ''Avengers'' film became untitled. [[Michael Waldron]] boarded to write ''Secret Wars'' in October 2022. Waldron subsequently replaced Loveness as ''Avengers 5''<nowiki/>'s screenwriter the following November, before eventually departing the films entirely. The fifth film was reannounced as ''Avengers: Doomsday'' in July 2024, alongside the confirmation that ''Infinity War'' and ''Endgame'' directors [[Anthony and Joe Russo]] would return to helm both installments, that [[Stephen McFeely]] would return to script both films after having done so as a co-writer on various MCU films, and that veteran MCU actor [[Robert Downey Jr.]] would return to portray new antagonist [[Doctor Doom|Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom]]. The pair of films are designed to conclude the overarching storyline told across Phases Four, [[Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Five|Five]] and [[Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Six|Six]], bookending "[[The Multiverse Saga]]" arc of the franchise's story.

''Avengers: The Kang DynastyDoomsday'' is scheduled to be released on May 21, 20252026, and ''Avengers: Secret Wars'' will be released on May 17, 20262027. Both films will be part of Phase Six of the MCU.

== Development ==

=== Background ===

Beginning with [[Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Four|Phase Four]] of the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU), [[Marvel Studios]] fully introduced the concept of the [[Multiverse (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|multiverse]] following several allusions to its existence made throughout the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Three|preceding phase]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Ashby |first=Charlie |date=2019-05-21 |title=How Avengers: Endgame opens up the Multiverse in the MCU |url=https://themarvelreport.com/2019/05/how-avengers-endgame-opens-up-the-multiverse-in-the-mcu/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=The Marvel Report |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=2019-07-11 |title=What happened with Spider-Man: Far From Home’s multiverse tease? |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/7/11/20686223/spider-man-far-from-home-multiverse-mcu-mysterio |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Vox |language=en}}</ref> Projects such as the [[Disney+]] television series [[Loki (TV series)|''Loki'']]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-14 |title=The 'Loki' Finale Just About Sets Up the MCU's Entire Future. Here's What Happens Next. |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a37022931/loki-finale-kang-the-conquerer-multiverse-of-madness/ |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=Esquire |language=en-us}}</ref> and ''[[What If...? (TV series)|What If...?]]'' (2021-present2021–present),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sciretta |first=Peter |date=2019-03-12 |title=Exclusive: Marvel Studios Producing 'What If' TV Series For Disney+ |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/564897/what-if-tv-series-coming-to-disney-plus/ |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=SlashFilm.com |language=en-US}}</ref> as well as the films ''[[Spider-Man: No Way Home]]'' (2021) and ''[[Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness]]'' (2022),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=I. G. N. |date=2020-12-11 |title=Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Will Connect to Spider-Man 3 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/doctor-strange-and-the-multiverse-of-madness-will-connect-to-spider-man-3 |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> had throughly incorporated the multiverse and various branching realities into their stories either as plot devices, or fully realized settings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’: A Universe of Villains Arrive in the New Trailer |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/movies/spider-man-no-way-home-a-universe-of-villains-arrive-in-the-new-trailer |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=Marvel Entertainment |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin Feige Connects ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ to ‘Loki’ & ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/movies/doctor-strange-in-the-multiverse-of-madness-loki-spider-man-no-way-home-kevin-feige-connects |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=Marvel Entertainment |language=en}}</ref> Furthermore, the multiverse was used to establish various characters and story elements unassociated with the franchise, directly in the universe, such as the return of characters from previous [[Spider-Man in film|''Spider-Man'' films]] produced by [[Sony Pictures]] in ''No Way Home'', as well as the appearance of the alternate universe organization, the [[Illuminati (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Illuminati]] in ''Multiverse of Madness'', whose lineup comprised of various characters and actors associated with the MCU or other Marvel film properties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |last2=Couch |first2=Aaron |date=2021-12-29 |title=How ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Was “Shaped”"Shaped" by Its Secret Stars |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/spider-man-no-way-home-andrew-garfield-tobey-maguire-1235068153/ |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tassi |first=Paul |title=Warning: ‘Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness’ Suffers A Massive Cameo Leak |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2022/05/02/warning-doctor-strange-and-the-multiverse-of-madness-suffers-a-massive-cameo-leak/ |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=published |first=Emily Garbutt Contributions from Jack Shepherd |date=2022-06-21 |title=The Illuminati members in Doctor Strange 2, listed and explained |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/illuminati-doctor-strange-2-list/ |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}</ref> The multiverse ishas set to be furtherbeen incorporated into futuresubsequent MCU projects. The film ''[[The Marvels]]'' (2023) introduced the concept of [[Incursion (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|incursions]] to the MCU's Sacred Timeline, suchscenarios asinvolving the collision and simultaneous destruction of two or more universes, which first appeared in the 2015 "[[Secret Wars (2015 comic book)|Secret Wars]]" event by [[Jonathan Hickman]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |date=2023-11-11 |title=How The Marvels Sets Up Secret Wars... In Secret |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-marvels-avengers-secret-wars-incursions-multiverse |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> The [[Loki (season 2)|second season]] of ''Loki'' (2023), theincorporated upcomingdifferent secondtime periods and third seasonsvariants of ''Whatestablished If''...?characters, thewhile explorationits offinale an alternatedepicted [[Peter ParkerLoki (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Peterthe Parkertitular character]]'s origin([[Tom storyHiddleston]]) inbecoming the animated"God seriesof ''[[SpiderStories", binding branch realities together into the Sacred Timeline as the new overseer of the multiverse.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chin |first=Daniel |date=2023-Man:11-10 Freshman|title=The Year]]''‘Loki’ andSeason its2 secondFinale Recap: Everything Changes With Time |url=https://www.theringer.com/marvel-cinematic-universe/2023/11/10/23955920/loki-season-2-finale-recap-glorious-purpose-god-of-stories-explained |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=The Ringer |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> [[Deadpool & Wolverine|''Deadpool & Wolverine'']] (2024), a sequel to the [[SpiderX-Man:Men Sophomore(film Yearseries)|Sophomore''X-Men'' Yearseries]] film [[Deadpool 2|'',Deadpool the2'']] appearances(2018), offeatured [[Wade Wilson (film character)|Wade Wilson / Deadpool]] (reprised by [[Ryan Reynolds]]) and an alternate [[Logan (film character)|James "Logan" Howlett / Wolverine]] (reprised by [[Hugh Jackman]]) fromreluctantly collaborating to fight against the [[20thTime CenturyVariance FoxAuthority (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Time Variance Authority]]-produced (TVA) first featured in ''Loki'', as an agent of theirs, [[X-MenMr. Paradox]] (film[[Matthew seriesMacfadyen]])| attempted to accelerate the pruning of the ''X-Men]]'' film seriestimeline inafter the Marvelevents Studios-producedof the film ''[[DeadpoolLogan 3]](film)|''Logan'']] (20242017) left Deadpool's universe without its anchor being, the primary iteration of Wolverine who died during the events of the aforementioned film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=September 27 |first=Nick Romano |last2=EDT |first2=2022 at 05:34 PM |title=Hugh Jackman returning as Wolverine in 'Deadpool 3' |url=https://ew.com/movies/hugh-jackman-wolverine-return-deadpool-3-ryan-reynolds/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=EW.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nast |first=Condé |date=2022-09-28 |title=Look Who Came Clawing Back: Hugh Jackman To Return as Wolverine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/09/hugh-jackman-wolverine-deadpool-3-return |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=George |first=Joe |date=2024-07-27 |title=Deadpool & Wolverine: All the Logan Variants Explained |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/deadpool-wolverine-all-logan-variants-explained/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref> The film also incorporated supporting appearances from several characters originating in Marvel Comics film properties not produced by Marvel Studios, such as [[Pyro (Marvel Comics)|John Allerdyce / Pyro]] from the [[X-Men trilogy|original ''X-Men'' film trilogy]] reprised by [[Aaron Stanford]];<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharf |first=Zack |date=2024-07-02 |title=‘X-Men’ Actor Returns as Pyro After 18 Years in ‘Deadpool 3,’ Says He’s ‘Very Happy’ to Wear a ‘Proper Superhero Costume’ and Not Get ‘Shortchanged’ This Time |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/pyro-deadpool-3-costume-x-men-aaron-stanford-1236059153/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> [[X-23|Laura / X-23]] from the film ''Logan'' reprised by [[Dafne Keen]];<ref>{{Cite web |title='Deadpool & Wolverine' reveals X-23 first look: Dafne Keen talks return (exclusive) |url=https://ew.com/deadpool-and-wolverine-dafne-keen-laura-x-23-first-look-hugh-jackman-reunion-exclusive-8680283 |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=EW.com |language=en}}</ref> [[Human Torch|Johnny Storm / Human Torch]] from the [[Fantastic Four in film|''Fantastic Four'' films]] (2005-07) reprised by [[Chris Evans (actor)|Chris Evans]];<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharf |first=Zack |date=2024-07-31 |title=Chris Evans Says Johnny Storm Return After 17 Years in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Was a ‘Dream Come True’: ‘He’ll Always Have a Special Place in My Heart’ |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/chris-evans-johnny-storm-deadpool-and-wolverine-human-torch-1236091916/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Blade (New Line franchise character)|Eric Brooks / Blade]] from the ''[[Blade (franchise)|Blade]]'' film trilogy (1998-2004) reprised by [[Wesley Snipes]];<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharf |first=Zack |date=2024-07-29 |title=Wesley Snipes Thought Blade Return in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Wouldn’t Make Sense With MCU’s Reboot on the Way; He Originally Moved on After Talks for Fourth Movie Died |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/wesley-snipes-blade-deadpool-and-wolverine-cameo-1236088919/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Jennifer Garner]] as [[Elektra Natchios (film character)|Elektra Natchios]] from the films [[Daredevil (film)|''Daredevil'']] (2003) and [[Elektra (2005 film)|''Elektra'']] (2005);<ref>{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |last2=Kit |first2=Borys |date=2023-07-07 |title=Jennifer Garner Returning as Elektra for ‘Deadpool 3’ (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/deadpool-3-jennifer-garner-returning-as-elektra-1235530539/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Channing Tatum]] as [[Gambit (Marvel Comics)|Remy LeBeau / Gambit]], a character he was intended to portray in a [[Gambit (unproduced film)|self-titled film]] that went unproduced following the [[acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney]] in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shafer |first=Ellise |date=2024-07-30 |title=Channing Tatum Rejoices Over Gambit Debut in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’: Ryan Reynolds ‘Fought for Me’ After I Thought I Lost the Character Forever |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/channing-tatum-gambit-deadpool-wolverine-1236089732/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Evangelista |first=Chris |date=2024-07-26 |title=Deadpool & Wolverine's Most Surprising X-Men Character Almost Got A Solo Movie |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1629068/deadpool-and-wolverine-channing-tatum-gambit-cameo-canceled-movie/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=SlashFilm |language=en-US}}</ref> Future projects include the [[What If...? (season 3)|third season]] of [[What If...? (TV series)|''What If''...?]], the exploration of an alternate [[Peter Parker (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Peter Parker]]'s origin story in the animated series ''[[Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man]]'' and its second season, and the adult-oriented animated series ''[[Marvel Zombies (seriesminiseries)|Marvel Zombies]]'' (2024), which shares continuity with the ''What If...?'' season 1 episode, "[[What If... Zombies?!]]" (2021).<ref>{{Cite web |title=‘Loki’ Will Return for Season 2 on Disney+ |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/loki-season-2-disney-plus-tom-hiddleston |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Marvel Entertainment |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SDCC 2022: Everything From the Marvel Studios Animation Panel |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/sdcc-2022-marvel-studios-animation-panel |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=Marvel Entertainment |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mishra |first=Shrishty |date=2022-07-29 |title='Spider-Man: Freshman Year' Will Remain MCU Canon Because of the Multiverse |url=https://collider.com/spider-man-freshman-year-mcu-canon-multiverse/ |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=Collider |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Kang the Conqueror]], a recurring villain and adversary to the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] in the comics, who traverses space and time while having multiple alternate counterparts, was reported to be appearing as the main antagonist of the upcoming film ''[[Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania]]'' (2023), alongside the casting of [[Jonathan Majors]] in said role, which was officially confirmed by Marvel Studios in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaye |first=Don |date=2020-09-14 |title=Ant-Man 3: Jonathan Majors Reportedly Cast as Kang the Conqueror |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/ant-man-3-jonathan-majors-kang-the-conqueror/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gemmill |first=Allie |date=2020-12-11 |title='Ant-Man 3' Title and Kathryn Newton Casting for MCU Threequel Revealed |url=https://collider.com/ant-man-3-title-ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania-kathryn-newton-cast/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Collider |language=en-US}}</ref> The character's debut in the MCU was teased by the appearance of his "variant", [[He Who Remains (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|He Who Remains]], in the final episode of ''Loki''<nowiki/>'s [[Loki (season 1)|first season]], "[[For All Time. Always.]]" (2021), in which he was played by Majors himself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Polo |first=Susana |date=2021-07-14 |title=Loki built up to the reveal of an even bigger Marvel Comics villain |url=https://www.polygon.com/22576948/loki-he-who-remains-kang-the-conqueror-actor-jonathan-majors |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref>. ''Loki'' star [[Tom Hiddleston]] described He Who Remains' role as the "architect" of the [[Time Variance Authority (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Time Varience Authority]], describing his appearance in the episode as the "one solitary light on in the window" amongst the otherwise abandoned Citadel at the End of Time itself where he resides throughout the series. Majors would describe his performance in the episode as providing him with the "largest canvas possible", while also teasing the character's death at the hands of Loki's own variant [[Sylvie (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Sylvie Laufeydottir]], as the point in the story where "Kang begins to rear his head and do his deeds". He would further cite the idea of a villain who "lives in so many iterations", as a reason for his interest in the role of Kang and his contrast with He Who Remains.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Loki: Jonathan Majors Arrives in the Season 1 Finale as He Who Remains |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/loki-assembled-jonathan-majors-he-who-remains |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Marvel Entertainment |language=en}}</ref> On transitioning from He Who Remains to his portrayal of Kang the Conqueror in ''Quantummania'', Majors would describe the process of differentiating the characters, emphasizing the work required to reapply his performance to the scale of a film as opposed to a television series like ''Loki''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=published |first=Bradley Russell |date=2021-10-25 |title=Jonathan Majors interview: The Harder They Fall’s lead on saddling up for a Netflix western and filming Ant-Man 3 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/jonathan-majors-interview-the-harder-they-fall-netflix-ant-man-3/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}</ref>▼

=== Announcement ===

In May 2018 following the release of ''[[Avengers: Infinity War]]'' (2018), then-current [[Disney]] CEO [[Bob Iger]] said of Marvel's plans beyond the then-upcoming ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'' (2019), "I'm guessing we will try our hand at what I'll call a new franchise beyond ''Avengers'', but that doesn't necessarilyn;ecessarily mean you won't see more ''Avengers'' down the road. We just haven't made any announcements about that." Iger added, "Given the popularity of the characters and given the popularity of the franchise, I don't think people should conclude there will never be another ''Avengers'' movie."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |last2=Couch |first2=Aaron |date=2018-05-08 |title=Disney’s Bob Iger Won’t Rule Out More Avengers After ‘Avengers 4’ |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/avengers-movies-will-continue-beyond-avengers-4-1109931/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> Shortly after the film''Endgame''<nowiki/>'s premiere, the [[Russo brothers]], the directors of both ''Infinity War'' and ''Endgame'', said they were not opposed to returning to the MCU in the future due to their positive relationship with Marvel Studios, but did not plan to do so at that time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=published |first=Bradley Russell |date=2019-04-25 |title=Exclusive: The Russos say they’re done with the MCU for the foreseeable future after Avengers: Endgame |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/exclusive-the-russos-say-theyre-done-with-the-mcu-for-the-foreseeable-future-after-avengers-endgame/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}</ref> In January 2021, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said another ''Avengers'' film would happen "at some point".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Matt |date=2021-01-11 |title=There Will Be More Avengers Movies "At Some Point," Says Marvel's Kevin Feige |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/marvel-avengers-phase-4-kevin-feige |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

In July 2022 during that year's [[San Diego Comic-Con]], Marvel Studios officially announced ''Avengers: The Kang Dynasty'' and ''Avengers: Secret Wars'' as the concluding installments of Phase Six of the MCU, as well as "[[The Multiverse Saga]]" arc that began with Phase Four.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vary |first=Adam B. |last2=Vary |first2=Adam B. |date=2022-07-24 |title=Marvel Studios’ Phases 5 and 6: Everything We Learned at Comic-Con About the Multiverse Saga |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/marvel-studios-phase-5-phase-6-multiverse-saga-comic-con-1235323893/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Feige confirmed following the studio's Hall H panel that the [[Russo brothers]] would not be returning for the upcoming ''Avengers'' films.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=2022-07-24 |title=Avengers: Endgame Directors Joe and Anthony Russo Are Not Directing The Kang Dynasty or Secret Wars |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/avengers-endgame-directors-joe-and-anthony-russo-are-not-directing-the-kang-dynasty-or-secret-wars |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Later that month, it was announced that ''Avengers: The Kang Dynasty'' would be helmed by [[Destin Daniel Cretton]], who had previously served as the writer and director of the Phase Four film ''[[Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings]]'' (2021), and was by that point also slated to reprise his duties for that film's sequel, in addition to developing a [[Wonder Man (TV series)|television series]] centered around the character [[Wonder Man]] for Disney+.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |last2=Kit |first2=Borys |date=2022-07-26 |title=‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ to Be Directed by ‘Shang-Chi’ Filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/avengers-the-kang-dynasty-to-be-directed-by-shang-chi-filmmaker-destin-daniel-cretton-exclusive-1235186348/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |last2=Otterson |first2=Joe |date=2022-06-16 |title=Destin Daniel Cretton-Produced ‘Wonder Man’ Marvel Series at Disney+ Taps Andrew Guest as Head Writer |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/destin-daniel-cretton-marvel-series-disney-plus-wonder-man-andrew-guest-1235281895/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> In October 2022, Marvel Studios delayed multiple films on their production slate, including re-scheduling the release of ''Avengers: Secret Wars'' for May 1, 2026, nearly a full year after ''The Kang Dynasty''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marvel Studios Updates Theatrical Release Schedule |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/movies/marvel-studios-update-theatrical-release-schedule |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=Marvel Entertainment |language=en}}</ref> ''The Kang Dynasty'' and ''Secret Wars'' were delayed again to new dates on May 1, 2026 and May 7, 2027, respectively. The rescheduling has been attributed to progress on both films' screenplays being indefinitely halted due to the [[2023 Writers Guild of America strike]], which also affected other projects in development at Marvel Studios.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goslin |first=Austen |date=2023-06-13 |title=Disney just blew up the plans for the next Avengers |url=https://www.polygon.com/23759520/marvel-movies-release-dates-disney-avengers-delayed-kang-dynasty |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> In November 2023, Cretton departed ''The Kang Dynasty'' in what was said to be an "amicable exit", despite continuing to be involved in other MCU projects.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2023-11-15 |title=Destin Daniel Cretton Departs As Director On ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’; Remains Aboard ‘Wonder Man’, ‘Shang-Chi 2’ & More In MCU |url=https://deadline.com/2023/11/marvel-destin-daniel-cretton-avengers-kang-dynasty-exits-1235612901/ |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

Shortly after [[Kang the Conqueror (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Kang the Conqueror]] actor [[Jonathan Majors]] was fired by Marvel Studios in light of [[Jonathan Majors#2023 assault|his guilty verdict]] for third-degree assault and harrassment in December 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vary |first=Adam B. |date=2023-12-18 |title=Marvel Studios Drops Jonathan Majors Following Guilty Verdict for Harassment and Assault |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/jonathan-majors-marvel-studios-dropped-kang-1235587971/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Marvel parent company [[Disney]] confirmed in a March 2024 investors presentation that ''The Kang Dynasty'' was set to be retitled in an effort to divorce the film narratively from the overarching storyline featuring Kang throughout The Multiverse Saga, as well as Majors' involvement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dick |first=Jeremy |date=2024-03-16 |title=Avengers 5 Title Change Confirmed by Disney After Jonathan Majors Drama |url=https://www.cbr.com/avengers-kang-dynasty-title-change-confirmed/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> At the [[San Diego Comic-Con]] in July 2024, Marvel Studios announced ''Avengers: Doomsday'' as the new title for the fifth film, reconfirming its May 1, 2026 release date and revealing Joe and Anthony Russo would both return as the directors for ''Doomsday'' and ''Avengers: Secret Wars.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patches |first=Matt |last2=Goslin |first2=Austen |date=2024-07-27 |title=Avengers 5 now called Avengers: Doomsday, will introduce Doctor Doom to the MCU |url=https://www.polygon.com/sdcc/24201657/avengers-doomsday-5-kang-dynasty-doom-robert-downey-jr |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Robert Downey Jr.]], who portrayed [[Tony Stark (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Tony Stark / Iron Man]] across ten films in the MCU's "[[Infinity Saga]]", was also announced as joining the cast as [[Doctor Doom|Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom]], who would replace Kang the Conqueror as the films' primary antagonist.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SDCC 2024: Robert Downey Jr. to Play Doom in the Russo Brothers’ ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/live-events/sdcc-2024-robert-downey-jr-doom-avengers-doomsday-marvel-studios-hall-h-panel |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=www.marvel.com}}</ref>

=== Casting ===

While promoting the [[Disney+]] television series ''[[She-Hulk: Attorney at Law]]'' (2022) in August 2022, actor [[Mark Ruffalo]], who portrays [[Bruce Banner (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Bruce Banner]] in various MCU media, spoke on the future of the series' eponymous protagonist [[Jennifer Walters (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Jennifer Walters / She-Hulk]] ([[Tatiana Maslany]]) and the character's prospects of being featured in other projects going forward, stating that "She's in now. There's not going to be another ''Avengers'' without her" according to what he had heard.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chuba |first=Kirsten |last2=Chuba |first2=Kirsten |date=2022-08-16 |title=Tatiana Maslany, Mark Ruffalo on She-Hulk Future: "There’s Not Going to Be Another ‘Avengers’ Without Her" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tatiana-maslany-mark-ruffalo-she-hulk-avengers-1235199804/ |access-date=2022-08-18 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> In June 2024, [[Benedict Cumberbatch]] revealed he was set to reprise his role as [[Stephen Strange (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Stephen Strange / Doctor Strange]] in both ''Avengers'' films.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-21 |title=Benedict Cumberbatch gives exciting update on Avengers 5 |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a61213186/benedict-cumberbatch-avengers-5-exciting-update/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref> The following month during Marvel Studios' Hall H presentation at [[San Diego Comic-Con]], studio president and producer [[Kevin Feige]] announced that [[Florence Pugh]], [[Wyatt Russell]] and [[David Harbour]] were set to reprise their respective roles as [[Yelena Belova (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Yelena Belova]], [[John Walker (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|John Walker / U.S. Agent]] and [[Alexei Shostakov (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian]] from the upcoming film ''[[Thunderbolts*]]'' (2025);<ref>{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Bradley |date=2024-07-28 |title=Marvel unveils the first Avengers: Doomsday cast members – including Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/marvel-movies/avengers-5-cast-fantastic-four-thunderbolts-russo-brothers-directing/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}</ref> [[Pedro Pascal]], [[Vanessa Kirby]], [[Joseph Quinn (actor)|Joseph Quinn]] and [[Ebon Moss-Bachrach]] were also confirmed during the panel to be reprising their roles as [[Reed Richards (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic]], [[Sue Storm|Sue Storm / Invisible Woman]], [[Johnny Storm (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Johnny Storm / Human Torch]] and [[Ben Grimm|Ben Grimm / Thing]] after debuting as those respective characters in the upcoming film [[The Fantastic Four: First Steps|''The Fantastic Four: First Steps'']] (2025).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avengers: Doomsday Release Date, Cast, Story, And Everything Else We Know |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/avengers-doomsday-release-date-trailer-cast-story/2900-5643/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref>

In October 2022, [[Jonathan Majors]] was confirmed to be reprising his role as [[Kang (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Kang the Conqueror]] in ''Avengers: The Kang Dynasty'' in October 2022, following his introduction as the character in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Five|Phase Five]] film ''[[Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania]]'' (2023), while the actor was also confirmed to be reprising the role in ''Avengers: Secret Wars'' in January 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |date=2023-01-21 |title=How Jonathan Majors Prepared For The Role Of Kang The Conqueror In The MCU – Sundance Studio |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/jonathan-majors-kang-the-conqueror-ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania-magazine-dreams-sundance-1235229529/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> Majors described director Destin Daniel Cretton's work on the film as "grounded and that's the most important part of it".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Angelique |last2=Jackson |first2=Angelique |date=2022-10-18 |title=Jonathan Majors Talks Preparing for ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ With Director Destin Daniel Cretton, Why He Wants to Play Dennis Rodman |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/jonathan-majors-dennis-rodman-avengers-kang-dynasty-1235406137/ |access-date=2022-11-27 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> While promoting the [[Disney+]] television series ''[[She-Hulk: Attorney at Law]]'' (2022) in August 2022, actor [[Mark Ruffalo]], who portrays [[Bruce Banner (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Bruce Banner]] in various MCU media, spoke on the future of the series' eponymous protagonist [[Jennifer Walters (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Jennifer Walters / She-Hulk]] ([[Tatiana Maslany]]) and the character's prospects of being featured in other projects going forward, stating that "She's in now. There's not going to be another ''Avengers'' without her" according to what he had heard.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chuba |first=Kirsten |last2=Chuba |first2=Kirsten |date=2022-08-16 |title=Tatiana Maslany, Mark Ruffalo on She-Hulk Future: “There’s Not Going to Be Another ‘Avengers’ Without Her” |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tatiana-maslany-mark-ruffalo-she-hulk-avengers-1235199804/ |access-date=2022-08-18 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Firing of Jonathan Majors and creative pivot ===

▲[[Kang the Conqueror]], a recurring villain and adversary to the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] and the [[Fantastic Four]] in the comics, who traverses space and time while having multiple alternate counterparts, was reported to be appearing as the main antagonist of the upcoming film ''[[Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania]]'' (2023), alongside the casting of [[Jonathan Majors]] in said role, which was officially confirmed by Marvel Studios in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaye |first=Don |date=2020-09-14 |title=Ant-Man 3: Jonathan Majors Reportedly Cast as Kang the Conqueror |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/ant-man-3-jonathan-majors-kang-the-conqueror/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gemmill |first=Allie |date=2020-12-11 |title='Ant-Man 3' Title and Kathryn Newton Casting for MCU Threequel Revealed |url=https://collider.com/ant-man-3-title-ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania-kathryn-newton-cast/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Collider |language=en-US}}</ref> In October 2022, [[Jonathan Majors]] was confirmed to be reprising his role as [[Kang (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Kang the Conqueror]] in ''Avengers: The Kang Dynasty'', following his appearances as different variants of the character in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Five|Phase Five]] film ''[[Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania]]'' and the [[Loki (season 2)|second season]] of ''[[Loki (TV series)|Loki]]'' (both 2023), while the actor was also confirmed to return in ''Avengers: Secret Wars'' in January 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |date=2023-01-21 |title=How Jonathan Majors Prepared For The Role Of Kang The Conqueror In The MCU – Sundance Studio |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/jonathan-majors-kang-the-conqueror-ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania-magazine-dreams-sundance-1235229529/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> The character's debut in the MCU was teased by the appearance of his "variant", [[He Who Remains (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|He Who Remains]], in the final episode of ''Loki''<nowiki/>'s [[Loki (season 1)|first season]], "[[For All Time. Always.]]" (2021), in which he was played by Majors himself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Polo |first=Susana |date=2021-07-14 |title=Loki built up to the reveal of an even bigger Marvel Comics villain |url=https://www.polygon.com/22576948/loki-he-who-remains-kang-the-conqueror-actor-jonathan-majors |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref>. ''Loki'' star [[Tom Hiddleston]] described He Who Remains' role as the "architect" of the [[Time Variance Authority (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Time Varience Authority]], describing his appearance in the episode as the "one solitary light on in the window" amongst the otherwise abandoned Citadel at the End of Time itself where he resides throughout the series. Majors would describe his performance in the episode as providing him with the "largest canvas possible", while also teasing the character's death at the hands of Loki's own variant [[Sylvie (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Sylvie Laufeydottir]], as the point in the story where "Kang begins to rear his head and do his deeds". He would further cite the idea of a villain who "lives in so many iterations", as a reason for his interest in the role of Kang and his contrast with He Who Remains.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Loki: Jonathan Majors Arrives in the Season 1 Finale as He Who Remains |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/loki-assembled-jonathan-majors-he-who-remains |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Marvel Entertainment |language=en}}</ref> On transitioning from He Who Remains to his portrayal of Kang the Conqueror in ''Quantummania'', Majors would describe the process of differentiating the characters, emphasizing the work required to reapply his performance to the scale of a film as opposed to a television series like ''Loki''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=published |first=Bradley Russell |date=2021-10-25 |title=Jonathan Majors interview: The Harder They Fall’s lead on saddling up for a Netflix western and filming Ant-Man 3 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/jonathan-majors-interview-the-harder-they-fall-netflix-ant-man-3/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}</ref> In addition to the appearance of Kang, the post-credits sequences in ''Quantummania'' teased the eventual appearances of the [[Council of Kangs (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Council of Kangs]], Kang variants [[Scarlet Centurion]], [[Rama-Tut (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Rama-Tut]] and [[Immortus (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Immortus]] (all portrayed by Majors), as well as the 19th century-based variant [[Victor Timely (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Victor Timely]], setting up a full appearance in the [[Loki season 2|second season]] of ''Loki'' (2023) where he temporarily joined the TVA to help fix a Temporal Loom and apprehend the branching of alternate timelines within the Multiverse.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA Ending and Post-Credits Scenes Explained |url=https://nerdist.com/article/ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania-ending-and-post-credits-scenes-explained/ |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Nerdist |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Marvel Studios]] president [[Kevin Feige]] discussed the prominence of the character with regards to their overarching appearance throughout [[The Multiverse Saga]] of the MCU, stating that the team at Marvel had always considered Kang to be "an amazing follow up" to [[Thanos (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Thanos]], the primary antagonist of [[The Infinity Saga]] (2008-2019) of the franchise. He also singled out Majors' performance as the character for being a significant reason regarding emphasizing Kang as a villain, remarking on how he tested better with audiences at "[[Test screening|friends-and-family screenings]]" compared to prior MCU villains, and describing his work on the character as "one of the fun rolls of the dice [we] do at Marvel."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin Feige talks Phase 5, Kang, and the future of the MCU |url=https://ew.com/movies/kevin-feige-marvel-phase-5-exclusive-interview/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=EW.com |language=en}}</ref>

In March 2023, [[Jonathan Majors#2023 assault|Majors was arrested]] in [[New York City]] on multiple counts of physical harrassment and assault during his relationship with dancer Grace Jabbari.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-26 |title=Jonathan Majors arrested on assault charge in New York |url=https://apnews.com/article/jonathan-majors-arrested-3ccf23bb407f5e6d2441ccc536b254f2 |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> By the time of Majors' arraignment, Marvel had not begun discussing alternate courses of action for the character, such as removing Majors from the franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Anthony |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Dominic |date=2023-04-18 |title=Jonathan Majors & Manager Entertainment 360 Part Ways; Actor Facing Domestic Violence Allegations In NYC |url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/jonathan-majors-dropped-hollywood-manager-domestic-violence-1235325576/ |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> At this stage, the actor was still attached to reprise his role as Kang for both ''The Kang Dynasty'' and ''Secret Wars'', with Majors set to receive a salary of $20 million USD with back-compensation for his first ''Avengers'' film. [[Disney]] was also said to be closely monitoring the situation as it developed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Siegel |first=Tatiana |date=2023-04-19 |title=Jonathan Majors’ Issues Worsen as More Alleged Abuse Victims Cooperate With D.A.’s Office (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/jonathan-majors-more-alleged-abuse-victims-cooperate-with-da-office-assault-1235588870/ |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Writing for [[The Ringer (website)|''The Ringer'']], Joanna Robinson observed that Majors' various allegations had placed Marvel in a precarious position as a result of how much of the Multiverse Saga was built around the overarching prominence of both Kang the Conqueror and Majors as an actor, being argued as comparatively more integral to the forthcoming MCU storyline compared to [[Josh Brolin]] as [[Thanos (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Thanos]] during [[The Infinity Saga]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McPherson |first=Chris |date=2023-05-22 |title=Marvel Reportedly "Changed All Their Plans" Due to Jonathan Majors' Performance in 'Loki' |url=https://collider.com/mcu-jonathan-majors-joanna-robinson-comments/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref> [[Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania|''Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania'']] and ''The Kang Dynasty'' screenwriter [[Jeff Loveness]] was reported to have parted ways with Marvel Studios prior to the [[2023 Writers Guild of America strike]] as conversations within the studio had begun taking place on new directions for the ''Avengers'' films.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Marvel Rumor Claims Avengers: Kang Dynasty Has Lost Its Writer |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/marvel-rumor-claims-avengers-kang-dynasty-lost-writer/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Movies |language=en}}</ref> ''The Kang Dynasty'' also had its release delayed alongside multiple other Marvel Studios films to May 1, 2026 in part due to the script not being completed before the writer's strike had begun.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2023-06-13 |title=‘Thunderbolts’, ‘Blade’, ‘Avengers: Kang Dynasty’, ‘Secret Wars’ Among Disney Release Date Changes Due To WGA Strike |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/disney-marvel-wga-strike-thunderbolts-blade-avengers-kang-dynasty-1235415782/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

By November that year, Marvel Studios was reported to have begun internal discussions regarding The Multiverse Saga's creative direction in light of Majors' legal issues while awaiting the final verdict. It was at this stage that Marvel was considering completely pivoting away from Kang the Conqueror as the major antagonist in favor of another character, due to a mixture of Majors' charges and the lackluster audience and commercial reception towards the character's appearance in ''Quantummania''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |last2=Kit |first2=Borys |date=2024-02-21 |title=How Marvel Is Quietly Retooling Amid Superhero Fatigue |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/marvel-fantastic-four-avengers-movies-1235830951/ |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> The [[Marvel Comics]] character [[Doctor Doom]]<nowiki/>the primary antagonist to the Fantastic Four and a recurring adversary for the Avengers, who was already slated to have a significant role at least in ''Avengers: Secret Wars,''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Siegel |first=Tatiana |date=2023-11-01 |title=Crisis at Marvel: Jonathan Majors Back-Up Plans, ‘The Marvels’ Reshoots, Reviving Original Avengers and More Issues Revealed |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/features/marvel-jonathan-majors-problem-the-marvels-reshoots-kang-1235774940/ |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> was now being debated as a potential substitute or replacement for Kang the Conqueror as Marvel began deliberating over minimizing the latter's presence in The Multiverse Saga.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sneider |first=Jeff |last2=Rocha |first2=John |date=November 3, 2023 |title=Variety's Controversial MCU Article, Marvel's Blade Exec Fired, HBO Attacks TV Critics – The Hot Mic |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_aNelH1HoA |url-status=live |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']] writer Tatiana Siegel felt that another route to pursue would be for Marvel to recast Majors' role, feeling as if the character's then-upcoming supporting appearance in the second season of ''Loki'' would cement a larger overall role for Kang the Conqueror and his alternate variants in a way that would make a creative pivot increasingly difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Siegel |first=Tatiana |date=2023-11-01 |title=Crisis at Marvel: Jonathan Majors Back-Up Plans, ‘The Marvels’ Reshoots, Reviving Original Avengers and More Issues Revealed |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/features/marvel-jonathan-majors-problem-the-marvels-reshoots-kang-1235774940/ |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> The final episode of ''Loki''<nowiki/>'s second season, "[[Glorious Purpose (Loki season 2)|Glorious Purpose]]", depicts the [[Loki (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|titular character]] altering history by taking Kang variant Victor Timely's place in destroying the Temporal Loom and rearranging the [[Multiverse (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|multiverse]] to oversee its various branching timelines, while the [[Time Variance Authority (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Time Variance Authority]] (TVA) restructured itself with an objective to hunt down remaining variants of Kang the Conqueror.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graves |first=Sabina |date=2023-11-10 |title=Loki's Finale Fulfills a Destiny Burdened With Glorious Purpose |url=https://gizmodo.com/loki-finale-recap-marvel-studios-disney-plus-1851012249 |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Gizmodo |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=published |first=Fran Ruiz |date=2023-11-10 |title='Loki' season 2 episode 6 review: Finding a glorious purpose |url=https://www.space.com/loki-season-2-episode-6-review |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> The episode became a point of interest for commentators who observed that its de-emphasis on Kang's overall prominence throughout the series and its ending implications for his alternate selves ended up providing several narrative routes for Marvel to pursue if the character was to be pivoted away from, such as having the TVA pursue and prune the remaining Kang variants off-screen as a way of retiring them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adekaiyero |first=Eammon |last2=Jacobs |first2=Ayomikun |title=The 'Loki' season 2 finale may have just solved Marvel's Jonathan Majors problem |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/loki-season-2-finale-recap-jonathan-majors-explained-2023-11 |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-10 |title='Loki' Season 2's Ending Just Debunked a Major Kang Theory |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/lokis-season-2-finale-kang-avengers-multiverse-saga-villain |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Inverse |language=en}}</ref> Around mid-November, it was reported that Marvel had relieved Jeff Loveness of his screenwriting duties on ''The Kang Dynasty'' due to his close involvement with developing the character dating back to ''Quantummania'', in an attempt to creatively shift focus away from the Kang story arc.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marvel Moving Away From Kang, Quantumania Writer Off Avengers 5: Report |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/marvel-studios-move-away-kang-jonathan-majors-drops-quantumania-writer-avengers-5-kang-dynasty/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Movies |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Joseph |first=André |date=2023-11-14 |title=REPORT: Marvel Studios to Abandon Jonathan Majors' Kang Storyline |url=https://www.cbr.com/report-marvel-studios-possibly-backing-away-from-kang/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> By the time Loveness was let go and ''The Kang Dynasty''<nowiki/>'s original director [[Destin Daniel Cretton]] left due to scheduling difficulties, the former was said to have completed a draft of the script.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |last2=Kit |first2=Borys |date=2023-11-15 |title=‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ Loses Director Destin Daniel Cretton |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/avengers-the-kang-dynasty-loses-director-1235648140/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> Jeff Sneider separately reported that Marvel were now seeking a new writer who could potentially redevelop ''The Kang Dynasty'' and ''Secret Wars'' as a single two-part narrative that concluded The Multiverse Saga, similar to the original plan for [[Avengers: Infinity War|''Avengers: Infinity War'']] (2018),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watts |first=Steve |date=2014-10-28 |title=Avengers: Infinity War Announced as 2-Part Film |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/28/avengers-infinity-war-announced-as-2-part-film |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> believing that the possibility was open for the studio to drop the separation between the fifth and sixth ''Avengers'' films and instead market them as two installments of a ''Secret Wars'' adaptation, thus generating fan interest and evading any potential hurdles in addressing Jonathan Majors' prior involvement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=InSneider |first=The |title=Marvel Madness: Has Feige Finally Found His First Family? |url=https://www.theinsneider.com/p/fantastic-four-cast-pedro-pascal-marvel-madness-christopher-nolan-best-director |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=The InSneider |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=InSneider |first=The |title=Jonathan Majors Guilty, Fired From Marvel Role as Kang the Conqueror |url=https://www.theinsneider.com/p/jonathan-majors-guilty-fired-marvel-kang-conqueror-wait-until-dark-remake |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=The InSneider |language=en}}</ref>

By mid-November, [[Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely]]—who co-scripted the MCU's ''[[Captain America (film series)|Captain America]]'' trilogy starring [[Chris Evans (actor)|Chris Evans]] as [[Steve Rogers (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Steve Rogers / Captain America]] in addition to both ''Avengers: Infinity War'' and ''Avengers: Endgame'', had been involved as "unofficial advisors" towards Marvel Studios as they were preparing to shift the creative direction of the upcoming ''Avengers'' films.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vhDfRSj6Ks |title=MARVEL 's Fantastic 4 Eyes Pedro Pascal, Javier Bardem, Doctor Doom Replacing Kang? - THE HOT MIC |date=2023-11-16 |last=John Rocha |access-date=2024-08-01 |via=YouTube}}</ref> [[Michael Waldron]], who had previously been hired to write the screenplay for ''Avengers: Secret Wars'', was brought in to rewrite ''The Kang Dynasty''<nowiki/>'s script by the end of the month, replacing Loveness.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=2023-11-27 |title=‘Loki’ Creator Michael Waldron To Write Marvel Studios’ ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ |url=https://deadline.com/2023/11/loki-michael-waldron-marvel-studios-avengers-kang-dynasty-1235638887/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> In December, Majors was found guilty of third-degree reckless assault and harassment towards Grace Jabbari, leading Disney and Marvel Studios to drop the actor from any future involvement in the MCU franchise, leaving the future of their storyline with [[Kang the Conqueror (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Kang the Conqueror]] uncertain, as it remained unknown as to whether the studio would opt to recast the role or pivot towards another villain.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2023-12-18 |title=Jonathan Majors Fired By Disney/Marvel Studios After Assault Guilty Verdicts; Actor Had Played Kang The Conqueror |url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/jonathan-majors-marvel-fired-guilty-verdict-1235671790/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> Jeff Sneider would follow up his prior report, insinuating that per his suggestion, Marvel had reconfigured the upcoming ''Avengers'' films into a dual-part ''Secret Wars'' story,<ref>{{Cite web |last=InSneider |first=The |title=Jonathan Majors Guilty, Fired From Marvel Role as Kang the Conqueror |url=https://www.theinsneider.com/p/jonathan-majors-guilty-fired-marvel-kang-conqueror-wait-until-dark-remake |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=The InSneider |language=en}}</ref> and that they were seeking a director to replace Destin Daniel Cretton who has otherwise never helmed an MCU film.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98FALdHiRW8 |title=Steven Yeun Out as Sentry, Obaid-Chinoy's Star Wars Comments Spark Controversy - THE HOT MIC |date=2024-01-04 |last=John Rocha |access-date=2024-08-01 |via=YouTube}}</ref> In February 2024, ''Variety'' writers Aaron Couch and Borys Kit said Marvel were in the middle of "cleaning up the creative mess" left in the wake of both the critical and commercial reception of ''Quantummania'' and the firing of Jonathan Majors, additionally confirming that the fifth ''Avengers'' film was set to be retitled in order to remove any reference to Kang or the "[[Kang Dynasty]]" comics storyline.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |last2=Kit |first2=Borys |date=2024-02-21 |title=How Marvel Is Quietly Retooling Amid Superhero Fatigue |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/marvel-fantastic-four-avengers-movies-1235830951/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Writing ==

In September 2022, [[Jeff Loveness]] was hired to write ''Avengers: The Kang Dynasty'', marking his second collaboration with [[Marvel Studios]] following the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Five|Phase Five]] film ''[[Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania]]'' (2023).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |last2=Kroll |first2=Justin |date=2022-09-14 |title=‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’: Jeff Loveness Tapped To Write Next Installment In Marvel Series |url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/marvel-jeff-loveness-avengers-kang-dynasty-1235118412/ |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> While making a guest appearance at [[Grand Canyon University]] the following week, he announced that he would begin to write the screenplay in "two weeks" from then.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeff Loveness reveals when he will start writing Avengers: The Kang Dynasty |url=https://stealthoptional.com/marvel/Jeff-Loveness-reveals-when-he-will-start-writing-Avengers-The-Kang-Dynasty/ |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=stealthoptional.com |language=en}}</ref> InLoveness earlydescribed October,the [[Michaelchallenges Waldron]]of waswriting an antagonist announcedsuch as Kang the writerConqueror forwho traverses space and time due to the risks of becoming derivative, attributed to the emphasis on time travel in the plot of ''[[Avengers: Secret WarsEndgame]]'' (2019). PrecedingHe hisstated in an interview hiringthat, he"you wasalmost consideredneed ato frontrunnerbroaden amonghim writersout beinga examinedlittle bybit Marveltoo, largelymaybe duebroaden toout into the trustmultiverse betweena himlittle andmore, the studiodimensionality comingof offthe ofcharacter, the limitless freedom he has while also being completely uprooted from his time servedand himself." Loveness also expressed his desire to extrapolate as [[headmuch writer]]from forthe pre-established material in the [[Lokicomic (seasonbooks, but exclaimed that the intent was to put a "completely new spin" on the story, stressing that "If you just do a 100% comic book adaptation people know all the tricks and what to expect. You have to use that as a foundation and then throw a curveball".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark 1)|first=Campbell season]]|date=2023-01-27 of|title=Avengers: The Kang Dynasty Writer Teases More Kang Variants To Come |url=https://lrmonline.com/news/avengers-the-kang-dynasty-writer-teases-more-kang-variants-to-come/ [[Disney+]]|access-date=2023-01-28 television|website=LRM series|language=en-US}}</ref> Loveness also teased the possibility of further variants of Kang appearing in ''[[LokiThe (TVKang series)|Loki]]Dynasty'', (2021specifically denoting his own research into characters such as [[Rama-present),Tut]] and writing[[Scarlet Centurion]]. Loveness cited the filmnature ''[[Doctorof Strangehis inalternate counterparts as the Multiverse"joy" of Madness]]''developing (2022)a character such as Kang the Conqueror, describing him as "this infinite snake eating infinite tails, a man literally at war against himself."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krollpublished |first=JustinNick |last2=KrollSetchfieldContributions |first2=Justinfrom Fay Watson |date=20222023-1001-0323 |title=‘Avengers:Ant-Man Secretand the Wars’Wasp: MichaelQuantumania Waldronwriter Tappedsays ToKang Penthe UpcomingConqueror Installmentis Fora Marvel"top-tier, StudiosA-list Avengers villain" |url=https://deadlinewww.gamesradar.com/2022/10/avengersant-secretman-warsand-michaelthe-waldronwasp-marvelquantumania-studioskang-1235127065avengers/ |access-date=20222023-1001-0328 |website=Deadlinegamesradar |language=en}}</ref> By November 2023, Loveness was reported to have been let go by Marvel Studios as the film's writer just as the film's original director [[Destin Daniel Cretton]] similarly departed the project.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilding |first=Josh |date=November 13, 2023 |title=AVENGERS: THE KANG DYNASTY "Confirmed" To Have Ditched Writer Jeff Loveness As He Was "Wrapped Up" In Kang |url=https://comicbookmovie.com/avengers/avengers-USthe-kang-dynasty/avengers-the-kang-dynasty-confirmed-to-have-ditched-writer-jeff-loveness-as-he-was-wrapped-up-in-kang |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=comicbookmovie.com}}</ref>

In early October 2022, [[Michael Waldron]] was announced as the writer for ''Avengers: Secret Wars''. Preceding his hiring, he was considered a frontrunner among writers being examined by Marvel, largely due to the trust between him and the studio coming off of his time served as [[head writer]] for the [[Loki (season 1)|first season]] of the [[Disney+]] television series ''[[Loki (TV series)|Loki]]'' (2021–23), and writing the film ''[[Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness]]'' (2022).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |last2=Kroll |first2=Justin |date=2022-10-03 |title=‘Avengers: Secret Wars’: Michael Waldron Tapped To Pen Upcoming Installment For Marvel Studios |url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/avengers-secret-wars-michael-waldron-marvel-studios-1235127065/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> Waldron subsequently replaced Jeff Loveness as ''The Kang Dynasty''{{'s}} writer in November 2023 following his departure earlier in the month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=2023-11-27 |title=‘Loki’ Creator Michael Waldron To Write Marvel Studios’ ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ |url=https://deadline.com/2023/11/loki-michael-waldron-marvel-studios-avengers-kang-dynasty-1235638887/ |access-date=2023-11-27 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> Waldron departed both films by early July 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=W |first=Matthew |date=2024-07-13 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Michael Waldron Has Left Avengers 5 |url=https://www.nexuspointnews.com/post/michael-waldron-has-left-avengers-5 |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Nexus Point News |language=en}}</ref>

Following the announcement of ''Avengers: Doomsday'' in July 2024, it was revealed via a press release from the [[Russo brothers]]' production company [[AGBO]] that [[Stephen McFeely]] would now be writing both films, after previously co-scripting [[Captain America: The First Avenger|''Captain America: The First Avenger'']] (2011) and every prior MCU film directed by the Russo brothers from [[Captain America: The Winter Soldier|''Captain America: The Winter Soldier'']] (2014) to [[Avengers: Endgame|''Avengers: Endgame'']] (2019) alongside [[Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely|Christopher Markus]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romanchick |first=Shane |date=2024-07-28 |title=The Next Two ‘Avengers’ Movies Have Found Their Writer |url=https://collider.com/avengers-5-6-stephen-mcfeely-writing/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref>

== References ==

{{Reflist}}