John David Washington is reportedly being considered as the potential replacement for Jonathan Majors in the role of Kang The Conqueror in Marvel Studios’ upcoming projects. According to insider Daniel Richtman, Washington is under consideration to take on the mantle of the supervillain, following Majors’ removal from the role after a guilty verdict in December 2023.
Richtman previously reported that Marvel had been in talks with Colman Domingo for the role of Kang, but now it seems that John David Washington is emerging as another strong candidate. No specific details about Washington’s potential casting have been revealed as of yet. Fans have also speculated about other actors taking the role such as Trevante Rhodes, Damson Idris, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and more.
Domingo had previously expressed interest in joining either Marvel or DC’s cinematic universes, specifically as a villain. Earlier reports indicated that Domingo was being considered for the Kang role, demonstrating the studio’s exploration of various options for the pivotal character.
The controversy surrounding Jonathan Majors led to his immediate dismissal from the role of Kang, following a guilty verdict for reckless assault and harassment. Despite Majors’ portrayal of Kang being a central focus for the MCU’s next phase, Marvel swiftly removed him from the upcoming film, originally titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, now referred to as Avengers 5.
Majors had previously reprised the role of Kang in both Ant-Man: Quantumania and the Disney+ series Loki. However, the studio’s decision to distance itself from Majors extended beyond the film projects, as Searchlight Pictures dropped him and his upcoming film, Magazine Dreams, amid the legal issues. The Hollywood Reporter noted that the studio conveyed their decision not to proceed with the project, prompting Majors and his team to seek other potential buyers.