The reign of the Kang Dynasty is in full swing in the MCU, but there’s one Kang variant whose appearance is confusing audiences – who could he be?
Warning: This particle contains spoilers for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
The first post-credits stinger for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania introduced audiences to an enigmatic Kang variant. Phase Five has officially commenced and brought the Multiverse Saga truly to life. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania has endured some mixed reviews, releasing to generally a negative critical response, although the fans and casual audiences are treating it more favorably. Nevertheless, one thing that is being rightfully praised is Jonathan Majors as the film’s villain, the captivating and menacingly powerful Kang the Conqueror. He first debuted in Loki as He Who Remains, but now he’s making his mark as the real deal time-traveling, multiversal warlord.
The hype for Majors as Kang has been extraordinary since he was first announced in the role, and it’s only grown throughout the marketing for the film. That’s what makes its outcome surprising. Somehow, Kang “died” in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, although it’s far more complicated than it might seem. Aptly, this opens up the opportunity for even more unexpected twists and possibly an even more pivotal role for Kang down the line. The MCU certainly has plans for Majors, as demonstrated in the film’s two post-credits scenes. They introduce audiences to many more of Kang’s iconic variants, which will begin to cause trouble for Earth-616’s heroes.
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All Possible Identities Of Third Kang In Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania’s Post-Credits Scene
The first post-credits stinger introduced audiences to the new threat, the Council of Kangs – the multiversal group made up of Kang’s variants who were responsible for his exile to the Quantum Realm. Among the ranks are Immortus, Kang’s most recognizable variant who is associated with the TVA, and Rama-Tut, a version of Kang who traveled into the past to become an Egyptian Pharaoh. They are joined by a third variant of Kang, whose identity is more difficult to discern. There are various options available to the MCU for this variant, including the possibility that this could be an original creation or an amalgam of other variants.
Despite his appearance, given his role as one of the three leaders, this is likely a version of Scarlet Centurion. In the comics, Kang adopts this moniker after traveling through time and meeting his ancestor, Doctor Doom. He styles himself after the villain – who many are assuming must play a role in the unfolding Multiversal Saga – and he continued to combat the Avengers for a time. He makes the most sense as a member of the Council as he’s filled that role in the comics, and certainly, they could give him some red armor or weaponry like Kang’s blue mask and costume to make him more comic-accurate.
The choice in design does beg the question of other options, especially since Immortus and Rama-Tut were so on the nose in that regard. An unexpected and frankly unlikely twist would be for this variant to be Kang’s younger self, either Kid Immortus or Iron Lad. Admittedly, Majors is young at only 33 years old, yet he acts so maturely, and the MCU would want an even younger actor to play Iron Lad so that he can join the Young Avengers with other teen heroes. As such, the logical options do still point to Scarlet Centurion being the safest bet.
When The Third Kang’s Identity Will Be Revealed In The MCU’s Phase 5
It might take some time for the third variant’s true identity to be revealed, although Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania sets up plenty of exciting storylines in Phases 5 and 6. With the introduction of the Council, they are clearly setting the stage for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. Presumably, this will entail the Council launching an attack on the heroes of Earth-616 in retaliation for Ant-Man killing Kang as they believe he did – while they exiled him, they still won’t tolerate any semblance of resistance to their rule, including the death of one of their own. However, in preparation, Majors may continue to appear in various upcoming projects.
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Audiences do already know the next time they can expect to see Majors in the MCU again as the second post-credits stinger revealed him as Victor Timely. Loki season 2 will pick up on that plot point. With such, there’s actually a chance that Timely is secretly Prime Kang – the one from Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – like in the comics. Regardless, the Council and this variant could also appear in some fashion throughout the season, though likely in nothing more than a cameo.
If not in Loki season 2, his return might be a long way down the line, and possibly not until Phase 6. Currently, the only two upcoming films that could logically include a Kang variant are Deadpool 3 and Fantastic Four. The former since the Merc with the Mouth is crossing the multiverse, presumably, and the latter, given Kang’s connection to the team and family history, so he or this variant would be a good choice for an antagonist. Otherwise, any of the unannounced Phase 6 projects leading up to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty are natural possibilities.
What Role The Third Kang Plays In The Council Of Kangs
While Immortus, Rama-Tut, and this third variant will surely be united in their mission in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, there’s an interesting wrinkle that could complicate their plans to rule the multiverse. They are all Kang. They share his strengths and weaknesses, his passions and ambitions. It’s his curse to distrust and craves more and more power. Presumably, Immortus is the dominant force in the group as the most experienced, while Rama-Tut might be the most aggressive. Thus, the third variant would fit succinctly into the role of a conniving upstart. This could all lead to some serious infighting among the Council to the point they turn on each other.
As for Avengers: Secret Wars, another villain might feature, and theoretically, it may culminate in the return of a more powerful Prime Kang. Therefore, the Council of Kangs will likely be reserved solely as the antagonists for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. Particularly, if this third variant is Scarlet Centurion or a younger variant, he may be more subordinate to Rama-Tut and Immortus. Yet, given Kang’s vast powers and technology throughout Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, on which this version clearly relies, he’ll be an incredibly difficult foe for the Avengers to defeat. While he may be an enigma now, he’s certainly not one to underestimate.
