Expect A Different Kang In Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania
Kang actor Jonathan Majors has shed some light on the version of Kang the Conqueror fans can expect to see in 2023's "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania." According to Majors, viewers will meet a different version of Kang than the character first seen in "Loki" as He Who Remains, thanks to the different directors working on the third installment of the "Ant-Man" trilogy.
Majors recently sat down for an interview with Somos Geeks along with "Ant-Man" trilogy director Peyton Reed to discuss Scott Lang's (Paul Rudd) latest outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe — including how Scott is coping in the aftermath of defeating Thanos in "Avengers: Endgame" and the new threat Kang poses to the multiverse.
Episode 10 of "Loki," titled "For All Time. Always." debuts Majors' version of the iconic Marvel Comics character as the mastermind behind the TVA. He Who Remains — a variant of Kang the Conqueror — is killed by Sylvie (Sophia DiMartino), but not before he delivers an ominous warning that promises more Kang variants to come in the MCU.
A new leading man means a new version of Kang
During the interview, Majors discussed how playing Kang opposite Paul Rudd's Scott Lang — instead of Tom Hiddleston's Loki in the Prince of Asgard's titular Disney+ series — brought a fresh iteration of Kang to the forefront of "Quantumania."
"Each variant is in a very particular world and has to serve that world," Majors explained, regarding the differences between each Kang variant. He Who Remains is a "byproduct" of Loki's world. The Kang fans meet in "Quantumania" is something else.
Playing new variants of Kang doesn't daunt Majors — in fact, the opportunity to portray multiple versions of the same character drew him to the role. The actor embraced the challenge while filming, explaining that new directors and opponents for his character helped create a new Kang. "In 'Quantumania' you have Peyton Reed and a different set of producers and we have a different leading man ... It's all leading to Kang," said Majors. "The route to him does change the characterization of him."
Peyton Reed views the Ant-Man movies as his Fantastic Four
Director Peyton Reed remains enthusiastic about the MCU's upcoming "Fantastic Four" movie. Although Reed's original script for a "Fantastic Four" project was rejected by Marvel, the director was happy to instead focus his efforts on "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," exploring many of the same themes regarding "families of superheroes."
"I sort of channeled my passion for Fantastic Four into the Ant-Man movies," joked Reed. "20 years is a long time ... I want someone else to do Fantastic Four." Reed expressed his support for Matt Shakman, who was announced as the director for the upcoming "Fantastic Four" reboot at Disney's 2022 D23 Convention (via Deadline).
Reed went on to discuss the family dynamics in "Quantumania," from Scott Lang's looming clash with Kang to Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) confronting some hard truths in the Quantum Realm. "Quantumania" is set to put the Langs and the Van Dynes through the wringer, as the MCU prepares for Kang the Conqueror.
Jonathan Majors is excited to work with Letitia Wright and Florence Pugh
When asked about the new MCU characters he is most excited to work with, Majors highlighted Letitia Wright and Florence Pugh, who portray Shuri in "Black Panther" and Yelena Belova in "Black Widow," respectively. Shuri was introduced in Ryan Coogler's 2018 film "Black Panther" as the younger sister of T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) before becoming a leading woman in 2022's "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." Meanwhile, Florence Pugh revealed at D23 that her character will return in the upcoming "Thunderbolts" movie, leading a team of misfit MCU rogues
"These actresses are the avant-garde of their generation," said Majors. The actor voiced his respect for the roster of MCU actors, describing how their efforts keep beloved Marvel characters like Shuri and Yelena grounded and relatable in an ever-expanding world of wizards, aliens, and androids. "I'm very excited about this new group coming in ... And of course if any of the originals want to take a go, I welcome that."
Majors kept his lips sealed regarding spoilers for "Avengers: Secret Wars", revealing he's just as in the dark about his character's future as everyone else. Fans can expect to see Majors in "Quantumania" in theatres from February 17, 2013, before the character returns for 2025's "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty." "Avengers: Secret Wars" is set to hit theatres May 1, 2026. All of the "Avengers" films, and (most of) the MCU titles, can currently be streamed on Disney+.