Kevin Feige Explains Why Kang Is ‘a New Kind of Bad’ for the MCU

Jonathan Majors is set to introduce the Marvel Cinematic Universe to its next big bad villain in Kang the Conqueror. In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige explained how different Kang is from the MCU’s previous overarching villain.

Speaking to Empire about the upcoming Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Marvel Studios boss Feige noted that, for the fifth phase of the MCU, which deals heavily in the world of multiverses, Kang was a great choice to be the antagonist of the story. According to Feige, Kang allows them to do “a new kind of Big Bad,” one that is battling himself just as much as the Avengers.

“He is the obvious choice as you’re dealing with the Multiverse,” Feige said. “Kang allowed us to do a new kind of Big Bad. He’s a different type of villain, warring amongst themselves as much as he’s warring with our heroes. Kang’s a very powerful person, but when we meet him he’s in a position where he needs to get that power back. He has a ship and a device that would allow him to go anywhere, and anywhen he wants if he can get it online. If only he had access to genius scientists with Pym particles.”

Feige’s comments set the stage for the third entry in the Ant-Man franchise, which will see Kang looking to work with Ant-Man for his own plans. Of course, judging by the most recent trailer for the film, it doesn’t seem like Ant-Man and Kang’s relationship goes well.

The upcoming sequel will also introduce MCU newcomer Kathryn Newton (The Society, Freaky) as she now takes over the role of Cassie Lang, a character previously portrayed by Abby Ryder Fortson in the first two Ant-Man films and Emma Fuhrmann in Endgame. Lovecraft Country star Jonathan Majors plays Marvel villain Kang the Conqueror, while Ghostbusters star Bill Murray appears as Lord Krylar.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is slated to release on February 17, 2023.