As Marvel’s master of time manipulation, Kang the Conqueror is a villain of unparalleled complexity. With his futuristic armor and cunning intellect, he conquers timelines with horrific ease. In Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Loki, the temporal tyrant was magnificently portrayed by Jonathan Majors. Additionally, he was also set to reprise his character in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, which was projected to release in 2026. However, Majors’ recent involvement in an assault case has led many to believe that he will be replaced in his MCU role. 

If that happens, some actors who have the potential to step into the role of Kang the Conqueror could replace him. 

By order of the Peaky Blinders: Cillian Murphy

As seen in his most popular series: Peaky Blinders, Cillian Murphy holds an uncanny ability to embody the essence of a villain-like character that audiences came to love as much as a hero. His piercing gaze and enigmatic presence add depth to all the characters he portrays. Not to forget that he has also played the antagonist in another superhero flick: Dr. Jonathan Crane in DC’s Batman Begins. 

Another flick of his from 2005, Red Eye showcased his remarkable range at playing a subtle, yet intense antagonist. Through a combination of his nuanced acting skills and uniquely chilling glares, the Oppenheimer actor brings out the complexity and darkness in his villain roles beautifully. So, he would be the ideal candidate for roles like Kang that require both a sense of intrigue and unpredictability.

Why Henry Cavill should become an MCU villain after DC’s hero 

Most known for his iconic portrayals of Superman and Geralt of Rivia, Henry Cavill is in the league of actors who deliver their parts with perfection. So why would he transition from playing savior to a villain like Kang? Well, since being removed from both The Witcher and his DC role, it may be time for the British actor to enter his villain arc. Also, what better way to get back to DC than joining forces with Marvel? 

Not to forget Cavill’s portrayal of the antagonist in Mission: Impossible – Fallout gained him much praise. Especially since he went to such lengths to prepare for the role. Well, the 40-year-old’s ability to convey both menace and depth through his imposing physique is certainly perfect for Kang’s part. Additionally, his fans would probably give anything to see him in a superhero flick again. 

Or maybe it is time for a certain actor to return to his villainous roots.

Game of Thrones’ Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

In one of the biggest and most popular shows of this era: Game of Thrones, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau rose to fame through his portrayal of Jaime Lannister. To portray a member of the formidable Lannister clan, Coster-Waldau masterfully embodied a morally complex character. By blurring the lines between hero and antagonist, he brought depth and nuance to Jaime that made him a multi-dimensional villain.

Through his compelling acting in Game of Thrones, the Danish actor demonstrated his innate ability to excel in villainous roles. Since Kang The Conqueror is a role that requires varying shades of darkness, the 53-year-old’s commanding presence could make him an excellent choice for the part. After all, through Jaime Lannister, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau proved his ability to convey and add layers of depth while portraying his character.

Return of the Bond villain: Rami Malek

In one of the biggest blockbusters to come from the James Bond franchise: No Time To Die, Rami Malek took on the almost impossible task of sending shivers down the spine of 007. As Safin, he orchestrated chaos in a fashion that was nothing short of legendary. Particularly because of his intense gaze which became famous for creating unease and intrigue. Even Ryan Reynolds confessed to being a fan of his acting.

Malek’s remarkable talent is evident in his chameleon-like ability to fully inhabit characters. In 2018, his performance as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody wowed audiences. Later, he even won an Oscar for his exceptional acting in it. As Mercury, the 42-year-old exemplified his mastery over the complexity and darkness that the role of a villain demands! So, taking over from Jonathon Majors would be the perfect entry into the superhero genre for him. 

Giancarlo Esposito is a villain extraordinaire

For decades, Giancarlo Esposito’s masterful portrayal of antagonists has made him a standout choice for villain roles. In both of his most epic series: Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Esposito’s portrayal of Gustavo Fring left a lasting impression on audiences. Well, if he took on Kang, it would not be the first time he played a supervillain. By voicing Lex Luthor in Harley Quinn, the 65-year-old also impressed many with his devious portrayal of the DC character.

More recently, he also entered the fantasy genre as Moff Gideon in Star Wars: The Mandalorian. Not only as Gustavo Fring but also as Stan Edgar in the popular show: The Boys, he delivered the role of a composed and calculated adversary. Evidently, Hollywood is convinced that the Breaking Bad actor’s commanding presence and talent make him the perfect actor to breathe life into complex and captivating villains.

Which actor among these five do you think is perfect for Kang the Conqueror’s role? Share your thoughts in the comments.