While the reasons behind the departure are unknown, rumors swirl that writer Jeff Loveness is next on the chopping block in a massive overhaul meant to remove Johnathon Majors and the Kang character completely; the troubled film is still slated for a May 1, 2026 release.
Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) has stepped down from his role as director of Marvel Studio’s upcoming feature, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, according to Variety. No reason has been provided for the exit.
Production on Kang Dynasty was already troubled before Cretton’s exit. The project has faced controversy surrounding Kang actor Jonathan Majors, with speculation that the character could get dropped altogether; rumors are currently swirling that writer Jeff Loveness (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania) will also be removed to steer the film in a new direction sans Kang. Separate from drama within the creative team, the film’s release was also delayed until May 1, 2026 due to the writers strike.
So far, plot details have not been revealed for the upcoming film. Audiences have become acquainted with Kang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumani, as well as the Loki series, but with the multiverse in play, any version of the character is possible. If Kang gets scrapped altogether, that could mean huge changes to Marvel Phases 5 and 6.
Cretton still operates under an overall deal with Marvel, and is developing a live-action series centered on Wonder Man, for which he directs and executive produces alongside writer-producer Andrew Guest (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Community). He is also working on a feature sequel to Shang-Chi.
For now, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty is still slated for a May 1, 2026 release.
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