Amidst legal turmoil surrounding Jonathan Majors, the anticipated fifth installment of the Avengers franchise, previously titled “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,” has encountered a significant upheaval. With Majors’ departure from the project following allegations of assault and harassment, Marvel Studios found itself in a precarious position regarding the future of the film.
Recent developments reported by The Direct indicate that Disney has opted to simplify the film’s title, now referring to it as “Avengers 5.” This decision aligns with earlier speculations about a title change in light of Majors’ exit. However, despite the rebranding, the production of the film presses forward.
Renowned insider Daniel Richtman has provided a positive update on the project, revealing that Marvel Studios is gearing up to commence filming “Avengers 5” in 2025. This announcement comes as a relief to fans who feared further delays amid the reorganization necessitated by Majors’ absence.
One of the key challenges facing Marvel Studios in the wake of Majors’ departure is the recasting of the pivotal role of Kang the Conqueror. Despite Majors’ unlikelihood of returning, the character remains integral to the overarching narrative of the Multiverse Saga. As Marvel seeks a new actor to embody Kang’s villainous persona, names like John David Washington and Coleman Domingo have surfaced as potential replacements.
Beyond the casting dilemma, the production of “Avengers 5” faces another obstacle in the form of directorial vacancies. With Destin Daniel Cretton stepping down from the project in November 2023 to focus on “Shang-Chi 2,” the film remains without a director. Similarly, “Avengers: Secret Wars” lacks a director, although speculations surrounding Sam Raimi and Shawn Levy’s involvement have circulated.
Nevertheless, Michael Waldron, known for his contributions to the MCU through projects like “Loki” and “Multiverse of Madness,” is tasked with penning the screenplays for both “Avengers 5” and “Secret Wars.”
Amidst these developments, questions loom regarding the potential involvement of characters like Shang-Chi in “Avengers 5.” Actor Simu Liu, while uncertain about Shang-Chi’s role, commended director Destin Daniel Cretton’s return for “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” hinting at the character’s continued relevance within the MCU.