John Boyega to Replace Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror in Marvel? Fans Weigh In on Casting Speculation
4 min read
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press) | Marvel
Following the dismissal of actor Jonathan Majors by Marvel Studios following his conviction in an assault as well as harassment case, followers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have been abuzz with speculation about who might fill the role of Kang the Conqueror, an important character in the ongoing Multiverse Saga. The internet quickly fan-cast John Boyega as a fantasy replacement for the role. While some even released modified photographs of the actor dressed up for the job, current developments suggest he is unlikely to take the role. Boyega, most renowned for his Star Wars role, responded to a fan’s request by sending a gif of Shrek’s Donkey shaking his head “no.” This reaction is consistent with Boyega’s previous experiences and struggles in the Disney-owned Star Wars world.
A fan asked John Boyega to take over as Kang in the MCU
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) December 19, 2023
He’s not interested 😂 pic.twitter.com/Y1gM6wYXjW
Majors, who played Kang the Conqueror, was found guilty of abusing his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, on Tuesday. The Manhattan jury convicted him guilty of two misdemeanour counts of assault and harassment but acquitted him of two additional counts, intentional assault in the third degree as well as aggravated harassment in the second degree. Jabbari, a 30-year-old dancer who encountered Majors on the set of Marvel’s “Ant-Man & the Wasp: Qu antumania,” alleged Majors assaulted her after she confiscated his phone following detecting a text message from another woman. Majors faces a possibility of a one-year jail sentence as a result of his guilty conviction, with the option of probation. February 6 is the date set for sentencing.
“John Boyega should play Kang!”
— Anastasia 🎄 ast*rion’s lawyer (@Platinumllamas) December 18, 2023
The John Boyega in question: pic.twitter.com/NEJRgvxPOE
John Boyega Reacts To Fans Who Want Him To Play Kang In The MCU
Fans are clamoring for John Boyega to take over as Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he is unlikely to do so. Marvel Studios fired Majors on Monday (December 18), just hours after he was convicted of assault & harassment against his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Following the news, fans on social media suggested actors to replace Majors in the role, with Boyega being one of the most cited. “Get John Boyega in that purple and green suit STAT #Kang,” one X user remarked. “That’s it, Jonathan Majors is no longer Kang,” said another. “Bring in my man, John Boyega!” Nevertheless, before Majors’ trial last month (November 20), Boyega reacted to fan speculation by dismissing the possibility of him taking on the role. After sharing images of himself with Marvel star Anthony Mackie, a fan commented, “Tell Anthony Mackie to get in touch you with whoever is in charge of recasting Kang [sic].” Boyega responded by posting a gif of Donkey from Shrek shaking his head.
The actor, who plays Finn in the new Star Wars trilogy, had previously criticised Disney’s treatment of his character in the films. In 2020, Boyega told GQ, “You engage in projects and you’re not always going to like everything.” “What I would say to Disney is: don’t introduce a black character, market them as much more important in the franchise than they really are, and then push them to the side.” It isn’t good. “Like, you guys knew what to do with Daisy Ridley, you knew what to do with Adam Driver,” he said. You knew what to do with everyone else, however, when it came to Kelly Marie Tran and John Boyega, you knew fuck all.” Majors, who portrayed the role of Kang in Loki and Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania, was planned to reprise the role in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, which is set to be released on May 1, 2026. The film is now known as Avengers 5, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The only way I'll accept keeping Kang at this point is if he's recast as John Boyega if that ain't possible then IT'S DOOM TIME BABYYYYYYY https://t.co/78GtGdQrIP pic.twitter.com/QsHG9zriUO
— Zadman 🇬🇧🇺🇾 (@DSimmondss) December 18, 2023
For the niggas pitching John boyega to replace Jonathan majors for kang, stop it bro is not a good actor pic.twitter.com/aH1EjGmp74
— Erima (@yungfelakut1) December 19, 2023
john boyega as kang……that man is not going anywhere near disney again be so for real
— ashley/aqua 🌌 (@zacksfairs) December 18, 2023
I think he can do it John Boyega as Kang pic.twitter.com/kiEraRspTt
— 🐺ᴬᴶ (@xLoneWolfAJx) December 18, 2023
John Boyega should be the one to play Kang now pic.twitter.com/AHCkWss5zK
— Katie | Sebastian's Defender | Taylor is Mother (@sebbyswift) December 18, 2023
