The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to stir up passionate debates among fans, and the latest twist from Disney+’s What If…? has sparked a firestorm online. According to Episode Seven of Season Three, titled “What If… the Watcher Disappeared?”, an offhand visual hint suggests that the Council of Kangs—once set to dominate the MCU’s multiversal saga—might have been eliminated off-screen. Fans, understandably, are not thrilled.
Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and what fans are saying about it.
Captain Carter’s Time Sphere: A Controversial Clue
In the episode, viewers catch a fleeting glimpse of Captain Carter emerging from a Time Sphere. This subtle detail has been interpreted as implying that Peggy Carter and her Exiles team were responsible for dismantling the Council of Kangs. While the show stops short of explicitly confirming this, the visual reference has ignited speculation.
For those unfamiliar, the Council of Kangs is a pivotal assembly of Kang the Conqueror’s multiverse variants. Introduced in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the Council was poised to play a significant role in upcoming MCU projects. However, the apparent resolution—or lack thereof—through a non-canon animated series has left fans grappling with frustration.
Fans React: Outrage and Disappointment
The revelation—or implication—did not sit well with MCU devotees, who turned to social media to voice their discontent.
“Actually laughable,” tweeted user @callmejudeeaa. “Major issues aside, the Kang storyline was definitely going to take the MCU to a new level. They really should have just recast the role.”
Another user, @Evergreen_Guard, shared their frustration, writing, “I mean I guess they had to explain their absence somehow. Still would’ve been better to keep Kang in their back pocket and have him show up whenever felt right since technically he can sensibly appear whenever due to his time travel, but oh well.”
The outrage centers around the perceived abruptness of wrapping up such a significant plotline in an animated series, especially without explicit confirmation or meaningful resolution.
Is This the End for Kang?
It’s important to note that What If…? operates outside the main MCU timeline, and its events are not considered canon. This means the Kang storyline isn’t necessarily over—at least officially. The visual gag might just be a nod to the ongoing uncertainty about the character’s future.
Even so, fans remain skeptical. Jonathan Majors, who portrayed Kang in Quantumania, is not expected to return to the MCU due to off-screen controversies. While Marvel has not announced any plans to recast the role, the character’s importance to the multiverse saga makes a return seem inevitable—if not in this form, then in another iteration.
For now, though, Marvel seems to be steering away from Kang-centric storylines, leaving fans in limbo.
What’s Next for the MCU?
The controversy raises broader questions about the direction of the MCU. With Phase Five in progress, fans are eager for clarity on the multiverse saga’s overarching narrative. The next major film, Captain America: Brave New World, is slated for a February 2025 release. However, whether this installment will address the Kang storyline remains unclear.
Here’s what we do know:
- Marvel Studios has a history of weaving intricate narratives across its films and series.
- The multiverse remains a central theme, with characters like Loki and Doctor Strange playing pivotal roles.
- The MCU’s evolving landscape suggests that future phases could revisit Kang in unexpected ways.
For now, fans will have to wait and see how Marvel addresses—or avoids—the character’s legacy.
Why This Matters to Fans
Kang was introduced as a game-changing villain, with the potential to rival Thanos in scale and complexity. The apparent sidelining of such a significant antagonist has left fans feeling betrayed. They invested in a story that, for now, feels unresolved.
Some argue that the off-screen “resolution” undermines the character’s importance. Others see it as a missed opportunity to showcase the multiverse’s chaos. Either way, the move has sparked broader discussions about Marvel’s storytelling choices and its commitment to delivering satisfying arcs.
This debate isn’t just about Kang—it’s a reflection of fans’ investment in the MCU’s interconnected universe. For many, the magic lies in the intricate narratives and memorable villains that keep them coming back for more. Whether Kang’s story continues remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Marvel has some explaining to do.
