The Next Big Villain of The MCU Could Be Iron Man, According to Looper

With the uncertain future of Kang the Conqueror, following Jonathan Majors’ departure, fans are speculating about potential replacements for the next big villain of the MCU. Marvel Studios might take an unexpected turn and consider Iron Man as the Multiverse Saga’s primary antagonist. This article explores the intriguing possibility of Iron Man stepping into the role and how this narrative shift could unfold – according to Looper.

The Potential Next Big Villain of The MCU

Iron Lad’s Origin in Marvel Comics

In Marvel Comics, the character Iron Lad emerges from the story of Nathaniel Richards, a younger version of Kang. Encountering his future self via time travel, Nathaniel rejects the path of villainy, adopting the alias Iron Lad. However, the narrative could diverge in the MCU, presenting a version where Nathaniel embraces his destiny as a time-travelling antagonist, posing a significant threat to the entire MCU Multiverse. Robert Downey Jr. could potentially portray this alternate take on Iron Lad, bringing a familiar face back to the franchise.

Marvel Studios’ Reassessment of Kang

Recent events, including Jonathan Majors being let go and the title changed from “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” to “Avengers 5”, show us that Marvel Studios might be rethinking Kang’s part in the Multiverse Saga. Then, the Season 2 finale of “Loki” makes everything more complicated, with Loki becoming the protector of the Multiverse, which might mean Kang isn’t a threat anymore. This uncertainty opens the door for a fresh take on Iron Lad and a new direction for the MCU’s overarching narrative.

The current ambiguity surrounding Kang’s involvement in the MCU creates an uncertain landscape for Iron Lad’s introduction. If Marvel Studios decides to distance itself from Kang, Iron Lad’s origin may undergo significant revisions. The character’s ties to Kang could also pose challenges for his integration into the MCU, leaving fans questioning whether Iron Lad will make a notable appearance at all.

FAQ

Q1: Is Iron Man’s transition to a villainous role a plausible storyline?
A1: Yes, the concept of Iron Man becoming a villain, specifically an iteration of Iron Lad, aligns with established Marvel Comics narratives and provides an intriguing twist for the MCU.

Q2: How does Loki’s role as the guardian of the Multiverse impact the Kang storyline?
A2: Loki’s ascent to become the guardian of the Multiverse, as depicted in the “Loki” Season 2 finale, introduces a new dynamic that could potentially sideline Kang and prompt Marvel Studios to explore alternative villainous arcs.

Q3: What challenges does Marvel Studios face in introducing Iron Lad without Kang’s prominent role?
A3: The main challenge lies in reshaping Iron Lad’s origin without the significant influence of Kang. Marvel Studios must navigate the evolving MCU narrative to seamlessly integrate Iron Lad into the overarching storyline.