When Marvel Studios shifted its Multiverse Saga away from Kang following Jonathan Majors’ departure, many fans assumed the iconic villain had quietly disappeared from the franchise. Hence, Kang’s surprise appearance in ‘X-Men ’97’ Season 2 was a complete shock to the audience.
The character is no longer the antagonist of the MCU’s main narrative, and Marvel has now explained why he was still featured in the animated series.
Kang’s Return Was Always Planned, Marvel Confirms
‘X-Men ’97’ producer Jake Castorena told SR in a recent interview that Kang’s presence was no last-minute addition. He said the character had always been a part of the story of the show from the initial conception of the story, even before the direction of the MCU shifted.
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“He was there from the very early drafts. As far as I remember, that was always in script phase.” Castorena said that the Rama-Tut variant of Kang had always been in the works for Season 2.
While he couldn’t speak for every discussion happening across Marvel Studios during development, he emphasized that Kang’s role existed independently of the live-action changes. He said that Marvel Studios has some degree of creative synergy between its projects, but added that ‘X-Men ’97’ is in its own universe.
“I wasn’t there. I can neither confirm nor deny if that was truly the plan, but there is always some level of synergy amongst the studios. But at the end of the day, we are definitely our own universe, and we get to act accordingly.”
This creative license also means that the animated series can tell stories without having to adhere to all the major changes taking place in the live-action MCU. Even though the cameo was brief, it served as a reminder that the character still has a place within Marvel’s wider multiverse.
Kang’s MCU Future Remains Uncertain
Kang still lives in animation, but his life in the live-action MCU seems less secure. Marvel has completely shifted its gears towards Doctor Doom, who will be the main villain of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and the upcoming films of the Multiverse Saga. It doesn’t mean Kang has been erased forever, though.
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With the multiverse, there’s always a chance for the alternate versions of iconic characters to come back, if circumstances are right. However, for the time being, it seems unlikely that Kang will return in live-action, as Doctor Doom has taken center stage.
For longtime Marvel fans, Kang’s return in ‘X-Men ’97’ is an interesting reminder that not every corner of the Marvel universe follows the same roadmap. While the live-action films take a new turn, the animated series keeps its own story going, giving classic villains like Kang one more chance to make a mark.
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