Marvel fans are shocked to find that Star Wars actor John Boyega is not interested in associating himself with the $30-billion universe. Ever since Disney cut ties with Kang actor Jonathan Majors over his legal troubles, fans have been speculating about the MCU recasting the role. Among other actors, Boyega was one of the fan favorites to take over the role.
Boyega rose to international prominence with his role as Finn in the Disney Star Wars movies. While he wasn’t exactly happy with how his Star Wars role turned out, fans never expected him to show an aversion to a big franchise like the MCU.
Marvel Fans Receive A Reality Check As John Boyega Says No To Kang Role
Marvel had set up Jonathan Majors‘ Kang as their next Thanos-level threat in the MCU. He played the villain role in Loki as well as last year’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. However, he was found guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment and Disney/Marvel had to cut ties with him.
While Marvel fans were disappointed at how things went bad for the studio, they began suggesting possible replacements for the role. One of the favorites was John Boyega, whom fans felt needed a break after Disney mishandled his character in Star Wars. In a recent exchange with a Marvel fan, Boyega made his stance clear on playing Kang.
When the fan basically told him to get in touch with Marvel for the Kang role, Boyega shared a gif of Donkey from Shrek shaking his head (via Culture Crave | X). It was a clear “no, thanks!” from the actor and Marvel fans couldn’t take it. Responding to the news, one fan wondered why an actor would refuse a major role in the MCU.
Another fan shared that it may not be smart for the actor to turn down MCU money, which could make him richer. One Marvel fan shared that they thought he wanted a bigger role after Finn, but added that the actor was still carrying wounds from his earlier franchise role.
Fans also supported his decision, with one commenting that Marvel isn’t what it used to be. Another shared that he was done with Disney after Star Wars and did not want to go through the whole ordeal again. Some of the fan reactions read:
why would someone not want a major role in the MCU
— Misko☂️🎈 (@Im_Misko) December 19, 2023
It’s smart and not at the same time cause let’s face it I would never turn down MCU money that’s fucking BANK right there. Milk tf outa that
— 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 (@CrossingTGL) December 19, 2023
it’s a bigger role for him… i thought that’s what he wanted…or is he still crying he wasn’t a jedi??
— 💕☁️ (@yzyclouds) December 19, 2023
MCU is not what it was. I wouldn't do it if I was him.
— Edward the Bruce (@mastae0030) December 19, 2023
Lol he's done with Disney 😂
— 🇵🇸 (@blackyrock07) December 19, 2023
The man does not need to put himself through that again.
— Joey Pedras (@JoeyPedras) December 19, 2023
However, Boyega may have put his issues with Disney behind him. The studio invited him for a meeting to discuss ways to better support BIPOC actors in the future (via THR). Boyega, in turn, also appreciated Disney protecting Moses Ingram, the Black actress who played Reva Sevander in Obi-Wan Kenobi, when she faced online harassment in the form of racist messages (via SiriusXM).
Disney May Have Already Found Its Kang Replacement
While Marvel fans still find it difficult to swallow John Boyega’s epic response, they may get some Kang updates soon. Marvel insider Daniel Richtman has provided a scoop in his latest Patreon discussion about recasting Kang. He has still no clue who the actor playing Kang is, but he has got word that Disney has picked their Kang replacement.
Richtman shared the possibility that Kevin Feige will announce the new actor in the role during the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con. The event is crucial for Marvel Studios’ Hall H panel this year, as they will be discussing the direction of the universe after Phase Five. The new Kang replacement would also provide some clarity in that aspect.
Besides Boyega, one of the other fan-favorites for the role is Colman Domingo. The Oscar-nominated actor had expressed his interest in playing the character and would be a great addition to the MCU. However, he is much older than Jonathan Majors, which might be an issue in casting him.
Marvel will be kicking off Comic-Con weekend with a Hall H panel on Thursday, July 25.
