A brilliantly bizarre Avengers 5 and Avengers: Secret Wars theory has graced social media in light of the recent developments surrounding Kang the Conqueror’s murky future in the MCU narrative.
Marvel Studios only recently announced that Jonathan Majors was beck sacked. The actor being pronounced guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment appears to have cut short his superhero franchise tenure. In response, fans have scampered to offer their speculation on how the MCU plans to settle with this change.
Read more: Secret Wars: 4 Villains That Already Exist in MCU Who Can Replace Jonathan Majors’ Kang!
Some theories underscored full-fledged rewrites of the mega villain, a few proposed swapping the multiversal big bad with other equally terrifying Marvel antagonists, and most believe a recast to be a logical next step. However, one specific (and comically bizarre) suggestion, posted on Twitter, puts forth the idea of replacing Majors’ Kang with renowned Chinese-born Singaporean martial artist and actor Jet Li.
Sounds crazy? Wait till you learn of the rib-tickling theory that supports this suggestion!
One Secret Wars Theory Suggests Jet Li As A Kang Variant
If you’re an MCU fan, you may have come across fellow enthusiasts clamoring for other Hollywood celebrities to step into the shoes of Kang the Conqueror. Some names frequently thrown into the mix have been Will Smith, John David Washington, Aldis Hodge, Ray Fisher, Denzel Washington, etc. However, a new and unexpected name has seemingly entered the ring of potential contenders.
And it’s none other than the one (no pun intended) and only Jet Li.
A lighthearted theory posted by renowned digital artist Kode Abdo, known commonly as BossLogic (via Twitter), suggested how the much-anticipated Kang storyline would make sense in Avengers 5 and Avengers: Secret Wars even if they opted for a recast without entirely writing out the premise. The tweet states the following:
“One of the Kang variants that happens to look very different travels from universe to universe, killing each Kang that resides in each said universe, and every time he kills one, he becomes stronger, eventually becoming The One, Kang… And hypothetically, this Kang is played by Jet Li.”
Sounds familiar? The celebrated graphic designer is jokingly alluding to Jet Li‘s 2001 film, The One, which also dealt with multiversal variants and interdimensional travel, for those who have yet to grasp the reference or can’t quite get their minds around the seemingly ridiculous notion.
The artist then shared an artwork representing the poster concept of the spoof theory, with users in the replies expressing their amusement at the headline, which reads, “Avengers: The One Dynasty.”
Jet Li Starred In A Multiverse Adventure Of His Own
Before multiverses and interdimensional adventures became the mainstream grandiose rhetoric of superhero franchises, they were frequently explored in other Hollywood endeavors. Li’s 2001 sci-fi action film, helmed by James Wong, is one such illustrious example.
In the storyline, which stars the acclaimed martial artist-film actor, rogue Multiverse agent Gabriel Yulaw travels to parallel universes to take down different variants of himself to become the superpowered mythical being known as “The One.”
The final variant, LASD officer Gabe Law, is the one set to put an end to this maddening crusade.
In the film, Jet Li plays nine roles, which include the different alternates of the main character. Action hero Jason Statham, Delroy Lindo, Carla Gugino, etc., also co-starred on the premise.
The One failed to impress the critics of the time. Presently, it stands at a 13% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The audiences, however, seemed slightly more receptive, with the score sitting at 51%. On the commercial front, the Jet Li-led pursuit grossed $79.6 million worldwide against a budget of $49 million.
Following is the artwork by BossLogic that envisions a fusion between MCU and The One:
The One, Kang. https://t.co/PhchAKP8Ep pic.twitter.com/DEQpQ0dAxW
— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) December 20, 2023
Read more: Secret Wars Update is the Death Knell for Tom Holland Fans Expecting a Grounded Spider-Man 4
With the question of what happens to Kang plaguing the superhero franchise and sparking nail-biting curiosity, fans have resorted to theories, lighthearted assumptions, and jokes to envision different possibilities. Regardless of who headlines Avengers 5 and Secret Wars as the next big baddie, MCU enjoyers will remain occupied with their speculations in anticipation of an official announcement.
Avengers 5 is scheduled to be released on May 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Avengers: Secret Wars is slated to hit theatres on May 7, 2027.
