The inclusion of Kang the Conqueror in Ant-Man 3 can lead straight into Avengers 5. It’s been reported that Lovecraft Country actor Jonathan Majors has been cast as Kang in the third installment in the Ant-Man series. According to the report, Kang will have a “major role” in the film.

Like the last two movies, Ant-Man 3 will be directed by Peyton Reed. The movie will mark the fifth big screen appearance for Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang, who recently helped Earth’s Mightiest Heroes reverse Thanos’ snap in Avengers: Endgame. The movie will presumably continue the stories of Ant-Man, the Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). Similar to Guardians of the Galaxy 3 and Blade, Ant-Man 3 is an upcoming Marvel movie that doesn’t yet have a release date, which means that unless Phase 4 is extended, it will most likely be a part of Phase 5.

Related: Marvel Theory: How Ant-Man 3 Could Introduce The Fantastic Four

Previously, Scott Lang and his friends have gone up against Yellowjacket (Corey Stoll) and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), who were both challenging adversaries for the characters. Ant-Man 3, however, will put Scott Lang in an even greater bind if it’s true that his opponent is classic Avengers villain and time-traveler from the future, Kang the Conqueror. Considering Kang’s reputation in the comics, beating him for good may take more than just one movie. Here’s how Ant-Man 3 can set up Kang as the villain for the next Avengers movie.

Kang the Conqueror in Marvel Comics Explained

Kang The Conqueror fights the Avengers in Marvel Comics.

In Avengers #8 in 1964, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hank Pym, and the Wasp were paid a visit by a mysterious man from the future who called himself Kang the Conqueror. Armed with an arsenal of high-tech weapons, Kang seemed to have an answer for each and every one of the Avengers’ attacks. After defeating the team, he explained that his plan was to rule the entire planet. After listening to Kang’s story, the Avengers learned that Kang was born nearly a millennium into the future. Kang explained that after spending some time in the distant past as the ruler of the Egyptians, he used his ship to take himself to the 40th century, where he found a “dying world” populated by savages. While there, Kang discovered that the people there had access to scientific advancements left behind by a previous civilization, but none understood how to properly utilize them. Sensing an opportunity, Kang confiscated their technology and conquered their world. When he became bored with them, he set his sights on the 20th century.

Due to his overconfidence, Kang underestimated his “primitive” opponents and was beaten by the Avengers. His defeat became the beginning of a long-standing rivalry. Kang’s hatred for the Avengers grew so strong that he was even willing to sacrifice those closest to him to get his revenge. This even included the woman he loved, Princess Ravonna. Over the years, the egotistical time-traveler has made multiple attempts to conquer the Earth and beat the Avengers, but his efforts are always thwarted.

Kang Is In Ant-Man 3 - But Needs To Be A Bigger MCU Villain

Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lily in Ant-Man and the Wasp

As one of the greatest villains the heroes of the Marvel Universe have ever faced, it’s good that Kang is joining the MCU, but it’s important that the movies use him to his full potential. Despite being a human mortal who relies on technology, Kang has tested the Avengers more than most of their god-like and super-powered opponents. How he’s able to be such a tremendous threat to a team that includes heroes like Thor and Hercules is a testament to just how dangerous he really is. Plus, Kang has been the focus of several of the Avengers’ toughest battles, including the story, Avengers Forever. That’s why it would be a major disappointment if Ant-Man 3 turns out to be the extent of Marvel’s plans for him. The comic book character has forced the Avengers to rally their forces to take him down on multiple occasions, which gives his MCU counterpart big shoes to fill. He can’t live up to the expectations the comics have set for him by fighting just Ant-Man and the Wasp. What he needs is an entire team of heroes to oppose him.

Related: Avengers 5 Theory: Thor Will Be The ONLY Original Team Member

How Ant-Man 3 Can Set Kang Up For Avengers 5

Marvel Comics Kang

It’s possible that his conflict with Scott Lang and the others in Ant-Man 3 is just one minor phase in his plan. Whatever his intentions may be, they’re sure to be connected to the Quantum Realm in one way or another, especially since Kang is a time-traveler and the Quantum Realm, a plot device that was introduced in Ant-Man is used for that very purpose. It could be to get what he needs to complete his master plan – whatever that may be – Kang needs technology from Hank Pym. It’s possible that Kang will operate as a side villain who aids Ant-Man 3’s real main antagonist. If that’s the case, Kang doesn’t have to be defeated in the movie. In fact, Kang may actually win. That would help get the point across to audiences that Kang the Conqueror is a villain who isn’t to be trifled with. After he accomplishes his goal, he could flee the timeline. His victory over Ant-Man would create a loose end to be tied up in Avengers 5, where he would finally put his scheme into action.

What Kang As Avengers 5's Villain Means For The MCU

Kang The Conqueror prepares to attack in Marvel Comics.

Kang the Conqueror being the villain of Avengers 5 would have huge implications for the MCU going forward. That being said, given the fact that Marvel isn’t intending to top Endgame and Infinity War in terms of scale, Marvel may not make this a story that extends across two Avengers movie, and so its Kang story may end with Avengers 5. But, that doesn’t mean that Kang will only get to make two MCU appearances. Ant-Man 3 doesn’t necessarily have to be Kang’s MCU debut. It may be that Kang is actually Doctor Strange 2’s mystery guest character. Strange’s visits to different timelines could cause him to briefly bump into Kang. Or, a post-credits scene could reveal that he was secretly involved in the movie’s alternate timeline shenanigans.

He could also be worked into Disney+’s Loki series, considering that it too will incorporate elements of time travel, plus Kang has already been rumored for the show. The growing importance of time and interdimensional travel in Phase 4 makes the next few years the perfect time for Marvel to start create the building blocks for Kang’s battle with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in Avengers 5.

More: Avengers 5 Theory: Secret Wars Writes Spider-Man Out Of The MCU

Key Release Dates