Kang the Conquerer and Iron Man could have had an interesting arc in the MCU based on Kang's "powers," but it's good that the story won't happen. A version of Kang the Conquerer first appeared in Loki, but a different version will act as a major villain for the next phase of the MCU. This Kang will debut in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

In the comics, Kang is a 31st-century descendant of the Fantastic Four's Reed Richards' time-traveling father, Nathaniel Richards. Kant uses time-travel technology to jump through history, re-inventing himself multiple times and conquering Earth. Notably, Kang has no superpowers. His super strength, speed, and other abilities all come from his suit, which was constructed using 40th-century technology. Though unconfirmed, the source of Kang's powers in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania will also likely come from his high-tech suit.

Related: Loki May Already Have Spoiled Quantumania’s Ending

How Kang's Iron Man Parallels Could Help Build The MCU's Future

Tony Stark and Kang in the MCU

Kang's intelligence and suit parallel Iron Man, setting him up as a sort of anti-Iron Man. Though he's appearing after the two could possibly meet, that's better for the MCU. Kang will show how intellect, ego, and access to advanced tech could have turned Tony Stark into a villain instead of a hero. While there have been similar villains in the MCU—such as the villains of the Iron Man films and Darren Cross in Ant-Man—most weren't as smart as Tony or Kang.

These villains also didn't develop their own technology, and none became a major villain of the Marvel franchise. That position is usually reserved for aliens and gods. Kang will walk the line between man and god, acting as a dark mirror to Iron Man and setting up an interesting future for the MCU where the Avengers have to face villains more like themselves.

Why Iron Man Missing Out On A Kang Arc Is Good For His Legacy

Tony is his Mark 1 suit and Riri Williams in her Ironheart suit.

With Tony Stark dead as of Avengers: Endgame, the MCU loses the possibility of a Kang and Iron Man showdown. This could be a missed opportunity, but it sets up a better story about Tony's legacy. When the remaining active Avengers and other superheroes encounter Kang, they will be forced to face a villain who reminds them of Tony and who Tony could have possibly defeated, making his death even more tragic.

Kang's Iron Man parallels also gives Riri Williams, a.k.a. Ironheart, a chance to shine. She will be able to follow in Iron Man's footsteps, showing the positives of advanced technology combined with natural talents. The stakes will be higher with Riri, too, because she doesn't have the years of experience that Tony did. She won't be able to take down Kang the Conqueror alone, but she will carry on Iron Man's legacy in the MCU and offer hope to the other heroes.

MORE: Ant-Man & The Wasp Can't Possibly Beat Kang The Conqueror, Right?

Key Release Dates