Future of the MCU in Question, ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ Loses Director

Rumors have circulated this week about Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (2026) being canceled, but now sources confirm Marvel has lost the film’s director, Destin Daniel Cretton. As the story develops, fans are questioning what’s in store for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Credit: Marvel

Destin Daniel Cretton directed several successful films, most notably Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). Shang-Chi was a roaring success with MCU fans, grossing over $432 million globally. Cretton is currently directing a sequel to this film, one of his many projects with the MCU.

Although we know that a sequel to Shang-Chi is in the works, little additional information has been confirmed. It currently remains untitled and without a future release date. However, it’s very likely that a sequel will eventually follow, thanks to the success of the first film. Few updates have been shared since 2021, but we are hopeful that stars from the cast, including Simu Liu, Meng’er Zhang, Awkwafina, and Tony Leung.

It seems that even though he is leaving Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, he’s planning to stay with other active projects. In addition to Shang-Chi 2, he’s also working on Wonder Man. As he is still working with Marvel on these films, it is possible that he could still be considered for future films like Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).

Credit: Marvel Studios

Following a disappointing opening weekend for The Marvels, it seems like the MCU just can’t catch a break. Earlier this week, sources confirmed the removal of Marvel writer Jeff Loveness from the film’s team. This started a circulation of rumors, including rumors of the film being canceled in its entirety. These rumors stand to be rumors, but without a director, the future of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty remains unknown.

Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, scheduled to premiere on May 1, 2026, remains in the MCU future. Marvel Cinematic Universe Stars Brie Larson, Jonathan Majors, Hailee Steinfeld, Iman Vellani, Florence Pugh, and Chris Hemsworth are all cast in the upcoming film. Brie Larson and Iman Vellani recently starred alongside Teyonah Parris in Disney’s latest Marvel installment, The Marvels (2023). Likewise, Jonathan Majors just starred alongside Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson in season 2 of Loki on Disney+.

Related: Tom Hiddleston Says Goodbye to Loki After 14-Year-Long Marvel Journey

Credit: MCU

Aside from the recent box office flops, The Marvels and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), Marvel has seen recent success this year from Loki season 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 premiered in May and grossed over $845 million worldwide. Season 2 of Loki was a promising success, resulting in over 11 million viewers tuning in week after week to watch. As we look to the future of the MCU, we hope that trends will continue to increase, leading to more stories for fans worldwide.