Tenet star John David Washington is rumored to be up for the role of Kang in the MCU after Jonathan Majors’ exit.

Golden Globe nominee John David Washington could end up becoming the next Kang the Conqueror, according to new rumors.

Movie scooper Daniel Richtman has shared the latest update on Marvel Studios’ plans for Kang in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After Jonathan Majors was fired from the role, rumors emerged that Fear the Walking Dead star Colman Domingo had become a frontrunner for the part. While it’s unclear if Domingo was ever formally given an offer, Richtman has now reported that John David Washington is also in consideration to potentially play the new Kang.

David was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in Spike Lee’s 2018 film BlacKkKlansman. He’d later lead the cast of Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, released in 2020, which earned him a Saturn Award for Best Actor. Washington also starred in the HBO series Ballers and had roles in other films like Monsters and Men, Malcolm & Marie, and Amsterdam. More recently, he starred in 2023’s The Creator from director Gareth Edwards.

John David Washington also happens to be the son of acclaimed Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington. While some fans have already been advocating for the younger Washington to get the part, others have called for his father to get the role. At one point, fan artwork depicting Denzel Washington as Kang had gone viral on social media. There has also been fan art made of Star Wars star John Boyega as Kang, but that actor seems to have already cast doubt on his interest in taking on that role.

Would John David Washington Be Interested in Kang?

As for whether John David Washington would be interested in the role, he hasn’t commented on playing Kang in particular, but the acclaimed actor previously teased that he’d be open to joining a superhero tentpole. In 2020, he said in an interview with Nerd Reactor that it depended upon “who’s asking,” and it would seem like there’s a good chance starring in a big-budget MCU film would be enticing enough for Washington to consider.

“I think it depends on who’s asking, what director wants to do it with me,” as Washington said. “We’ll see, I want to stay open. I don’t want to box myself in. Maybe there’s characters that haven’t been mentioned yet, or maybe even developed, that haven’t been introduced in any of the films yet. I’d like to see what they come up with, if I ever get asked.”

Avengers 5 is currently scheduled to be released in movie theaters on May 1, 2026.