Despite fan speculation, Colman Domingo will not be appearing as Kang in the MCU. In a Variety interview, he confirmed he met with Marvel executives but never seriously considered replacing Jonathan Majors. The reason was that it didn’t “feel right“. He wants a role he can truly make his own. And above all, Marvel has already moved on.
With Robert Downey Jr. reportedly stepping into the role of Doctor Doom in the next Avengers phase, Marvel is clearly rewriting the villain narrative entirely. This leaves little room for Kang’s multiversal storyline, let alone a recast. So while Domingo might still join the MCU one day, it won’t be in Majors’ shadow, and not in a storyline that Downey just took over.
Domingo’s ‘Wicked: For Good‘ Role Can Make Up For Not Becoming MCU’s New Kang
Domingo has officially been cast as the voice of the Cowardly Lion in Wicked: For Good, the second part of the film adaptation of the Broadway musical. His role as a beloved character in this iconic fantasy franchise puts him at the centre of one of the most timeless and treasured tales ever told.
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With Wicked: Part One generating massive anticipation, Domingo steps into Part Two with strong momentum. The franchise is expected to dominate box offices and the awards season, offering career-defining visibility. He is all set to join a stacked cast including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
While the MCU is crowded, Wicked gives him the space to truly shine. As a trained theater actor with a Tony nomination, this role allows him to showcase his full artistic range, combining acting and singing in a way that reflects his theatrical roots more directly than a CGI-driven Marvel superhero role might.
More importantly, this part gives Domingo the chance to lead a major franchise on his own terms, offering creative freedom and a unique platform that a recast MCU villain role might not provide.
Our Thoughts on Colman Domingo’s ‘Wicked‘ Role: Who Is the Cowardly Lion?
The Cowardly Lion is a symbol of courage in the face of fear in the Land of Oz, created by American author L. Frank Baum. Despite being called “cowardly,” the Lion’s journey is about finding inner bravery and self-confidence.
In Wicked, the world around him makes him feel weak or afraid. His fear comes from how others treat him, not who he really is. The role requires both a strong vocal presence and emotional range, qualities Domingo has consistently shown on stage and screen, making him an ideal fit. Unlike the original Wizard of Oz, Wicked gives the Lion more personality and backstory, offering Domingo a chance to bring new life to this well-known character.
With his talent and presence, Domingo has the opportunity to expand the Cowardly Lion’s role and meaning, redefining him for a new generation of audiences.
It’s a role with a powerful presence and symbolic weight, much like Kang, but in a completely different cinematic universe. What do you think about Colman Domingo’s casting as the Cowardly Lion? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
