Originally, the upcoming Avengers film was titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. It was later changed to Avengers: Doomsday. (We hope you already know why – if not, that’s a problem!)
Simply changing The Kang Dynasty to Doomsday isn’t just a matter of replacing a name and updating the titles. Even if Kang doesn’t appear in future films, we believe Kang and Doctor Doom likely shared a backstory within the Marvel Cinematic Universe-events that may have already occurred but weren’t shown on screen. Actually, certain things we did see happen throughout the MCU could be a direct consequence of their actions.
We’ve created a new Marvel video exploring this topic; you can watch it below to discover the complete backstory of these supervillains and how their histories connect.
If you enjoyed that video about the hidden histories of Doctor Doom and Kang, be sure to check out more of our content. We have videos covering the newest plot points for Avengers: Doomsday, an initial look at the Avengers: Doomsday trailer, and an explanation of how Steve Rogers’ choices at the end of Avengers: Endgame led to the emergence of Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. You can find even more videos on the ScreenCrush YouTube channel, so don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated with all our upcoming episodes! The next major Marvel multiverse film, Avengers: Doomsday, is set to release in theaters on December 18, 2026.
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Forgotten Animated Disney Movies That Deserve Another Look
1. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
While few were eagerly anticipating a follow-up to 1977’s The Rescuers – a pleasant, but not particularly famous adventure film from Disney’s less successful period – 1990’s The Rescuers Down Under is a surprisingly excellent sequel. In fact, it’s far better than the original. The story centers around a pair of mouse rescue agents who embark on a mission to save a young boy kidnapped by a dangerous poacher in the Australian Outback.
Featuring breathtaking aerial sequences that rival those of Toothless and Hiccup, a beautifully realized Australian wilderness setting, and vividly animated characters, it’s a shame this somewhat overlooked film was released between two Disney animation classics – The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast – but it still holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up watching VHS tapes in the 1990s.
2. Onward (2020)
The newest film on this list, 2020’s Onward, unfortunately suffered from poor timing. Because it was released in early 2020, when movie theaters across the country were closing due to Covid-19, this fantasy film-about two brothers on a journey-didn’t have much opportunity to succeed in theaters. Many viewers were understandably focused on what was happening in the world at the time, so it didn’t get the attention it deserved, although it did perform better when released for home viewing.
It’s disappointing that even after five years, Onward is often left out of discussions about the best recent Pixar films. It’s a touching and magical story with beautiful animation, characters you’ll love, and a meaningful message about dealing with loss and, well, moving onward.
3. Treasure Planet (2002)
Released among a wave of science fiction-inspired animated films in the early 2000s (including another one appearing later in this list), the 2002 movie Treasure Planet is unique for its imaginative, space-based reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Treasure Island. The film didn’t do well in theaters when it came out, partly because the animation industry was moving toward CGI, following the success of movies like Toy Story and Shrek.
However, over time, Treasure Planet has gained a dedicated fanbase and is now appreciated for its well-crafted characters, stunning blend of fairytale and science fiction visuals, and moving story about finding your purpose in life. As John Silver says in the movie, it truly has the potential to be something special.
4. Dinosaur (2000)
Coming out at the start of the new millennium, Disney’s Dinosaur marked a fresh start for the studio, but surprisingly, many people have forgotten it exists after 25 years. The movie uniquely combined real-life footage with computer-generated images to tell the story of a dinosaur and the family he finds as they search for a new home after a devastating meteorite strike. It was the most successful animated film of its year, earned mostly good reviews, and even became the basis for an attraction at Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, it has faded from memory, overshadowed by Disney’s move away from its classic Renaissance period and into a new era of filmmaking.
5. The Black Cauldron (1985)
Okay, let me tell you about The Black Cauldron from 1985. It’s definitely one of the more debated Disney films, and honestly, it’s not a favorite with a lot of fans. It almost stopped Disney in its tracks – it was a huge flop when it came out. People criticized it for changing a lot from the original books and for being way too gloomy and not developing the characters enough. And yeah, those criticisms are fair. But, over the last 40 years, it’s built up a really dedicated cult following. Why? Because it has this incredibly unique, dark fantasy vibe, the animation is truly enchanting, and the villain is legitimately scary. It’s a film that, despite its initial failure, has really earned its place.
6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
When it comes to Disney movies, Atlantis: The Lost Empire is likely the one most dedicated fans remember, particularly those who’ve long hoped for a live-action version. (It really makes you wonder why Disney hasn’t made it yet!) However, it’s not widely known by most people and is rarely mentioned by the company itself-probably because it came out right after Disney’s incredibly successful Renaissance period and was very different from the types of movies audiences expected at the time.
This sci-fi movie tells the story of a diverse team of explorers who journey to the lost city of Atlantis, seeking a powerful, ancient force. It’s a grand, exciting adventure with beautiful animation, a unique visual style inspired by Jules Verne, and memorable characters. While it’s not flawless, it’s definitely a very enjoyable film.
7. Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Coming out during a somewhat uncertain period for Disney after the Renaissance, the 2007 film Meet the Robinsons struggled to gain traction against strong competition from studios like Pixar. This resulted in disappointing ticket sales and the cancellation of any planned sequels. However, the story-about a young, orphaned inventor who journeys to the future to stop a strange man from altering his destiny-has since become a favorite among many. People appreciate its unexpectedly moving story, its wonderfully quirky characters, and its cheerful, vintage-inspired futuristic look.
8. Brother Bear (2003)
As a big Disney fan, I feel like 2003’s Brother Bear doesn’t get nearly enough love. It’s one of the last traditionally animated films from Disney, but it often gets overlooked when people talk about the studio’s early 2000s hits. Everyone remembers Lilo & Stitch and the Pixar movies like Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles – and those films *are* fantastic and influential. But Brother Bear has a really touching story about brotherhood and learning to forgive, which I think anyone can connect with. What’s more, it’s a visually stunning movie, with beautiful animation of North American landscapes, a great soundtrack by Phil Collins, and really strong voice performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Suarez. It’s truly an underappreciated gem.
9. A Bug’s Life (1998)
You know, it’s funny – like the little insects this movie is about, 1998’s A Bug’s Life often gets overlooked when people talk about Pixar’s greatest achievements. As the studio’s second film, after Toy Story, it’s definitely a classic in the eyes of many, but it feels strangely forgotten when stacked up against other Pixar giants.
I found the story incredibly inventive – it centers on a well-intentioned, if a little clumsy, ant who sets out to find help for his colony, only to stumble upon a wonderfully quirky flea circus. It’s a charming and visually vibrant film, filled with characters you’ll genuinely remember and laugh with. But beyond the fun, it actually delivers a surprisingly powerful message, especially for its time, about issues like capitalism and the importance of community.
10. Bolt (2008)
Bolt earned generally positive reviews and did reasonably well in theaters when it came out in 2008, but today it’s largely remembered as a minor part of a changing time for Disney animation. The film centers on a very enthusiastic dog who’s the star of a popular TV show and mistakenly believes he has real superpowers. He has to figure out how to get home-and accept reality-after escaping the set. Coming out during Pixar’s peak success and in between Disney’s classic Renaissance period and the start of its successful Revival era with 2010’s Tangled, this computer-animated comedy about a road trip with a buddy didn’t achieve the same level of artistic recognition or lasting impact on viewers. However, it remains a delightful and touching story, boasting a strong voice cast and lively, vibrant animation.
11. Frankenweenie (2012)
It’s been over ten years since Tim Burton’s spooky and funny movie Frankenweenie came out in 2012, and it seems to have been largely forgotten, even when people talk about Halloween films for families. This is unfortunate, given the considerable artistry and creativity that went into this lighthearted parody of classic sci-fi horror. The movie, which is based on a 1984 short film by Disney and Burton, tells the story of a boy who brings his dead dog back to life. This leads to trouble when his friends try to replicate his experiment. With striking black-and-white, stop-motion animation and endearing characters, this overlooked Burton film is surprisingly touching, even with its reanimated subject matter.
