Is Kang Coming Back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

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Everyone expects Robert Downey Jr. to play Doctor Doom in the upcoming movie, Avengers: Doomsday, and the title pretty much confirms it. It wouldn’t make sense to name a movie Doomsday and then have the Avengers fight a less significant villain. The story involving Doctor Doom is also expected to carry over into the next movie, Avengers: Secret Wars.

So, looking ahead, who else could be a big bad guy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? And could Kang be the next major villain after Doctor Doom?

While it’s a long shot, a Kang comeback isn’t out of the question. In our newest Marvel video, we dive into whether Kang might return and talk about other popular ideas for the future of Marvel villains. Check out the full conversation with the ScreenCrush team below!

Enjoyed our look at potential Avengers villains and Kang’s comeback? Check out more videos! We’ve got deep dives into the X-Men’s part in Avengers: Doomsday, everything you need to know about the Wonder Man season (including all the hidden details!), and a look at the secret actors in Avengers: Doomsday. You can find tons more content on the ScreenCrush YouTube channel – subscribe so you don’t miss our future videos! And mark your calendars: Avengers: Doomsday is coming to theaters on December 18, 2026.

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Forgotten Animated Disney Movies That Deserve Another Look

1. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

Honestly, I don’t think many people were clamoring for a sequel to The Rescuers from 1977 – it was a cute movie, but not a classic. But The Rescuers Down Under? Wow, it completely blew the original out of the water! It’s about these two amazing mouse rescue agents who go to the Australian Outback to save a boy from a poacher. The flying scenes are incredible – seriously, they rival anything from How to Train Your Dragon! And the Australian wilderness looks so real and beautiful. It’s a shame it came out between The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast because it got a little lost in the shuffle, but if you grew up watching VHS tapes in the 90s, you probably remember how much fun this movie was!

2. Onward (2020)

Pixar’s 2020 film, Onward, unfortunately suffered because of its release timing. It came out right as movie theaters were closing nationwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which significantly hurt its chances of success in theaters. While it did find an audience through streaming, many people were understandably focused on current events and didn’t see it at the time.

It’s a shame that even now, five years later, Onward is often left out of discussions about the best recent Pixar films. It’s a truly heartwarming and magical adventure with beautiful animation, endearing characters, and a touching story about dealing with loss and moving forward.

3. Treasure Planet (2002)

Released in 2002, Treasure Planet is a unique animated film that reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island in a futuristic, intergalactic setting. While it didn’t do well in theaters—partly because of the growing popularity of CGI animation like Toy Story and Shrek—it has since gained a dedicated fanbase. People now appreciate its strong characters, beautiful blend of storybook visuals and science fiction, and heartfelt story about finding your purpose. As one character famously says, the film truly has the potential for greatness.

4. Dinosaur (2000)

Released in 2000, Disney’s Dinosaur was a visually innovative film that combined live-action with computer animation. It tells the story of a dinosaur who, after a devastating meteor strike, searches for a new home with his adopted family. Despite being the highest-grossing animated movie of its year, earning positive reviews, and even inspiring a Disney World ride, the film has largely been forgotten. It seems to have been overshadowed by Disney’s shift from its popular Renaissance period to its later films.

5. The Black Cauldron (1985)

1985’s The Black Cauldron is a somewhat divisive film among Disney fans. It was a significant box-office disappointment when it came out and is often called the movie that nearly ruined Disney, due to its departure from the original books, dark themes, and underdeveloped characters. However, over the last 40 years, it’s gained a dedicated cult following. People appreciate its distinctive dark fantasy setting, beautiful animation, and truly frightening villain.

6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Among Disney fans, Atlantis: The Lost Empire hasn’t been entirely forgotten, particularly by those who’ve long hoped for a live-action adaptation. However, it’s not widely known by the general public and Disney rarely mentions it. This is likely because it came out after Disney’s hugely successful Renaissance period and was very different from the popular Disney movies audiences expected at the time.

The film is an exciting, action-filled adventure about a team of explorers searching for the lost city of Atlantis and a powerful, ancient force. While not flawless, it’s a lot of fun, featuring beautiful animation, a unique style inspired by Jules Verne, and memorable characters.

7. Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Released in 2007, Meet the Robinsons came out during a challenging period for Disney, following the studio’s successful Renaissance era. It struggled to compete with Pixar and didn’t initially resonate with audiences, resulting in low ticket sales and the cancellation of any planned sequels. However, over time, the film—about a young orphan inventor who journeys to the future to alter his destiny—has gained a dedicated fanbase. People now appreciate its surprising emotional impact, quirky characters, and vibrant, retro-futuristic design.

8. Brother Bear (2003)

As a big Disney fan, I always feel bad for Brother Bear. It came out in 2003, right when Disney was doing amazing things with Pixar, and it often gets overlooked. Everyone remembers Lilo & Stitch, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles from that era, but Brother Bear is a really beautiful film with a powerful message about family and learning to forgive. Honestly, the animation is stunning – those North American landscapes are breathtaking – and the music by Phil Collins is fantastic. Plus, Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Suarez both give incredible voice performances. It’s a truly underrated gem!

9. A Bug’s Life (1998)

Despite being a Pixar film, 1998’s A Bug’s Life often gets overlooked when people discuss the studio’s most important movies. While some consider it a classic—and rightfully so—it’s largely seen as less memorable than other big Pixar hits. The story follows a good-hearted but awkward ant who sets out to find help for his colony, only to stumble upon a quirky group of performing fleas. It’s a charming and visually appealing movie filled with funny, unforgettable characters, and it surprisingly tackles important themes about capitalism and the strength of working together.

10. Bolt (2008)

Released in 2008, Bolt was generally well-received and did reasonably well in theaters, but today it’s often overlooked. The film tells the story of a dog actor on a popular TV show who genuinely believes he has superpowers. After running away, he must find his way home and learn what’s real. Released during a successful period for Pixar and between two major eras of Disney animation – the Renaissance and the Revival – Bolt didn’t achieve the same critical or cultural success as other Disney films. However, it remains a delightful and heartwarming movie with a talented voice cast and vibrant animation.

11. Frankenweenie (2012)

Despite being released in 2012, Tim Burton’s quirky horror-comedy Frankenweenie has largely been overlooked, even when people discuss Halloween movies for families. This is unfortunate, given the incredible artistry that went into this lighthearted take on classic sci-fi horror. The film, originally a 1984 short by Disney and Burton, tells the story of a boy who brings his dog back to life, leading to comical trouble when his friends try to replicate his experiment. With beautiful black-and-white stop-motion animation and endearing characters, this Burton gem is full of warmth, even with its reanimated subject matter.

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2026-02-12 23:27