Avengers: The Kang Dynasty finds director in Shang-Chi’s Destin Daniel Cretton

Shortly after announcing Avengers: The Kang Dynasty as part of Marvel Studios‘ plans for Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we’ve learned that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director, Destin Daniel Cretton, will direct the highly-anticipated film. Avengers: The Kang Dynasty is part of a back-to-back finale that culminates into Avengers: Secret Wars. Avengers: The Kang Dynasty releases in theaters on May 2, 2025, with Avengers: Secret Wars hitting November 7, 2025.

According to The Hollywood Reporter‘s exclusive report, The Kang Dynasty is still looking for a writer, nor has the team of heroes been revealed. It stands to reason that Avengers: The Kang Dynasty will feature a new ensemble with heroes from all corners of the MCU making up the team. This strategy is not confirmed but is almost a guarantee.

Cretton’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings grossed $432 million worldwide, which led to the filmmaker forging an overall deal with Marvel. As a part of that deal, Cretton is teaming with Andrew Guest to develop a live-action series featuring Wonder Man. Cretton will executive produce Wonder Man and direct an episode or more. A Shang-Chi sequel is also in the works.

Jonathan Majors (Lovecraft Country) plays Kang in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. A version of Kang was introduced in Marvel’s Loki series as a jovial villain with vast knowledge of future events. In the series, Kang warned Loki that killing him could result in a worse version of himself invading the MCU. Did Loki heed his words? Nope. Therefore, the MCU will feature multiple Kangs, each more villainous than the last.

Directing an Avengers movie is among the studio’s highest honors. Cretton delivered for the company with massive returns for Shang-Chi and stands to do even more in the future. I was blown away by Shang-Chi upon the film’s release and can’t wait to see how Cretton approaches a project as lofty and exciting as an Avengers epic.

What do you think about Destin Daniel Cretton coming on as director for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty? Let us know in the comments section below.