Daniel Cretton Drops Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, Focuses On 2 Other MCU Projects Instead

Earlier this November, THR reported that Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’s director Destin Daniel Cretton left the project to solely focus on his other two installments: Shang-Chi 2, and then the TV series Wonder Man. Cretton is also the director of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and he’s expected to return to direct the sequel as well.

As of now, the director’s position for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty is still left vacant. Some rumors have been saying that the Russo brothers, who are responsible for Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, will return to the helm to direct the next movie. Destin Daniel Cretton is the second MCU director this month who has confirmed to leave a project, after Taika Waititi left Thor 5.

However, this event means good news for Shang-Chi fans, as now Cretton will solely focus on Shang-Chi 2 before moving to the Wonder Man project. It also means that Shang-Chi 2 will be an important piece of the MCU Phase 6, as it’s currently being prioritized by Marvel Studios.

The first movie, Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings, received generally positive reviews from the audience. Shang-Chi is also the first-ever superhero of Asian descent to have his own solo movie in the MCU. In one of the post-credit scenes of the movie, we learn that Shang-Chi’s Ten Rings have a close connection to Kamala Khan’s bangle, and are sending a beacon into outer space.

For now, there is no confirmation just yet about Shang-Chi 2’s release date, as the schedule for upcoming MCU titles is constantly changing due to various reasons. By the looks of it, though, the sequel is expected to be released around 2026, after the theatrical premiere of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty on May 1, 2026.

As the Ten Rings are expected to be an important part of the Multiverse Saga, it’s hard to imagine the movie being released after Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. Therefore, it’s safe to say that Shang-Chi 2 will be released as a bridge between the two Avengers movies. Not much is certain, though, as the film is still in its early production stage.

It is reported that Destin Daniel Cretton will focus on the Wonder Man project only after finishing the work with Shang-Chi 2. Considering how packed the MCU schedule is between 2025 and 2027, we may have to wait another 1 or 2 years after the release of Avengers: Secret Wars to see Simon Williams on the small screen.

Since Wonder Man is more like a street-type superhero, it’s likely that he won’t be included in the Avengers lineup right away either. So far, there is little information from Marvel about the TV series.

When do you think Shang-Chi 2 and Wonder Man will be released? Who would you pick to be Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’s director? Let us know in the comments.