The Loki has come to an end, and Marvel Studios' plan for the future phases is clear. Sylvie unleashed the "He Who Remains" variants, which can easily serve a dual role in the MCU — both as introducing an overarching antagonist as well as the force that propels the next phase forward.
Jonathan Majors brilliantly portrayed the manic "He Who Remains" in the final episode of season 1 of Loki, and the actor will likely play similar roles in future MCU properties — including playing Kang. Although the Loki villain never outright calls himself “Kang the Conqueror,” he does make many references that make this fact obvious. Much like Thanos — who made his debut during the end credits scene for 2012's The Avengers — Kang the Conqueror’s first appearance in Loki was rather unexpected, and almost certainly will lead to a much bigger role in the MCU going forward.
The Loki finale laid the groundwork for the next major storyline in the franchise — and Kang will likely be at its center. Future films could feature (or at least reference) vastly different versions of Kang who have their own goals. In fact, audiences may not have to wait until 2023’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania for Kang the Conqueror’s return: His presence (or that of his “infinite” variants) may very well be felt throughout the next few movies, which are set to deal with the multiverse. This would be similar to how the Infinity Stones connected previous MCU stories.
The Infinity Stones appeared in ten of the 23 movies that made up the Infinity Saga. They propelled stories forward, brought deep backstories and dark histories to light, gave characters powers, and ultimately led to the decimation of half of all life in the universe. Even if they weren't featured in particular films, the presence of the Infinity Stones was still felt. This will likely be what happens with the "He Who Remains" variants going forward in the MCU. Not only will Kang or even Immortus likely serve as major antagonists in the franchise's future, but their introductions will have rippling effects throughout. While the Infinity Stones gave Vision, Captain Marvel, and Scarlet Witch their powers, Kang variants may be able to serve a similar role as the catalyst that gives new MCU heroes their powers.
Given how much power "He Who Remains" had over the prime timeline and the TVA, one can only imagine what the other variants can accomplish — and the damage they can cause. Perhaps a particular variant tamed and controlled Shuma-Gorath, the villain in Kang the Conqueror and his infinite variants can be the most formidable foes Marvel’s heroes have yet to face.
