Unbelievable MCU Phase 4 fan theory suggests Harley Keener from 'Iron Man 3' may go on to become Kang the Conqueror
While there have been ample theories dished out each day around the supervillains in MCU's Phase 4, a reddit user has hinted at the possibility of introducing the supervillain, Kang the Conqueror, in the upcoming phase.
The 'Iron Man' trilogy has been a key reference point to pull out villains. For instance, 'Spider-Man: Far From Home's Mysterio had strong ties to 'Iron Man 2', while 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' connects with 'Iron Man' and 'Iron Man 3'. Namor's entry to the MCU too was speculated in the post-credits scene in 'Iron Man 2' as well.
'Iron Man 3' introduced us to Harley Keener (Ty Simpkins), an accidental sidekick who takes care of the damaged Mark 46 armor after it crashlands near Tennessee. Last we saw, he was a grown-up present during Tony Stark's (Robert Downey Jr.) funeral in 'Avengers: Endgame'. Harley was the first kid with whom Stark developed a father-like relationship and then followed it up with Peter Parker.
A fan on Reddit fleshed out the details in full about how Harley may play a bigger role in the near future. The theory goes on to say that Harley was well on his way to becoming Iron Lad (played by Nathaniel Richards in the comics). If the series sticks to the Iron Lad comic plot, then Harley would eventually become Kang the Conqueror.
While the theory looks believable and unbelievable at the same time, there's proof that it could hold true. Kang's signature tool is time travel. The last person we saw who made it possible was Tony Stark and this could mean Harley did some research of his own and managed to crack the time travel code just like Stark.
At this stage, it is not clear why Harley would choose the path of a villain. The easiest explanations are Harley trying to go back in time and setting things right by stopping the whole Thanos affair in the first place. While the theory may seem outlandish, it's something Harley may actually do. Or he's just plain mad at the Avengers for letting their colleague die in the battle against Thanos.