The MCU has undergone significant changes since Avengers: Endgame, most notably the absence of an active Avengers team. While new heroes are emerging to fill the void left by Iron Man and Captain America, a full-fledged Avengers movie remains some time away. Even Captain America: Brave New World avoids a complete reunion of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
A proper Avengers team-up is only slated for the end of Phase 6, with the back-to-back releases of Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. But who will answer the call? Let's examine the likely candidates for Phase 6's Avengers roster.
The Next Generation of Avengers
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Wong
Following Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' departure, Benedict Wong's Wong has become a pivotal figure in Phases 4 and 5, acting as a unifying force within the MCU. His appearances in numerous post-Endgame projects, including Spider-Man: No Way Home, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, solidify his importance. His comedic dynamic with Madisynn in She-Hulk further enhances his appeal.
Having inherited the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, Wong's proactive defense of the world against emerging threats positions him perfectly for a key role in the reassembled Avengers.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is virtually assured a place among the Phase 6 Avengers. His summoning by Wong in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Destin Daniel Cretton's initial involvement with Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (before directorial changes) strongly suggest significant plans for Shang-Chi's future.
His mastery of the mystical Ten Rings makes him a valuable asset, and the mid-credits scene in Shang-Chi hints at a larger mystery surrounding these artifacts, potentially relevant to Avengers: Doomsday.
Doctor Strange
Despite Wong's current status as Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange's expertise in magic and the multiverse remains invaluable to the Avengers. His involvement in another universe, assisting Clea with the Incursion problem, suggests a continued significant role, even if a new Doctor Strange film doesn't precede Doomsday. The Multiverse of Madness tease of a confrontation with Doctor Doom strongly implies his presence in the upcoming Avengers films.
Captain America
The Avengers need a Captain America. While Chris Evans' Steve Rogers has retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Captain America: Brave New World showcase Sam's journey and eventual acceptance of leadership, setting the stage for his crucial role in reuniting the team. His potential to become an inspirational figurehead, mirroring Steve Rogers, remains a key question for Doomsday and Secret Wars.
War Machine
Don Cheadle's War Machine, previously a supporting character, is poised for a more prominent role in the Multiverse Saga. Armor Wars, focusing on Rhodey's efforts to prevent Tony Stark's technology from falling into the wrong hands, builds upon Secret Invasion's revelation of a Skrull imposter. His experience and firepower make him a natural fit for the Avengers, filling the void left by Iron Man.
Ironheart
Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams, introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is a strong contender to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her creation of her own armor and intellectual contributions in Wakanda Forever, along with her upcoming solo series, Ironheart, position her for a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday. Her intelligence will be a crucial asset against powerful villains.
Spider-Man
Tom Holland's Spider-Man remains a flagship MCU hero, despite his decision to relinquish his public identity. His involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars seems likely, barring any further conflicts between Marvel Studios and Sony. The world's amnesia regarding Spider-Man's identity presents a challenge, but theories suggest Wong may still know his secret, facilitating his return.
She-Hulk
While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk will likely have a role, his post-Endgame appearances and the introduction of his son, Skaar, suggest a more supporting role. Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk, however, is emerging as a powerful Avenger, combining legal acumen, physical strength, and a unique personality.
The Marvels
Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan, having formed a team in The Marvels, are strong candidates for the new Avengers. Captain Marvel's leadership qualities and the unresolved mystery surrounding Monica's abilities suggest significant roles. Kamala's potential involvement with the Young Avengers doesn't preclude her joining the main Avengers team.
A Crowded Roster?
The potential Avengers roster for Doomsday is substantial, exceeding the original six. While managing a large ensemble presents challenges, the comics have successfully utilized expansive rosters and multiple teams. The MCU could adopt a similar approach, forming smaller task forces from a larger pool of heroes.
Hawkeye & Kate Bishop
The Avengers need archers. While Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye may be retiring, his potential return is hinted at. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, approached by Kamala in The Marvels, is a likely addition to the team.
Thor
Thor, potentially the last remaining original Avenger in a prominent role, is a likely candidate. Thor: Love and Thunder's ending positions him well for future defense of Earth. The Secret Wars comic's Thor Corps suggests multiple Thors could appear.
The Ant-Man Family
The Ant-Man family's importance, highlighted by their involvement with Kang in Quantumania, suggests continued relevance in Doomsday. The Quantum Realm's significance and the potential for its exploitation by villains like Doom point to their continued involvement.
Star-Lord
While the Guardians of the Galaxy's role remains uncertain, Star-Lord's return to Earth in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests a potential involvement in Doomsday. His leadership style and potential conflict with other Avengers leaders present an interesting dynamic.
Black Panther
Wakanda's resources and technological capabilities make it a valuable asset to the Avengers. With Shuri now wearing the Black Panther suit, and M'Baku as the new king, Wakanda's continued support for the Avengers is likely.
Who leads the new Avengers team? That's a question for the audience to decide.
AnswerSee ResultsFor further insights into the MCU's future, explore the possibility of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and review all upcoming Marvel movies and series.
Note - this article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.
