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. So, who will answer the call? Let's examine the likely candidates for Phase 6's Avengers roster.
The Next Generation of Avengers
15 Images
Wong
Following Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' departure, Benedict Wong's Wong has emerged as a pivotal figure, acting as a unifying force throughout Phases 4 and 5. 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 rapport with Madisynn in She-Hulk further enhances his appeal.
With his ascension to Sorcerer Supreme, Wong's proactive role in defending the world against emerging threats is paramount. His presence in the reassembled Avengers is virtually guaranteed.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi's inclusion in Phase 6's Avengers is highly probable. His summoning by Wong in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings strongly suggests this. Furthermore, Destin Daniel Cretton's initial involvement in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (before directorial changes) hints at significant plans for Shang-Chi's future.
His mastery of the mystical Ten Rings makes him a valuable asset. The mid-credits scene in Shang-Chi alludes to a larger mystery surrounding these artifacts, potentially playing a crucial role in Avengers: Doomsday.
Doctor Strange
Despite Wong's current status as Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange will likely maintain a significant role within the Phase 6 Avengers. His experience and expertise in magic and the multiverse are invaluable assets.
Currently assisting Clea (Charlize Theron) in another universe with the Incursion problem, a potential Doctor Strange sequel before Doomsday seems unlikely, but the Multiverse of Madness tease will likely pay off when the Avengers confront Doctor Doom.
Captain America
An Avengers roster without a Captain America is incomplete. While Chris Evans' Steve Rogers has retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier depicted Sam's reluctant acceptance of this responsibility, and Captain America: Brave New World will showcase his evolution.
Brave New World suggests Sam will be instrumental in reuniting the Avengers, potentially even leading the team. While he grapples with living up to Steve Rogers' legacy, his leadership role is anticipated.
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 preventing Tony Stark's technology from misuse, builds upon Secret Invasion, revealing Rhodey's Skrull impersonation.
Before Armor Wars, War Machine's inclusion in the Avengers, filling the void left by Iron Man, is highly likely. His military experience and firepower are significant assets.
Ironheart
Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is a strong contender to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, showcasing her armor creation and intellect, sets the stage for her solo series, Ironheart.
By Avengers: Doomsday, Ironheart should be a fully established hero, ready to join Earth's Mightiest Heroes, bringing her intelligence and technological prowess.
Spider-Man
Tom Holland's Spider-Man remains a flagship MCU hero, despite his choice to remain a neighborhood-level hero. His involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars is anticipated, barring any further conflicts between Marvel Studios and Sony.
The world's amnesia regarding Spider-Man's identity presents a challenge. However, Wong's final words to Strange in No Way Home ("Leave me out of it") suggest a possibility that Wong might be the only one who still knows Spider-Man's secret, facilitating his return.
She-Hulk
While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk will likely have a role, his post-Endgame appearances suggest a more supporting role. Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is emerging as a powerful Avenger, combining intellect, strength, and a unique personality.
The Marvels
Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan, assembled in The Marvels, will likely play significant roles in Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel's leadership potential and the mystery surrounding Monica's whereabouts are key plot points. Kamala, while focused on the Young Avengers, will likely join the main team.
A Large-Scale Avengers Team?
The potential Avengers roster for Doomsday could be significantly larger than the original six. The comics have featured expansive rosters, often utilizing smaller teams for specific threats or employing multiple co-existing teams. The MCU might adopt a similar approach.
Hawkeye & Kate Bishop
Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite recent recovery from an accident, might return. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, approached by Kamala in The Marvels, is also a strong contender.
Thor
As one of the last remaining original Avengers, Thor's inclusion is highly likely. Thor: Love and Thunder leaves him poised to defend Earth, potentially with his daughter Love. Avengers: Secret Wars might feature multiple Thors, inspired by the comics.
The Ant-Man Family
Given Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's connection to Kang, their roles in Doomsday are anticipated, even if Kang isn't the primary antagonist. The Quantum Realm's importance suggests their continued involvement.
Star-Lord
Chris Pratt's Star-Lord's return to Earth at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests a potential role in Doomsday. His leadership style and potential conflict with other Avengers leaders will be interesting to see.
Black Panther
Letitia Wright's Shuri as the new Black Panther, along with M'Baku, will likely continue Wakanda's support of the Avengers.
Who Should Lead the New Avengers?
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.
