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 assembly is only slated for the culmination of Phase 6, with Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (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 across 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 defense of the world against emerging threats is paramount. His role in assembling the Avengers for future conflicts is almost certain.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi's inclusion in Phase 6's Avengers is highly probable. His summons 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 future plans for the character.
Shang-Chi's mastery of the Ten Rings makes him a valuable asset. The mid-credits scene in The Legend of the Ten Rings hints at 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 remain a key player in Phase 6's 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 sequel before Doomsday seems unlikely. However, the Multiverse of Madness tease will likely pay off during the Avengers' confrontation with 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 the role, and Captain America: Brave New World will showcase his evolution.
Brave New World suggests Sam's pivotal role in reuniting the Avengers, following President Ross's proposal for a government-sanctioned team. While conflict ensues, Sam ultimately embraces his leadership potential. Whether he can match Steve Rogers' inspirational leadership remains a question for Doomsday and Secret Wars.
War Machine
Don Cheadle's War Machine, previously a supporting character, is poised for a more prominent solo 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, revealing Rhodey's Skrull impersonation.
Before Armor Wars, War Machine's inclusion in the Avengers seems likely, filling the void left by Iron Man. His military experience and firepower are significant assets.
Ironheart
Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is a strong contender for 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. Her intelligence will be crucial against powerful villains like Doctor Doom.
Spider-Man
Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a flagship MCU hero, despite his decision to relinquish his celebrity status. His involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars seems highly likely, barring further conflicts between Marvel Studios and Sony.
The world's amnesia regarding Spider-Man's identity presents a challenge. While the Avengers may remember him, they lack contact information. However, a theory suggests Wong's knowledge of Spider-Man's identity could facilitate his return.
She-Hulk
Mark Ruffalo's Hulk, while likely to participate, may take a supporting role. The She-Hulk series introduces his son, Skaar, adding another layer to his character.
Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is emerging as a powerful new Avenger, combining intelligence, 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 likely to play significant roles in Doomsday and Secret Wars.
Captain Marvel is a strong contender for leadership, and Monica's storyline will likely contribute to the Secret Wars buildup. Kamala, while potentially focusing on the Young Avengers, will likely join the main Avengers team.
The Size of the Avengers Roster
The potential Avengers roster for Doomsday could be significantly larger than the original six. The comics have precedent for large-scale teams, often splitting into smaller groups for individual threats or even multiple co-existing teams. The MCU may adopt a similar approach.
Hawkeye & Hawkguy
Archery skills are a valuable asset. Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite a recent accident, may return, and Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, following her interaction with Kamala in The Marvels, is also a likely candidate.
Thor
Thor, possibly the last remaining original Avenger, is well-positioned to join the new team. Thor: Love and Thunder leaves him ready to defend Earth, potentially with Love. Avengers: Secret Wars might feature multiple Thors, referencing the Secret Wars comic.
The Ant-Man Family
Given Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's introduction of Kang, the Ant-Man family's continued involvement in Doomsday, even without Kang as the primary antagonist, is probable. The Quantum Realm's significance suggests their continued relevance.
Star-Lord
The Guardians of the Galaxy's role remains uncertain, but Chris Pratt's Star-Lord's return to Earth in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests potential involvement in Doomsday. His leadership style and potential conflict with other Avengers leaders are intriguing possibilities.
Black Panther
While Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther's Avenger status was debatable, Wakanda's technological and resource capabilities make its continued contribution to the Avengers likely. Letitia Wright's Shuri as the new Black Panther, along with M'Baku's role as monarch, will shape Wakanda's involvement.
Who leads the new Avengers team? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts!
AnswerSee ResultsFor more on 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.
