Since the monumental events of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant transformations, including the dissolution of the Avengers team. With the departure of iconic heroes like Iron Man and Captain America, new faces are stepping up to fill the void. While fans eagerly await the next official Avengers movie, Captain America: Brave New World hints at the groundwork for a new team but falls short of a full reunion. It's not until the culmination of Phase 6, with Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, that we'll witness the much-anticipated assembly of Earth's Mightiest Heroes once again. Let's delve into the lineup of heroes likely to join the new Avengers roster.
Who Will Be the New Avengers in the MCU?
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Wong
In the wake of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' departures, Benedict Wong's character, Wong, has emerged as the linchpin of the MCU throughout Phases 4 and 5. His appearances in various projects such as Spider-Man: No Way Home, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, along with his comedic rapport with Patty Guggenheim's Madisynn in She-Hulk, highlight his central role. As the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wong is tasked with defending the world from emerging threats. When the Avengers reconvene, expect Wong to be instrumental in bringing the team together.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a shoo-in for the Avengers in Phase 6. His summoning by Wong at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and the initial involvement of director Destin Daniel Cretton in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty signal big plans for his character. With the mystical Ten Rings under his control, Shang-Chi is a formidable addition to the team. The mid-credits scene in his solo film hints at a deeper mystery that may unfold in Avengers: Doomsday.
Doctor Strange
Despite Wong's ascension to Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains a crucial figure in the Avengers' future. His experience and knowledge of both magic and the multiverse are invaluable. Currently aiding Charlize Theron's Clea in another universe to address the Incursion problem, Strange's return for Doomsday is anticipated, especially with the looming threat of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom.
Captain America
No Avengers team feels complete without a Captain America. With Chris Evans' Steve Rogers stepping away, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier chronicled Sam's acceptance of this role, and Captain America: Brave New World will further his journey. As the story unfolds, Sam, pitched by Harrison Ford's President Ross on forming a new government-sanctioned Avengers team, is poised to lead the new assembly, despite initial tensions. Sam's challenge will be to live up to Steve's legacy while forging his own path.
War Machine
Don Cheadle's War Machine is stepping into the spotlight in the Multiverse Saga. With his upcoming role in Armor Wars, where he tackles the misuse of Tony Stark's technology, War Machine is set to fill the void left by Iron Man. His military experience and firepower make him a natural fit for the Avengers, complementing the team's dynamics.
Ironheart
Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams, introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is poised to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her intelligence and innovative armor design will be crucial in Avengers: Doomsday, especially against a formidable foe like Doctor Doom.
Spider-Man
Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a cornerstone of the MCU, despite his choice to embrace a more low-key life. His involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars seems inevitable, though the complication of the world forgetting his identity adds intrigue. A theory suggests Wong might still know Spider-Man's secret, potentially facilitating his return to the Avengers.
She-Hulk
While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk may take a backseat, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is emerging as a powerhouse. With her legal acumen, superhuman strength, and fourth-wall-breaking charm, She-Hulk is a perfect fit for the new Avengers.
The Marvels
In the absence of the Avengers, Captain Marvel formed her own team in The Marvels. Brie Larson's Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan are expected to play significant roles in the upcoming Avengers films. Captain Marvel's leadership qualities make her a strong candidate to lead the new team, while Kamala's enthusiasm for superhero teams hints at her involvement.
How Many Avengers Is Too Many?
With the potential for a large roster in Avengers: Doomsday, the MCU might follow the comics' example of having multiple teams or a rotating cast to manage the narrative. The original Avengers had six members, but the new films could support a much larger ensemble, drawing inspiration from Jonathan Hickman's expansive Avengers run.
Hawkeye & Hawkguy
Despite Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye contemplating retirement, his recent recovery and confidence in returning for Avengers: Doomsday suggest he'll be back. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, seen being approached by Kamala in The Marvels, is likely to join the Avengers alongside her mentor.
Thor
As one of the last remaining original Avengers, Thor's role in the new team is almost guaranteed. Thor: Love and Thunder sets him up perfectly to defend Earth once more, possibly with his adopted daughter Love in tow. The Secret Wars comic's Thor Corps concept hints at multiple Thors in the MCU's future.
The Ant-Man Family
With Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania introducing Kang, the Ant-Man family's involvement in Doomsday is likely. The Quantum Realm's significance in the Multiverse Saga suggests that Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature will all have roles to play.
Star-Lord
While the Guardians of the Galaxy's role in the next Avengers films is uncertain, Chris Pratt's Star-Lord returning to Earth at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests his involvement in Doomsday. His leadership style and connection to Earth could make him a valuable asset to the team.
Black Panther
Though Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther never officially joined the Avengers, Wakanda's resources and Shuri's new role as Black Panther make their involvement crucial. With Winston Duke's M'Baku as the new monarch, Wakanda's support will be vital in facing threats like Doctor Doom.
Who's on your must-have list of Avengers for Phase 6? Who should lead the team? Cast your vote in our poll and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more on the future of the MCU, learn how Robert Downey, Jr. can be playing Doctor Doom and brush up on every Marvel movie and series in development.Note - this article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.
