Since the monumental events of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant changes, including the dissolution of the Avengers team. As fans, we've seen new heroes rise to fill the void left by Iron Man and Captain America, but it seems we'll have to wait until the end of Phase 6 to witness a full-fledged Avengers reunion. Even the much-anticipated Captain America: Brave New World falls short of reuniting Earth's Mightiest Heroes. However, the wait will be worth it when Marvel delivers the powerful duo of Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. Let's explore the characters who are likely to assemble in Phase 6.
Who Will Be the New Avengers in the MCU?
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Wong
In the post-Endgame era, Benedict Wong's character, Wong, has become the linchpin holding the MCU together during Phases 4 and 5. His presence spans multiple projects, from Spider-Man: No Way Home to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and notably in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. His comedic rapport with Patty Guggenheim's Madisynn in She-Hulk adds a delightful touch to his character. As we've entered what some fans call "Phase Wong," Wong's role as the Sorcerer Supreme positions him perfectly to rally the Avengers when the time comes.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is all but guaranteed to join the Avengers in Phase 6. His summoning by Wong at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and the involvement of director Destin Daniel Cretton in the planned Avengers: The Kang Dynasty suggest big plans for Shang-Chi. With his mastery of the mystical Ten Rings, Shang-Chi is a valuable asset. The mid-credits scene in his debut film hints at a deeper mystery surrounding these artifacts, likely to play a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday.
Though Wong holds the title of Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains a crucial figure in the new Avengers lineup. His experience with magic and the multiverse is invaluable. Currently assisting Charlize Theron's Clea in another universe to address the Incursion problem, Strange's return will be pivotal when the Avengers face Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom in Doomsday.
Captain America
No Avengers team feels complete without a Captain America. With Chris Evans' Steve Rogers retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has stepped up, as seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. Sam's journey to leadership is central, and his potential role in forming a new, government-sanctioned Avengers team, as pitched by Harrison Ford's President Ross, sets the stage for his significant contributions to Doomsday and Secret Wars.
Don Cheadle's War Machine is transitioning from a supporting role to a leading hero in the Multiverse Saga. His upcoming movie, Armor Wars, will explore Rhodey's efforts to safeguard Tony Stark's technology. War Machine's experience and firepower make him a natural fit to fill the void left by Iron Man in the Avengers.
Ironheart
Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams, aka Ironheart, is poised to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and her upcoming series, Ironheart, showcase her journey to becoming a fully established hero. Her intelligence and inventive prowess will be crucial in the battle against Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
Spider-Man
Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a cornerstone of the MCU, even after choosing to embrace his role as a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Despite the world forgetting his identity after the events of No Way Home, Spider-Man's role in Doomsday and Secret Wars seems inevitable. Some speculate that Wong might still know Spider-Man's secret, offering a pathway for Peter to rejoin the Avengers.
She-Hulk
While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk may take a backseat, his cousin, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk, is emerging as a powerhouse for the new Avengers. With her legal acumen, super strength, and fourth-wall-breaking charm, She-Hulk is set to make a significant impact.
While the Avengers are absent, Captain Marvel's team from The Marvels, including Brie Larson's Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan, are likely to play key roles in Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel's leadership qualities position her as a potential head of the new Avengers, while Kamala's enthusiasm for superhero teams hints at her involvement.
How Many Avengers Is Too Many?
With the potential for a significantly larger Avengers roster in Doomsday, the MCU could follow the comics' precedent of managing multiple teams or large ensembles. Jonathan Hickman's expansive Avengers run, a clear influence on the MCU, suggests that a diverse and sizable team could work effectively.
Hawkeye & Hawkguy
Despite Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye eyeing retirement, his recovery and confidence in returning for Avengers: Doomsday suggest he'll be back in action. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, last seen being approached by Kamala, is likely to follow suit, bringing her archery skills to the team.
Thor
As one of the last original Avengers, Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, carries the legacy of the team. His position at the end of Thor: Love and Thunder sets him up to rejoin the fight. The possibility of multiple Thors, inspired by the Thor Corps in the 2015 Secret Wars comic, adds an exciting twist.
Given their involvement with Kang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the Ant-Man family, including Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature, will likely have significant roles in Doomsday. The Quantum Realm's importance in the Multiverse Saga ensures their continued relevance.
While the Guardians of the Galaxy's role in the Avengers movies remains uncertain, Chris Pratt's Star-Lord, who returns to Earth at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, is poised to join the team. His leadership style and connection to Earth could be pivotal as a new threat emerges.
Though Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther was never officially an Avenger, Wakanda's resources and technology are vital. With Letitia Wright's Shuri now in the suit and Winston Duke's M'Baku as the new monarch, Black Panther's continued involvement is assured.
Note - this article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.
