Since the monumental events of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant changes, particularly with the dissolution of the Avengers team. As fans, we've watched new heroes emerge to fill the void left by the retirement and sacrifices of Iron Man and Captain America. While a proper Avengers reunion remains on the horizon, the wait will continue until the culmination of Phase 6 with the release of Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. Even the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World will not fully reunite Earth's Mightiest Heroes. So, who will step up to answer the call in these pivotal films? Let's explore the cast of characters expected to assemble in Phase 6.
Who Will Be the New Avengers in the MCU?
15 Images
Wong
In the wake of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' departure, Benedict Wong's character, Wong, has become the linchpin of the MCU throughout Phases 4 and 5. His presence has been felt across 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 has also been a highlight. As the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wong's role in proactively defending the world against emerging threats is crucial. When the Avengers reunite, Wong's leadership will be instrumental in bringing everyone together.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is poised to join the Avengers in Phase 6, a near certainty after his summoning by Wong at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The planned involvement of Destin Daniel Cretton in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty before its rework further underscores Marvel's big plans for Shang-Chi. With control over the mystical Ten Rings, Shang-Chi's mid-credits scene hints at a deeper mystery that could play a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday.
Despite Wong taking on the role of Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains a vital asset to the Avengers in Phase 6. His experience with magic and the multiverse is invaluable. Currently aiding Charlize Theron's Clea in another universe to address the Incursion problem, Doctor Strange's involvement in the upcoming Avengers films seems inevitable, especially against a formidable adversary like Doctor Doom.
Captain America
No Avengers team feels complete without Captain America. With Chris Evans' Steve Rogers retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle as the new Cap. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased Sam's journey to accepting this role, and Captain America: Brave New World will explore the next chapter of his evolution. Sam's potential leadership in the new Avengers is teased as he navigates his relationship with Harrison Ford's President Ross, culminating in his readiness to lead the team by the end of the film.
Don Cheadle's War Machine, having played a supporting role in the Iron Man and Avengers films, is set to emerge as a solo hero in the Multiverse Saga. Armor Wars will see Rhodey tackling the misuse of Tony Stark's technology, building on the revelation of his Skrull replacement during Secret Invasion. War Machine's experience and firepower will be crucial in filling the void left by Iron Man.
Ironheart
Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams, introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is poised to become the new Iron Man figure in the MCU. Her intelligence and innovative armor will be pivotal in the upcoming Ironheart series and in Avengers: Doomsday, where her brainpower will be just as important as her technology against a villain like Doctor Doom.
Spider-Man
Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a central figure in the MCU, despite choosing to return to his roots as a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. His involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars seems inevitable, though the complication of the world forgetting his identity adds intrigue. A theory suggests Wong may still know Spider-Man's secret, providing a potential pathway for his return to the Avengers.
She-Hulk
While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk may take a backseat, his cousin, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk, is set to be the powerhouse on the new Avengers team. With her legal acumen, super strength, and fourth-wall-breaking charm, She-Hulk is a perfect fit for the team.
In the absence of a formal Avengers team, Captain Marvel assembled her own group 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 potential is evident, and Kamala's enthusiasm for superhero teams suggests her readiness to join the Avengers.
How Many Avengers Is Too Many?
As the roster for Avengers: Doomsday grows, it raises questions about the feasibility of managing such a large team. Historically, the Avengers in the comics have expanded to include numerous heroes, operating in smaller groups or multiple teams. The MCU might follow suit, potentially introducing teams like the West Coast Avengers.
Hawkeye & Hawkguy
With the need for skilled archers, the Avengers have two options: Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, who, despite recovering from a serious accident, is eager to return, and Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, who was last seen being recruited by Kamala in The Marvels. Both are likely to join the Avengers when the time comes.
Thor
As one of the few original Avengers still active, Thor's role in the new team is significant. Thor: Love and Thunder's ending positions him perfectly to defend Earth again, possibly with his adopted daughter Love. The concept of multiple Thors from the comics could also be explored in Avengers: Secret Wars.
Following the introduction of Kang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the Ant-Man family's role in the Multiverse Saga remains important. The Quantum Realm's significance could be pivotal in facing Doctor Doom, with Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature potentially joining the Avengers.
While the Guardians of the Galaxy's involvement in the Avengers films is uncertain, Chris Pratt's Star-Lord, now back on Earth, is likely to play a role in Avengers: Doomsday. His return to Earth and potential integration into the Avengers could be a key plot point, though his willingness to follow another leader remains to be seen.
Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther may not have been an official Avenger, but his contributions were significant. Now, with Letitia Wright's Shuri taking up the mantle, Black Panther's role in supporting the Avengers continues. Wakanda's resources and technology will be crucial in facing threats like Doctor Doom, with Winston Duke's M'Baku also playing a part as the new monarch.
Note - this article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.
