Since the monumental events of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant transformations, including the dissolution of the Avengers team. As new heroes emerge to fill the void left by the likes of Iron Man and Captain America, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the saga. The next proper Avengers movie won't arrive until the end of Phase 6, with Avengers: Doomsday slated for 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars following in 2027. Here's a look at the characters expected to assemble for these epic showdowns.
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 become the linchpin of the MCU in 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 Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. His humorous camaraderie with Patty Guggenheim's Madisynn in She-Hulk adds a light-hearted touch to his role. As the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wong is tasked with defending the world from emerging threats, making him a crucial figure in rallying the Avengers once more.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is poised to join the Avengers in Phase 6, especially after being summoned by Wong at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. With the mystical Ten Rings under his control, Shang-Chi's role in the MCU is set to expand, particularly with the mid-credits scene hinting at a deeper mystery that could play a significant part in Avengers: Doomsday.
Despite Wong's ascension to Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains a vital asset to the Avengers. His expertise in magic and the multiverse is indispensable, even as he assists Charlize Theron's Clea in another universe to address the Incursion problem. His return will be pivotal in facing Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
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. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased Sam's journey to accepting the shield, and Captain America: Brave New World will further his evolution. Sam's leadership will be crucial in reuniting the Avengers, despite his initial reluctance and eventual falling-out with Harrison Ford's President Ross.
Don Cheadle's War Machine is stepping into the spotlight in the Multiverse Saga, with Armor Wars focusing on Rhodey's efforts to safeguard Tony Stark's technology. His 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, introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is set to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her intelligence and innovative armor will be essential in Avengers: Doomsday, especially against a formidable foe like Doctor Doom.
Spider-Man
Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a central figure in the MCU, despite choosing to live as a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. The complication of the world forgetting his identity adds intrigue, but Wong's potential knowledge of his secret could bring Spider-Man back into the Avengers' fold.
She-Hulk
While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk may take a backseat, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is emerging as a powerhouse. Her intelligence, strength, and unique fourth-wall-breaking ability make her a standout candidate for the Avengers.
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 Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel's leadership qualities make her a strong contender to lead the new Avengers, while Kamala's enthusiasm for superhero teams suggests 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 effectively. The original Avengers had six members, but the new films could support a much larger ensemble.
Hawkeye & Hawkguy
Despite Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye contemplating retirement, his recent recovery and confidence in returning for Avengers: Doomsday suggest his continued involvement. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, seen being approached by Kamala in The Marvels, is likely to join the Avengers as well.
Thor
As one of the last original Avengers, Thor's role in the new team is almost guaranteed. Thor: Love and Thunder sets him up to defend Earth once more, possibly with his adopted daughter Love. The Secret Wars comic's Thor Corps concept hints at multiple Thors in the MCU's future.
With Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania introducing Kang, the Ant-Man family's role in the Multiverse Saga is crucial. The Quantum Realm's significance in reversing Thanos' destruction suggests their involvement in Doomsday, with Wasp and Stature likely joining Ant-Man in the Avengers.
While the Guardians of the Galaxy's role in the next Avengers films remains uncertain, Chris Pratt's Star-Lord returning to Earth in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests his involvement in Doomsday. His leadership style and connection to Earth could play a significant role.
Though Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther never officially joined the Avengers, Wakanda's resources and technology are vital. Letitia Wright's Shuri, now wearing the suit, and Winston Duke's M'Baku, the new monarch, are expected to support the Avengers in Doomsday.
Note - this article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.
