The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant changes since Avengers: Endgame, with the notable absence of a formal Avengers team. New heroes have emerged to fill the void left by the likes of Iron Man and Captain America, yet fans will have to wait until the end of Phase 6 to witness the Avengers reunite in Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). Even Captain America: Brave New World falls short of fully reuniting the team. Here's a look at the characters expected to join the new Avengers lineup.
Who Will Be the New Avengers in the MCU?
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Wong
In the wake of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' departure, Wong, portrayed by Benedict Wong, has become the linchpin of the MCU through Phases 4 and 5. His presence spans multiple projects including Spider-Man: No Way Home, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. His humorous rapport with Patty Guggenheim's Madisynn in She-Hulk has also endeared him to fans. As the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wong is tasked with defending the world against emerging threats, making him a natural leader for the reassembled Avengers.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a strong candidate for the Avengers in Phase 6, especially after being summoned by Wong at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. His control over the mystical Ten Rings, and the intrigue surrounding these artifacts hinted at in the mid-credits scene, suggest a pivotal role in Avengers: Doomsday.
Despite Wong taking over as Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains vital to the Avengers, especially with his expertise in magic and the multiverse. Currently assisting Charlize Theron's Clea in another universe with the Incursion problem, Strange's role will be crucial against Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
Captain America
An Avengers team isn't complete without Captain America. With Chris Evans' Steve Rogers now retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the shield. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased Sam's journey to becoming the new Cap, while Captain America: Brave New World will detail his further evolution. Sam's pivotal role in reassembling the Avengers is underscored by Harrison Ford's President Ross proposing a new, government-sanctioned team. Despite initial tensions, Sam emerges ready to lead.
Don Cheadle's War Machine steps into a more prominent role in the Multiverse Saga, especially with Armor Wars, where he prevents Tony Stark's tech from falling into the wrong hands. His military experience and firepower make him a vital addition to the Avengers, filling the gap left by Iron Man.
Ironheart
Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams, aka Ironheart, is poised to become the MCU's new Iron Man. After her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where she showcased her ingenuity, Ironheart will further establish her as a hero. Her intelligence and innovative armor will be crucial for the Avengers against a threat like Doctor Doom.
Spider-Man
Despite Tom Holland's Peter Parker choosing a more low-key life, Spider-Man remains a cornerstone of the MCU. The complication of the world forgetting his identity after Spider-Man: No Way Home adds intrigue. However, Wong's cryptic comment before the spell suggests he might still know Spider-Man's secret, potentially paving the way for Peter's return to the Avengers.
She-Hulk
While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk takes a backseat, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk emerges as a powerhouse for the Avengers. Her legal acumen, physical strength, and fourth-wall-breaking charm make her an essential addition to the team.
Captain Marvel's team in The Marvels, including Brie Larson's Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan, is poised to play a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel is a strong candidate to lead the Avengers, while Monica's disappearance and Kamala's enthusiasm for superhero teams add depth to their potential contributions.
How Many Avengers Is Too Many?
With the potential for a large roster in Avengers: Doomsday, reminiscent of Jonathan Hickman's expansive Avengers runs in the comics, the MCU might consider multiple Avengers teams, mirroring the comic's approach with New York-based and West Coast teams.
Hawkeye & Hawkguy
Despite Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye contemplating retirement, his recent recovery from a serious accident and confidence in returning for Avengers: Doomsday hint at his continued involvement. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, last seen being recruited by Kamala, is likely to follow, bringing her archery skills to the team.
Thor
As one of the last original Avengers still active, Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, remains a crucial member. Thor: Love and Thunder sets him up to rejoin the fight, possibly alongside his adopted daughter, Love. The Secret Wars comic's Thor Corps concept suggests a larger role for Thor in the MCU's future.
After Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania introduced Kang, the Ant-Man family's significance in the Multiverse Saga is clear. The Quantum Realm's role in reversing Thanos' destruction and its potential in Doom's plans suggest that Scott Lang, Hope van Dyne, and Cassie Lang will be key players in Avengers: Doomsday.
While the Guardians of the Galaxy's role remains uncertain, Chris Pratt's Star-Lord returning to Earth in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday. His transition from space to Earth could see him joining the Avengers as a new threat looms.
Though Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther never officially joined the Avengers, Wakanda's role in the MCU's battles is undeniable. With Letitia Wright's Shuri now wearing the suit and Winston Duke's M'Baku as the new monarch, Black Panther's support will be crucial for the Avengers against powerful villains like Doom.
Note - this article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.
