Since the climactic events of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant transformations, with the notable absence of a formal Avengers team. As new heroes emerge to fill the void left by the departure of iconic figures like Iron Man and Captain America, fans eagerly await the return of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. While Captain America: Brave New World hints at the beginnings of a new team, it's not until the end of Phase 6, with Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, that we'll witness a full-fledged Avengers reunion. Let's explore the anticipated lineup for this new era of the Avengers.
Who Will Be the New Avengers in the MCU?
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Wong
In the post-Endgame landscape, Benedict Wong's character, Wong, has become the linchpin of the MCU's narrative. With appearances in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Wong's role has been pivotal. As the new Sorcerer Supreme, he's tasked with safeguarding the world against emerging threats. When the Avengers assemble once more, Wong's leadership will be crucial in uniting the team.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a shoo-in for the Avengers in Phase 6, especially after his summoning by Wong at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. With his mastery of the mystical Ten Rings, Shang-Chi brings a unique skill set to the team. The mid-credits scene hints at a deeper mystery that could significantly impact Avengers: Doomsday.
Even though Wong is now the Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains a vital asset to the Avengers. His experience with magic and the multiverse is indispensable. Currently aiding Charlize Theron's Clea in another universe to tackle the Incursion problem, Strange's return is anticipated for the showdown against Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
Captain America
No Avengers team feels complete without Captain America. With Chris Evans' Steve Rogers now retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showed Sam's journey to accepting this role, and Captain America: Brave New World will further his evolution. As the film unfolds, Sam's leadership will be instrumental in rallying the new Avengers, despite tensions with Harrison Ford's President Ross.
Don Cheadle's War Machine is stepping into the spotlight in the Multiverse Saga, with his own Armor Wars movie on the horizon. As Rhodey navigates the fallout from Secret Invasion, his role as a seasoned soldier with formidable firepower makes 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. After her introduction in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and her upcoming series, Ironheart, she'll be a fully established hero by Avengers: Doomsday. Her intelligence and innovative tech will be crucial against a formidable foe like Doctor Doom.
Spider-Man
Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a cornerstone of the MCU, despite opting for a more low-key existence post-No Way Home. While the world has forgotten his identity, there's speculation that Wong might still be aware of Spider-Man's secret, potentially facilitating his return to the Avengers for Doomsday and Secret Wars.
She-Hulk
With Mark Ruffalo's Hulk taking a backseat, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is emerging as the new powerhouse on the Avengers. Combining her legal acumen with her superhuman strength and unique fourth-wall-breaking charm, She-Hulk is a perfect addition to the team.
In the absence of a formal Avengers team, Captain Marvel has formed her own trio with Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan in The Marvels. Each of these heroes is expected to play significant roles in Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel, in particular, stands out as a potential leader for the new Avengers, while Kamala's enthusiasm hints at her involvement in both the Avengers and a possible Young Avengers team.
How Many Avengers Is Too Many?
As the roster for Avengers: Doomsday grows, the question arises: how large can the team get? The original MCU Avengers started with six members, but with the potential for over 20 heroes, the MCU might draw inspiration from Jonathan Hickman's expansive Avengers run in the comics. Multiple teams, such as the New York and West Coast Avengers, could provide a solution to managing such a large group.
Hawkeye & Hawkguy
Despite Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye contemplating retirement, his confidence in returning for Avengers: Doomsday suggests his continued involvement. Alongside him, Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, the new Hawkeye, is poised to join the team, especially after her interactions with Kamala Khan in The Marvels.
Thor
As one of the last remaining original Avengers, Thor's role in the new team is almost guaranteed. Thor: Love and Thunder sets the stage for his return to Earth's defense, possibly accompanied by his adopted daughter, Love. The 2015 Secret Wars comic hints at multiple Thors, suggesting a significant role for Chris Hemsworth in Avengers: Secret Wars.
Following Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's introduction of Kang, the Ant-Man family is expected to play a crucial role in Avengers: Doomsday. The Quantum Realm's importance in the Multiverse Saga underscores their significance, with Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature likely joining the Avengers.
With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 leaving Chris Pratt's Star-Lord on Earth, his potential involvement in Avengers: Doomsday is highly anticipated. As he reconnects with his grandfather, Star-Lord's return to Earth aligns perfectly with the MCU's buildup to the next Avengers crossover.
Although Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther never officially joined the Avengers, Wakanda's role in the MCU is undeniable. With Letitia Wright's Shuri now donning the suit and Winston Duke's M'Baku as the new monarch, Black Panther's continued support will be vital for the Avengers facing off against threats like Doctor Doom.
Note - this article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.
