The MCU has undergone significant changes since Avengers: Endgame, most notably the absence of an active Avengers team. While new heroes are emerging to fill the void left by Iron Man and Captain America, a full-fledged Avengers movie remains some time away. Even Captain America: Brave New World avoids a complete reunion of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
A true Avengers assembly is slated for the culmination of Phase 6, with Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). But who will answer the call? Let's examine the likely candidates for Phase 6's Avengers roster.
The Next Generation of Avengers
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Wong: In the absence of Stark and Rogers, Benedict Wong's Wong has become a pivotal figure, appearing in numerous post-Endgame projects. As the Sorcerer Supreme, his proactive defense against emerging threats makes him a key asset for any new Avengers team. We've arguably entered "Phase Wong" of the MCU.
Shang-Chi: Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a strong contender, especially considering his summoning by Wong in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. His mastery of the Ten Rings and the mid-credits scene hinting at further mysteries strongly suggest a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday.
Doctor Strange: While Wong is Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange's expertise in magic and the multiverse remains invaluable. His current involvement with Clea in another universe, teased in Multiverse of Madness, likely sets up a future confrontation with Doctor Doom.
Captain America (Sam Wilson): Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has inherited the mantle of Captain America. Captain America: Brave New World will likely solidify his role as a potential leader for a new Avengers team, despite internal struggles to live up to Steve Rogers' legacy.
War Machine: Don Cheadle's War Machine is poised for a more prominent role, building upon his appearances in Secret Invasion and the upcoming Armor Wars. His experience and firepower make him a natural fit for the Avengers.
Ironheart: Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is a strong candidate to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her intelligence and technological prowess, showcased in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and the upcoming Ironheart series, will be crucial against powerful adversaries.
Spider-Man: Tom Holland's Spider-Man, despite his efforts to remain anonymous, is a likely inclusion, though the world's amnesia regarding his identity presents a narrative challenge. Wong's cryptic words in No Way Home hint at a potential solution.
She-Hulk: While Hulk may take a supporting role, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk, with her intelligence and strength, is well-suited to join the Avengers.
The Marvels: Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan, united in The Marvels, are all strong candidates, with Captain Marvel a potential leader.
Hawkeye & Kate Bishop: While Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye may be retiring, his potential return and Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop's emergence suggest a continued archery presence on the team.
Thor: Chris Hemsworth's Thor, as one of the few remaining original Avengers, is likely to remain a key player.
The Ant-Man Family: Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature's connections to the Quantum Realm and Kang make them likely participants.
Star-Lord: Chris Pratt's Star-Lord's return to Earth at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests a potential role in the Earth-based conflicts.
Black Panther (Shuri): Letitia Wright's Shuri, as the new Black Panther, will likely continue Wakanda's support for the Avengers.
The Size of the Team
The potential roster for Avengers: Doomsday is extensive. The comics have precedent for large Avengers teams, often with smaller groups tackling specific threats or multiple co-existing teams. The MCU may adopt a similar approach.
Who Should Lead?
[Poll: Who should lead the new Avengers team?]
- Captain America
- Captain Marvel
- Wong
- Black Panther
- Thor
- Star-Lord
- Other
(Note: This article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.)
