Since the monumental events of *Avengers: Endgame*, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant changes, with no official Avengers team currently in operation. As fans eagerly await the return of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, new heroes are stepping up to fill the void left by icons like Iron Man and Captain America. Although *Captain America: Brave New World* hints at a potential reunion, we won't see a fully assembled Avengers team until the end of Phase 6 with *Avengers: Doomsday* in 2026 and *Avengers: Secret Wars* in 2027. Here's a look at the heroes expected to join the ranks in Phase 6.
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 through Phases 4 and 5. His appearances in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, as well as his entertaining camaraderie with Madisynn in She-Hulk, underscore his pivotal role. As the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wong is tasked with defending the world against emerging threats. When the Avengers reunite, Wong is poised to be the one to rally them together.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a strong candidate for the new Avengers lineup in Phase 6. His summoning by Wong at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and the planned involvement of director Destin Daniel Cretton in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (before its rework) signal big plans for his future. With the mystical Ten Rings under his command, Shang-Chi is a valuable addition to the team, especially given the deeper mystery surrounding these artifacts teased in the mid-credits scene.
Despite Wong's ascension to Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains a crucial figure for the Avengers in Phase 6. His expertise in magic and the multiverse, honed over years of service, makes him indispensable. Currently aiding Charlize Theron's Clea in another universe to address the Incursion problem, Strange's return is anticipated to be a key element in the battle against Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
Captain America
No Avengers team feels complete without Captain America. While Chris Evans' Steve Rogers has retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier depicted Sam's reluctant acceptance of the role, while Captain America: Brave New World will explore his growth as a hero. Sam is likely to be instrumental in rallying the team, as President Ross proposes a government-sanctioned Avengers squad. Despite their falling out, Sam ends the film ready to lead, striving to live up to Steve's legacy.
Don Cheadle's War Machine is poised to step into a more prominent role within the MCU. After playing a supporting part in the Iron Man and Avengers films, Rhodey will star in Armor Wars, tackling the misuse of Tony Stark's technology. His experience and firepower make him a natural fit to fill the void left by Iron Man, though he lacks Tony's inventive genius.
Ironheart
Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is set to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Riri's intelligence and innovative armor are assets to the team. Her upcoming series, Ironheart, will further establish her as a hero ready to join the Avengers by the time Avengers: Doomsday arrives in 2026, particularly against a formidable foe like Doctor Doom.
Spider-Man
Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a central figure in the MCU, despite his choice to live as a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man away from the spotlight. His involvement in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars seems inevitable, though complicated by the world's amnesia about his identity. A theory suggests Wong might still remember Spider-Man's secret, potentially facilitating his return to the Avengers.
She-Hulk
While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk continues to play a role, his appearances indicate a shift toward supporting the next generation. His cousin, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk, emerges as the powerhouse on the new Avengers team. Combining legal acumen with superhuman strength and a knack for breaking the fourth wall, She-Hulk embodies the modern Avenger.
While the Avengers are absent, Captain Marvel has 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 contribute significantly to Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel is a prime candidate to lead the Avengers, with Monica's mysterious disappearance and Kamala's aspirations to assemble the Young Avengers adding depth to their roles.
How Many Avengers Is Too Many?
With the potential for a large roster in Avengers: Doomsday, the MCU may follow the comics' example of multiple teams and rotating members. Jonathan Hickman's expansive Avengers run has influenced the MCU, suggesting a similar approach could be adopted to manage the growing cast.
Hawkeye & Hawkguy
Despite Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye contemplating retirement, his recovery and confidence in returning for Avengers: Doomsday hint at his continued involvement. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, seen being recruited by Kamala in The Marvels, is likely to follow, ensuring the Avengers have their sharpshooting duo.
Thor
As one of the last original Avengers still in the spotlight, Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, is a natural choice for the new team. The ending of Thor: Love and Thunder sets him up to defend Earth, potentially alongside his adopted daughter, Love. The Secret Wars comic suggests a Thor Corps, hinting at multiple Thors in the MCU.
Following Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the Ant-Man family's role in the MCU's Multiverse Saga remains significant. Their connection to the Quantum Realm and past contributions to the Avengers make them vital against threats like Doctor Doom, offering opportunities for Wasp and Stature to join the team.
While the Guardians of the Galaxy's role in the upcoming Avengers films remains uncertain, Chris Pratt's Star-Lord returning to Earth at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday. His leadership skills and connection to Earth could prove crucial as new threats emerge.
Though Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther never officially joined the Avengers, his contributions were significant. With Letitia Wright's Shuri now donning the suit and Winston Duke's M'Baku ruling Wakanda, their technological and strategic support will be essential against formidable adversaries like Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
Note - this article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.
