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 proper Avengers team-up is only slated for the end of Phase 6, with Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. But who will answer the call? Let's examine the likely candidates for the Phase 6 Avengers roster.
The Next Generation of Avengers
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Wong
Following the departure of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, Benedict Wong's Wong has become a pivotal figure in Phases 4 and 5, acting as a unifying force within the MCU. His appearances in numerous post-Endgame projects, including Spider-Man: No Way Home, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, solidify his importance. His comedic dynamic with Madisynn in She-Hulk further enhances his appeal.
Having inherited the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, Wong's proactive defense of Earth against emerging threats makes his inclusion in a new Avengers team highly probable.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a strong contender for a Phase 6 Avengers roster. His summoning by Wong at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings strongly suggests this. Furthermore, Destin Daniel Cretton's initial involvement in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (before directorial changes) hints at significant plans for Shang-Chi's future.
His mastery of the mystical Ten Rings makes him a valuable asset, and the mid-credits scene in Shang-Chi suggests a larger mystery surrounding these artifacts, potentially playing a role in Avengers: Doomsday.
Doctor Strange
While Wong is now Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange's expertise in magic and the multiverse remains crucial for any future Avengers iteration. His veteran status is invaluable.
Currently assisting Clea (Charlize Theron) in another universe with the Incursion problem, a potential appearance before Doomsday is uncertain. However, the Multiverse of Madness tease suggests a significant role in the Avengers' battle against Doctor Doom.
Captain America
An Avengers team is incomplete without a Captain America. Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson, having taken up the mantle, is likely to be instrumental in reuniting the team. Captain America: Brave New World showcases his evolution as a hero and his potential leadership.
President Ross's proposal for a new, government-sanctioned Avengers team, though initially rejected, sets the stage for Sam's eventual embrace of his role as a team leader. Doomsday and Secret Wars will likely explore his journey to match Steve Rogers' inspirational leadership.
War Machine
Don Cheadle's War Machine, previously a supporting character, is poised for a more prominent role. Armor Wars will focus on Rhodey's efforts to prevent Tony Stark's technology from falling into the wrong hands, building upon Secret Invasion.
Before Armor Wars, War Machine's inclusion in the Avengers is highly likely, filling the void left by Iron Man with his combat experience and firepower.
Ironheart
Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is a strong candidate to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever showcased her intellect and technological prowess. Her solo series, Ironheart, will further establish her as a hero.
By Avengers: Doomsday, Ironheart should be ready to join the Avengers, offering her intelligence and advanced technology.
Spider-Man
Tom Holland's Spider-Man remains a flagship MCU hero, despite his choice to remain a low-profile hero. His involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars is highly anticipated, barring any further disputes between Marvel Studios and Sony.
The world's amnesia regarding Spider-Man's identity presents a challenge. However, some speculate that Wong's knowledge of Peter Parker's secret identity might facilitate his return to the Avengers.
She-Hulk
While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk remains a significant figure, his future role might be more supportive. Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk, however, is a strong contender for a key Avengers role, combining intelligence, strength, and a unique personality.
The Marvels
Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan, having formed a team in The Marvels, are likely to play significant roles in Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel's leadership qualities and Kamala's enthusiasm make them strong candidates for the Avengers.
Team Size and Composition
The potential Avengers roster is substantial. The original team consisted of six; a much larger team is possible, mirroring the expansive rosters seen in the comics. Multiple co-existing teams, like the main Avengers and a West Coast team, are also a possibility.
Hawkeye & Kate Bishop
Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite his recent accident, may return. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop's potential involvement is also suggested by The Marvels post-credits scene.
Thor
Thor, as one of the few remaining original Avengers, is likely to continue playing a significant role. Thor: Love and Thunder positions him well for future involvement. The Secret Wars storyline might feature multiple Thors.
The Ant-Man Family
Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature's connection to Kang in Quantumania suggests continued importance, especially given the Quantum Realm's significance in the Multiverse Saga.
Star-Lord
Chris Pratt's Star-Lord's return to Earth in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests a potential role in Avengers: Doomsday.
Black Panther
Letitia Wright's Shuri, as the new Black Panther, and M'Baku's role as Wakanda's monarch, suggests continued Wakandan involvement in the Avengers.
Leadership and the Future
Who should lead the new Avengers team? This remains a question. The possibilities are numerous.
AnswerSee ResultsNote - this article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.
