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 the back-to-back releases of 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:
Following the departure of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, Benedict Wong's Wong has emerged as a pivotal figure, unifying the MCU across Phases 4 and 5. His appearances in numerous films, 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 ascension to Sorcerer Supreme further cements his role as a key protector, making his presence in a new Avengers team highly probable. We've arguably entered "Phase Wong."
Shang-Chi:
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is almost certainly destined for the Avengers in Phase 6. His summoning by Wong in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Destin Daniel Cretton's initial involvement with Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (before directorial changes) strongly suggest significant future plans for the character. His mastery of the Ten Rings makes him a valuable asset. The mid-credits scene in Shang-Chi hints at a larger mystery that could be crucial in Avengers: Doomsday.
Doctor Strange:
While Wong is now Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange's expertise in magic and the multiverse will remain invaluable to the Avengers. His current involvement in another universe, assisting Clea with the Incursion problem, suggests a potential storyline leading into Doomsday. The Multiverse of Madness's tease regarding Doctor Doom is likely to play out in the next Avengers films.
Captain America:
Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has inherited the mantle of Captain America. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Captain America: Brave New World showcase his evolution into the role. Brave New World positions him as a potential leader, though his journey to fully embody the role remains ongoing.
War Machine:
Don Cheadle's War Machine is poised for a more prominent role. Armor Wars, focusing on Rhodey securing Tony Stark's technology, builds upon Secret Invasion, which revealed his Skrull impersonation. His experience and firepower make him a natural fit for the Avengers.
Ironheart:
Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is a strong contender to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and her upcoming solo series, Ironheart, will solidify her presence. Her intelligence and technological prowess will be vital assets against powerful adversaries.
Spider-Man:
Tom Holland's Spider-Man remains a flagship hero, despite his choice for anonymity. His inclusion in Doomsday and Secret Wars is highly likely, barring any further disputes between Marvel and Sony. The mystery surrounding the world's forgotten knowledge of his identity presents an interesting narrative opportunity.
She-Hulk:
While Hulk's role may be more supporting, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is a prime candidate. Her intelligence, strength, and personality make her a compelling addition to the team.
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 the upcoming Avengers films. Captain Marvel's leadership qualities and Kamala's potential Young Avengers connection make them strong contenders.
A Larger-Than-Life Team?
The potential Avengers roster is extensive. The original team comprised six members; the new iterations could easily exceed twenty. This mirrors the expansive rosters seen in the comics, often featuring multiple teams or smaller task forces.
Hawkeye & Kate Bishop:
Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite his recent accident, may return. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, having been approached by Kamala in The Marvels, is also a likely addition.
Thor:
Thor's experience and the ending of Thor: Love and Thunder position him well for a return. The Secret Wars comic's Thor Corps could also play a role.
The Ant-Man Family:
The Quantum Realm's importance and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's connection to Kang suggest continued involvement for Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature.
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 Avengers films.
Black Panther:
Letitia Wright's Shuri, as the new Black Panther, and M'Baku's role as Wakanda's monarch suggest continued Wakandan involvement.
Who Should Lead?
Note: This article was originally published on July 28, 2022, and updated on February 18, 2025, to reflect recent MCU developments.
