Since the monumental events of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant changes, notably the dissolution of the Avengers team. As the void left by Iron Man and Captain America is filled by new heroes, fans eagerly await the next chapter of the Avengers saga. While Captain America: Brave New World teases a potential reunion, it's not until the end of Phase 6 that we'll see the full reassembly of Earth's Mightiest Heroes with Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. Here's a look at the characters likely to join the new Avengers roster.
In the wake of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' departure, Benedict Wong's character Wong has become the linchpin of the MCU throughout Phases 4 and 5. His presence in projects like Spider-Man: No Way Home, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness underscores his importance. His comedic rapport with Patty Guggenheim's Madisynn in She-Hulk adds a lighter touch to his role. As the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wong is pivotal in defending the world against emerging threats and will undoubtedly be instrumental in rallying the Avengers once more.
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is poised to join the Avengers in Phase 6, especially after being summoned by Wong at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. With his control over the mystical Ten Rings and the deeper mystery hinted at in the mid-credits scene, Shang-Chi's role in Avengers: Doomsday could be significant.
Despite Wong's ascension to Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains a crucial figure in the Avengers' future. His expertise in magic and the multiverse is indispensable, especially as he navigates another universe with Charlize Theron's Clea to address the Incursion problem. His return will be pivotal in facing Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
No Avengers team feels complete without Captain America. With Chris Evans' Steve Rogers retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle. After his journey in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Captain America: Brave New World will showcase Sam's evolution. His role in rallying the team, despite initial tensions with Harrison Ford's President Ross, positions him as a potential leader.
Don Cheadle's War Machine is stepping into a more prominent role in the Multiverse Saga. Following his experiences in Secret Invasion and the upcoming Armor Wars, War Machine is set to fill the void left by Iron Man, bringing his military expertise and firepower to the Avengers.
Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams, introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is poised to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her intelligence and technological prowess will be invaluable in Avengers: Doomsday, especially against a formidable foe like Doctor Doom.
Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a central figure in the MCU, despite choosing a more low-profile life. The complication of the world forgetting his identity adds intrigue to his potential role in Doomsday and Secret Wars. Fans speculate that Wong might still know Spider-Man's secret, facilitating his return to the team.
While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk takes a step back, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk emerges as a powerhouse for the new Avengers. Her legal acumen, strength, and fourth-wall-breaking charm make her a standout addition.
In the absence of the Avengers, Captain Marvel formed her own team in The Marvels. Brie Larson's Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan are likely to play significant roles in Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel's leadership qualities and Kamala's enthusiasm for superhero teams make them essential to the new Avengers.
With the potential for over 20 heroes in the new Avengers lineup, the MCU might follow the comics' tradition of having multiple teams or larger rosters. This approach could allow for more dynamic storytelling and character development.
Despite Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye contemplating retirement, his return in Avengers: Doomsday seems likely. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, approached by Kamala in The Marvels, is poised to join the Avengers, ensuring the team's archery expertise.
As one of the last original Avengers standing, Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, is set to continue his legacy in the new team. Thor: Love and Thunder's ending positions him perfectly for a return, possibly alongside his adopted daughter Love. The Thor Corps concept from the 2015 Secret Wars comic could also influence his role.
After Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's introduction of Kang, the Ant-Man family's role in the Multiverse Saga is crucial. The Quantum Realm's significance in the saga suggests that Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature will be key players in Avengers: Doomsday.
With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ending with Chris Pratt's Star-Lord returning to Earth, his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday is anticipated. His leadership style and connection to Earth could influence his role within the Avengers.
Though Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther was not an official Avenger, Wakanda's resources and Letitia Wright's Shuri stepping into the role ensure the nation's continued support for the team. Winston Duke's M'Baku, now the monarch of Wakanda, will also play a part in Avengers: Doomsday.
Note - this article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.