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 anticipated at the conclusion 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 potential roster for Phase 6.
The Next Generation of Avengers
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Wong
Following Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' departure, Benedict Wong's Wong has become a pivotal figure in Phases 4 and 5, acting as a unifying force within the MCU. His appearances across 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. Let's not forget his comedic dynamic with Madisynn in She-Hulk.
With his ascension to Sorcerer Supreme, the MCU has arguably entered a "Phase Wong," making his inclusion in the next Avengers iteration highly probable. His role in proactively defending Earth positions him as a key figure in assembling the team.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a strong contender for the Phase 6 Avengers. 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.
Shang-Chi's mastery of the Ten Rings makes him a valuable asset. The mid-credits scene in The Legend of the Ten Rings hints at a larger mystery surrounding these artifacts, potentially playing a crucial role in Avengers: Doomsday.
Doctor Strange
While Wong is now Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange's expertise in magic and the multiverse remains invaluable to the Avengers. His current involvement in another universe, assisting Clea with the Incursion problem, as teased in Multiverse of Madness, suggests a future role in confronting Doctor Doom alongside the Avengers.
Captain America
An Avengers roster is incomplete without a Captain America. Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson, having inherited the mantle from Steve Rogers, is poised for a significant role. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Captain America: Brave New World showcase Sam's evolution into a team leader, potentially bridging the gap between Steve Rogers' legacy and the new Avengers.
War Machine
Don Cheadle's War Machine, previously a supporting character, is set for a more prominent role in the Multiverse Saga. Armor Wars, focusing on Rhodey's efforts to prevent Tony Stark's technology from falling into the wrong hands, builds upon the events of Secret Invasion. His experience and firepower make him a natural fit for the new Avengers.
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 and her upcoming solo series, Ironheart, establish her as a key figure. Her intellect and technological prowess will be invaluable assets against powerful adversaries like Doctor Doom.
Spider-Man
Despite his decision to remain a low-profile hero, Tom Holland's Spider-Man is likely to play a crucial role in Doomsday and Secret Wars. The world's amnesia regarding his identity presents a narrative challenge, but possibilities exist for his reintegration into the Avengers, potentially through Wong's knowledge of his secret identity.
She-Hulk
While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk will likely have a role, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is emerging as a powerful addition to the Avengers. Her legal expertise, strength, and unique personality make her a compelling candidate.
The Marvels
Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan, having formed their own team in The Marvels, are expected to contribute significantly to Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel's leadership qualities and the unresolved mysteries surrounding Monica's abilities suggest key roles in the upcoming films. Kamala's potential involvement with the Young Avengers doesn't preclude her participation in the main Avengers team.
Team Size and Structure
The potential Avengers roster for Doomsday could be considerably larger than the original six. The comics have precedents for large-scale teams, often dividing into smaller groups for specific missions or utilizing multiple coexisting teams. The MCU might adopt a similar approach.
Hawkeye & Kate Bishop
The Avengers need skilled archers. Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite his recent accident, may return, and Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, having been contacted by Kamala in The Marvels, is a strong candidate for inclusion.
Thor
As one of the few remaining original Avengers, Thor's continued presence is likely. Thor: Love and Thunder positions him well for future involvement, potentially even with his daughter, Love. The Secret Wars storyline could feature multiple Thors.
The Ant-Man Family
Given Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's introduction of Kang, the Ant-Man family is expected to remain relevant, particularly with the Quantum Realm's continued importance.
Star-Lord
Chris Pratt's Star-Lord's return to Earth at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests potential involvement in Doomsday. His leadership style and potential conflict with other Avengers leaders will be interesting to see.
Black Panther
Wakanda's resources and technology make it an invaluable asset to the Avengers. Letitia Wright's Shuri, as the new Black Panther, and M'Baku's role as the new king will significantly influence Wakanda's involvement.
For further insights into the MCU's future, explore the potential of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and review the upcoming Marvel movies and series.
Note: This article was originally published on July 28, 2022, and updated on February 18, 2025, to reflect the latest MCU developments.
