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 culmination of Phase 6, with the back-to-back releases of Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). So, who will answer the call? Here's a likely roster for Phase 6's Avengers.
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 span 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. His comedic dynamic with Madisynn (Patty Guggenheim) in She-Hulk further solidifies his importance.
With his ascension to Sorcerer Supreme, the MCU has arguably entered its "Phase Wong." His role in proactively defending the world against emerging threats makes his inclusion in the reassembled Avengers a near certainty.
Shang-Chi
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a strong contender for the Phase 6 Avengers. His summoning by Wong at the conclusion of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings strongly suggests this. Furthermore, Destin Daniel Cretton's initial involvement (before changes) in directing Avengers: The Kang Dynasty hints at significant plans for Shang-Chi's future.
His mastery of the mystical Ten Rings makes him a valuable asset. The mid-credits scene in The Legend of the Ten Rings alludes to a deeper mystery surrounding these artifacts, potentially playing a crucial role in Avengers: Doomsday.
Doctor Strange
While Wong is the current Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange's continued importance in Phase 6's Avengers is undeniable. His experience and expertise in both magic and the multiverse are invaluable assets.
Currently assisting Clea (Charlize Theron) in another universe with the Incursion problem, a Doctor Strange sequel before Doomsday seems unlikely. However, the Multiverse of Madness cliffhanger will likely resolve when the Avengers confront Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.).
Captain America
No Avengers roster is complete without a Captain America. Though Chris Evans' Steve Rogers has retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased Sam's reluctant acceptance of the responsibility, while Captain America: Brave New World details his ongoing evolution.
Brave New World suggests Sam will be instrumental in reuniting the team, potentially even leading a government-sanctioned Avengers initiative. His journey to fully embrace his role as a leader will likely be a central theme in Doomsday and Secret Wars.
War Machine
Don Cheadle's War Machine, previously a supporting character, is poised for a more prominent solo role in the Multiverse Saga. Armor Wars, focusing on Rhodey preventing Tony Stark's technology from falling into the wrong hands, builds upon Secret Invasion's revelation of a Skrull impersonator.
Before Armor Wars, War Machine's inclusion in the Avengers seems probable, filling the void left by Iron Man. His military experience and firepower are significant assets.
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, showcasing her armor creation and intellect, sets the stage for her solo series, Ironheart (2025).
By Avengers: Doomsday, Ironheart should be a fully established hero, ready to contribute her intelligence and technology to the team, especially against powerful foes like Doctor Doom.
Spider-Man
Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a flagship MCU hero, despite choosing a less public life. His involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars seems likely, barring further conflicts between Marvel Studios and Sony.
The world's amnesia regarding Spider-Man's identity complicates matters. However, Wong's final words to Strange in No Way Home ("Leave me out of it") suggest a possibility that Wong might be the only one who still knows Spider-Man's secret, facilitating his return.
She-Hulk
While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk will likely have a role, his post-Endgame appearances suggest a more supporting role. Furthermore, the introduction of his son, Skaar, adds another layer to his storyline.
Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is emerging as a powerful new Avenger. Her intelligence, strength, and personality make her a compelling addition.
The Marvels
Brie Larson's Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan, assembled in The Marvels, are likely to play significant roles in Doomsday and Secret Wars.
Captain Marvel is a strong candidate to lead the new Avengers. Monica's mysterious situation will likely be a key plot point leading up to Secret Wars. Kamala, while focused on the Young Avengers, will undoubtedly answer the call to join Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
The Size of the Avengers Team
The potential Avengers roster for Doomsday is significantly larger than the original six. The comics have featured expansive Avengers teams, often with smaller groups tackling specific threats or multiple co-existing teams. The MCU may adopt a similar approach.
Hawkeye & Kate Bishop
Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite his recent accident, expresses confidence in returning for Doomsday. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, approached by Kamala in The Marvels, is also a likely addition.
Thor
Thor, potentially the last remaining original Avenger, is well-positioned to continue his role, possibly bringing his daughter, Love, along. Secret Wars may feature multiple Thors, inspired by the comic's Thor Corps.
The Ant-Man Family
Given Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's introduction of Kang, their continued importance in Doomsday is likely, even if Kang isn't the primary antagonist. The Quantum Realm will remain a significant plot element.
Star-Lord
Star-Lord's return to Earth at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests a potential role in Doomsday. His leadership style and willingness to answer to another leader remain to be seen.
Black Panther
Wakanda's resources and technology make it a valuable asset to the Avengers. With Shuri now as Black Panther, and M'Baku as the new king, their roles in the new Avengers team will be revealed in Doomsday.
For further insights into the MCU's future, explore the possibility of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and review all upcoming Marvel movies and series.
Note: This article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.
