The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant changes since Avengers: Endgame, with the Avengers team currently disbanded. As new heroes emerge to fill the void left by Iron Man and Captain America, fans eagerly await the next major Avengers assembly, which is slated for the end of Phase 6 with Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. Here's a look at who might be stepping up to answer the call in these upcoming films.

Who Will Be the New Avengers in the MCU?

15 ImagesWong

In the wake of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' departure, Benedict Wong's character Wong has become the linchpin of the MCU in 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. As the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wong is tasked with defending the world from emerging threats and is poised to play a crucial role in reuniting the Avengers.

Shang-Chi

Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a strong candidate for the Avengers in Phase 6, especially after being summoned by Wong in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. His control over the mystical Ten Rings and the hints at a deeper mystery surrounding these artifacts suggest a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday.

Doctor Strange

Despite Wong taking the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains a vital asset to the Avengers. His expertise in magic and the multiverse, coupled with his current mission in another universe with Charlize Theron's Clea, will likely be crucial in facing Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom.

Captain America

With Chris Evans' Steve Rogers now retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the shield as the new Captain America. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showed Sam's journey to accepting this role, and Captain America: Brave New World will further explore his evolution. Sam's leadership will be pivotal in assembling the new Avengers.

War Machine

Don Cheadle's War Machine is stepping into the spotlight in the Multiverse Saga, especially with his upcoming role in Armor Wars. As an experienced soldier with significant firepower, he's a natural fit to fill the Iron Man-shaped void in the Avengers.

Ironheart

Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams, introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is set to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her intelligence and technological prowess will be essential in facing threats like Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.

Spider-Man

Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a central figure in the MCU, despite choosing to live a more low-key life. The challenge lies in the world forgetting his identity, but there's a possibility Wong might still know his secret, facilitating Spider-Man's return to the Avengers.

She-Hulk

While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk may take a backseat, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is emerging as a powerhouse with her legal acumen, strength, and fourth-wall-breaking charm. She's a perfect fit for the new Avengers team.

The Marvels

In The Marvels, Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan have formed a formidable trio. Each of these heroes is likely to play a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel, in particular, is a strong candidate to lead the new Avengers.

How Many Avengers Is Too Many?

With the potential for over 20 heroes in Avengers: Doomsday, the MCU might follow the comics' example of managing large rosters by deploying smaller teams to tackle specific threats. Multiple Avengers teams could also be introduced, similar to the New York and West Coast Avengers in the comics.

Hawkeye & Hawkguy

Despite Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye considering retirement, his recent recovery and confidence in returning for Avengers: Doomsday suggest he'll be back. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, seen in The Marvels post-credits scene, is also likely to join the Avengers.

Thor

As one of the last remaining original Avengers, Thor's role in the new team is almost guaranteed. His ending in Thor: Love and Thunder sets him up perfectly to defend Earth, possibly alongside his adopted daughter Love. The Secret Wars comic's Thor Corps concept hints at multiple Thors in the upcoming film.

The Ant-Man Family

Given their connection to Kang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Scott Lang, Hope Van Dyne, and Cassie Lang are likely to remain key players in the Multiverse Saga, with the Quantum Realm playing a significant role in the story.

Star-Lord

Chris Pratt's Star-Lord returns to Earth at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, positioning him to join the Avengers as a new threat emerges. His ability to work within a team while maintaining his independence will be an interesting dynamic.

Black Panther

Although Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther was never officially an Avenger, Wakanda's role in the MCU and Letitia Wright's Shuri taking up the mantle ensure Black Panther's continued importance. With Winston Duke's M'Baku as the new monarch, Wakanda's resources will be vital in facing threats like Doctor Doom.

Who's on your must-have list of Avengers for Phase 6? Who should lead the team? Cast your vote in our poll and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Note - this article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.