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 iconic heroes like Iron Man and Captain America have stepped back, new champions have emerged to fill the void. However, fans will have to wait until the culmination of Phase 6 for a full Avengers reunion, which will be showcased in Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. Here's a look at the heroes poised to assemble in the upcoming Avengers movies.

Who Will Be the New Avengers in the MCU?

15 ImagesWong

In the wake of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' departures, Benedict Wong's character, Wong, has become the linchpin holding the MCU together in Phases 4 and 5. His appearances 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 underscore his importance. His comedic rapport with Patty Guggenheim's Madisynn in She-Hulk adds a delightful layer to his character. As the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wong is pivotal in defending the world from emerging threats and is expected to be central in rallying the Avengers for their next mission.

Shang-Chi

Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is all but confirmed 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. His connection to the mystical Ten Rings and the hints of their deeper mystery in the mid-credits scene suggest his crucial role in Avengers: Doomsday.

Despite Wong's ascension to Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, remains a vital asset to the Avengers. His expertise in magic and the multiverse will be indispensable, even as he assists Charlize Theron's Clea in another universe to tackle the Incursion problem. His anticipated return in Avengers: Doomsday to confront Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom is eagerly awaited.

Captain America

No Avengers team feels complete without a Captain America. While Chris Evans' Steve Rogers has retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle. His journey from reluctance to acceptance was explored in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Captain America: Brave New World will further his evolution. By the end of that film, Sam is poised to lead the Avengers, a role he will likely embrace fully in Doomsday and Secret Wars.

Don Cheadle's War Machine is stepping into a more prominent role in the MCU, especially with the upcoming Armor Wars movie, which will address the aftermath of Tony Stark's tech being misused. Rhodey's experience and firepower make him an essential member of the new Avengers, filling the void left by Iron Man.

Ironheart

Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams, known as Ironheart, is set to become the MCU's new Iron Man equivalent. Her intelligence and innovative armor, showcased in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, will be further explored in her own series, Ironheart. By the time Avengers: Doomsday arrives, Ironheart will be ready to join the ranks of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

Spider-Man

Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a cornerstone of the MCU, despite choosing to step away from the spotlight. His involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars seems inevitable, though the spell that made the world forget his identity poses a challenge. Some speculate that Wong might still know Spider-Man's secret, providing a way for Peter to reconnect with the Avengers.

She-Hulk

While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk may take a backseat, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is poised to become a powerhouse in the new Avengers lineup. Her intelligence, strength, and unique ability to break the fourth wall make her an invaluable addition to the team.

Although the Avengers are currently disbanded, the trio of Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) from The Marvels are expected to play significant roles in Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel, in particular, stands out as a potential leader, while Monica's mysterious whereabouts and Kamala's enthusiasm for superhero teams add intriguing dynamics to the lineup.

How Many Avengers Is Too Many?

As the list of potential Avengers grows, the question arises: can the new movies handle a cast of 20 or more heroes? The comics have successfully managed large ensembles, and the MCU could follow suit by creating multiple teams or smaller task forces to address different threats.

Hawkeye & Hawkguy

With the need for skilled marksmen, Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye and Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop are prime candidates for the new Avengers. Despite Renner's recent recovery from a serious accident, he's confident about returning for Avengers: Doomsday. Kate's recruitment by Kamala in a post-credits scene hints at her joining the team.

Thor

As one of the last original Avengers still active, Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, is a natural fit for the new team. His ending in Thor: Love and Thunder sets the stage for his continued involvement, possibly even bringing his adopted daughter, Love, into the fray. The prospect of multiple Thors, inspired by the Thor Corps from the comics, adds an exciting dimension to his role in Secret Wars.

Following the events of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the Ant-Man family, including Scott Lang, Hope van Dyne, and Cassie Lang, is expected to play a crucial role in the Multiverse Saga. Their connection to the Quantum Realm and its significance in the narrative make them essential members of the Avengers.

With Chris Pratt's Star-Lord returning to Earth in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday seems imminent. As he reconnects with his grandfather, Peter Quill's readiness to join Earth's Mightiest Heroes as a new threat emerges is a compelling narrative arc.

Although Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther never officially joined the Avengers, Wakanda's pivotal role in the MCU continues with Letitia Wright's Shuri donning the suit. Her technological prowess and Winston Duke's M'Baku's leadership as the new monarch of Wakanda will be vital in supporting the Avengers against formidable foes like Doctor Doom.

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