Marvel Unveils New Avengers in Doomsday and Secret Wars

Since the monumental events of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant transformations, notably the dissolution of the Avengers team. As the MCU continues to evolve, new heroes have emerged to fill the void left by the departure of iconic figures like Iron Man and Captain America. While fans eagerly await the next Avengers movie, they'll have to be patient, as even Captain America: Brave New World falls short of reuniting Earth's Mightiest Heroes. It's not until the culmination of Phase 6, with the release of Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, that we'll witness the much-anticipated reunion. Here's a look at the characters likely to assemble in Phase 6.

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 throughout Phases 4 and 5. His presence has been felt across various projects, from Spider-Man: No Way Home to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and notably in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. His humorous camaraderie with Patty Guggenheim's Madisynn in She-Hulk has also endeared him to fans. As the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wong is tasked with safeguarding the world against emerging threats. When the Avengers reunite, Wong's role in bringing the team together will be pivotal.

Shang-Chi

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. The involvement of Destin Daniel Cretton, originally set to direct Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, further underscores Marvel's plans for Shang-Chi. With his mastery of the mystical Ten Rings, Shang-Chi is a valuable asset to the team, and the mid-credits scene in his film hints at a deeper mystery that could play a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday.

Doctor Strange --------------

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. Currently aiding Charlize Theron's Clea in another universe to address the Incursion problem, Doctor Strange's return is anticipated to be a game-changer in the battle against Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.

Captain America

No Avengers team feels complete without Captain America. With Chris Evans' Steve Rogers retiring, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased Sam's journey to accepting this role, and Captain America: Brave New World will further explore his evolution. Sam's leadership will be crucial in reuniting the Avengers, especially after his interactions with Harrison Ford's President Ross, who proposes forming a new, government-sanctioned team. Sam's struggle to live up to Steve's legacy will be a central theme in Doomsday and Secret Wars.

War Machine -----------

Don Cheadle's War Machine is stepping into the spotlight in the Multiverse Saga, with his own movie, Armor Wars, focusing on preventing Tony Stark's technology from falling into the wrong hands. Following the revelation in Secret Invasion that Rhodey was replaced by a Skrull, War Machine's role in filling the Iron Man-shaped void in the Avengers is more critical than ever. His military experience and firepower make him an essential member of the team.

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 innovative armor will be showcased in her upcoming series, Ironheart. By the time Avengers: Doomsday arrives, Ironheart will be a fully established hero, ready to contribute her brainpower and technology to the team's efforts against Doctor Doom.

Spider-Man

Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a cornerstone of the MCU, despite choosing to return to being a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. His involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars seems inevitable, though the complication of the world forgetting his identity adds an intriguing layer. Some speculate that Wong might still know Spider-Man's secret, providing a potential pathway for his return to the Avengers.

She-Hulk

While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk may take a backseat, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is poised to become the Avengers' new powerhouse. Combining the intellect of a high-powered attorney with the strength of her cousin, and a knack for breaking the fourth wall, She-Hulk is a perfect fit for the team.

The Marvels -----------

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 expected to play significant roles in Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel's leadership qualities make her a strong candidate to lead the new Avengers, while Kamala's interest in forming the Young Avengers suggests her involvement with Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

How Many Avengers Is Too Many?

With the potential for a large roster in Avengers: Doomsday, the question arises: can the new movies handle a cast of 20 or more heroes? The comics have successfully managed expansive teams, and the MCU might follow suit by creating multiple Avengers teams to tackle various threats.

Hawkeye & Hawkguy

Despite Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye contemplating retirement, his recent recovery from a serious accident and confidence in returning for Avengers: Doomsday suggest his continued involvement. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, seen being approached by Kamala in The Marvels, is likely to join the Avengers alongside Hawkeye.

Thor

As one of the last remaining original Avengers, Thor's role in the new team is almost guaranteed. Thor: Love and Thunder's ending positions him perfectly to defend Earth once more, possibly with his adopted daughter Love by his side. The 2015 Secret Wars comic hints at multiple Thors, suggesting a potential Thor Corps in the MCU.

The Ant-Man Family ------------------

Following Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's introduction of Jonathan Majors' Kang, the Ant-Man family's role in the Multiverse Saga remains crucial. The Quantum Realm's significance in reversing Thanos' destruction and its potential in Doom's plans suggest that Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature will all join the Avengers.

Star-Lord ---------

While the Guardians of the Galaxy's role in the next Avengers movies is uncertain, Chris Pratt's Star-Lord is likely to play a part in Avengers: Doomsday. After returning to Earth in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Peter Quill's presence on the planet aligns with the buildup to the Avengers' reunion. His willingness to follow another leader or take charge remains to be seen.

Black Panther -------------

Though Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther never officially joined the Avengers, Wakanda's resources and technology are vital to their success. Letitia Wright's Shuri, now wearing the suit, and Winston Duke's M'Baku, the new monarch of Wakanda, are expected to support the Avengers in their fight against 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.

Who should lead the new Avengers team in Avengers: Doomsday? ------------------------------------------------------------

Captain AmericaCaptain MarvelWongBlack PantherThorStar-LordOther (let us know in the comments)

AnswerSee ResultsFor more on the future of the MCU, learn how Robert Downey, Jr. can be playing Doctor Doom and brush up on every Marvel movie and series in development.

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