Marvel Unveils New Avengers Roster

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 end of Phase 6, with 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

Wong: In the absence of Stark and Rogers, Benedict Wong's Wong has become a pivotal figure in Phases 4 and 5, appearing in numerous projects. Having inherited the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, his proactive defense of Earth positions him as a key figure in any future Avengers assembly. We've arguably entered a "Phase Wong" of the MCU.

Shang-Chi: Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a strong contender for the new Avengers lineup. His summoning by Wong in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, coupled with Destin Daniel Cretton's initial involvement with Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, suggests significant future plans for the character. His mastery of the Ten Rings makes him a valuable asset. The mid-credits scene in Shang-Chi hints at a larger mystery potentially relevant to Avengers: Doomsday.

Doctor Strange: While Wong is now Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains crucial. His expertise in magic and the multiverse is invaluable. His current involvement with Clea in another universe, teased in Multiverse of Madness, likely sets up a future role in the Avengers' confrontation with Doctor Doom.

Captain America (Sam Wilson): Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle of Captain America. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Captain America: Brave New World showcase his evolution as a hero and potential leader. Brave New World suggests his readiness to unite a new Avengers team, though his struggles to live up to Steve Rogers' legacy remain.

War Machine: Don Cheadle's War Machine is poised for a more prominent role. Armor Wars, building upon Secret Invasion, will see him grapple with Tony Stark's legacy. His experience and firepower make him a natural fit for the 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, will solidify her place as a key hero. Her intellect and technological prowess are crucial assets against powerful foes like Doctor Doom.

Spider-Man: Tom Holland's Spider-Man remains a flagship hero, despite his choice for anonymity. His inclusion in Doomsday and Secret Wars is highly likely, barring any further disputes between Marvel Studios and Sony. The mystery surrounding the world's amnesia regarding his identity presents an intriguing plot point.

She-Hulk: While Hulk may have a supporting role, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is a strong contender. Her intelligence, strength, and personality make her a compelling addition to the Avengers.

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 likely to play significant roles in the upcoming Avengers films. Captain Marvel's leadership qualities and Kamala's enthusiasm make them valuable additions.

Hawkeye & Kate Bishop: While Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye may be semi-retired, his potential return is likely. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, teased in The Marvels, is also a strong candidate.

Thor: As one of the few remaining original Avengers, Thor's continued involvement is expected. Thor: Love and Thunder leaves him poised for future action.

The Ant-Man Family: Given Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's connection to Kang, Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature are likely to remain important. The Quantum Realm's significance suggests their continued relevance.

Star-Lord: Chris Pratt's Star-Lord's return to Earth at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests a potential role in the next Avengers films.

Black Panther (Shuri): Letitia Wright's Shuri, now the Black Panther, and M'Baku will likely continue to support the Avengers, given Wakanda's resources and technological capabilities.

A Larger-Than-Life Team?

The potential Avengers roster is substantial. The MCU could adopt a model similar to the comics, featuring multiple teams or a large pool of heroes dispatched for specific threats.

Who Should Lead?

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