Who Are Marvel's New Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars?

The MCU has dramatically shifted since Avengers: Endgame. The Avengers team, as we knew it, is no more. New heroes are rising, filling the void left by Iron Man and Captain America, but a full-fledged Avengers movie remains some time off. Even Captain America: Brave New World avoids a complete reunion of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

It's not until Phase 6, with the back-to-back releases of Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), that we'll see Earth's Mightiest Heroes assemble again. But who will answer the call? Let's explore the likely candidates for Phase 6's Avengers roster.

Who Will Be the New Avengers in the MCU?

Wong

With Tony Stark and Steve Rogers absent, Benedict Wong's Wong has become the MCU's unifying force in Phases 4 and 5. 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. Let's not forget his hilarious dynamic with Madisynn in She-Hulk.

We've arguably entered "Phase Wong," as he's inherited the Sorcerer Supreme mantle. His proactive defense of the world against emerging threats positions him perfectly for the Avengers' reassembly.

Shang-Chi

Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is almost certain to join the Avengers in Phase 6. 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 (before directorial changes), strongly suggests significant plans for Shang-Chi's future.

His mastery of the Ten Rings makes him a valuable asset. The mid-credits scene in The Legend of the Ten Rings hints at a deeper mystery surrounding these artifacts, potentially playing a crucial role in Avengers: Doomsday.

Doctor Strange

While Wong is Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains vital. His experience in magic and the multiverse makes him indispensable.

Currently assisting Clea (Charlize Theron) with the Incursion problem in another universe, a Doctor Strange sequel before Doomsday seems unlikely, but the Multiverse of Madness tease will likely pay off when the Avengers confront Doctor Doom.

Captain America

No Avengers roster is complete without a Captain America. Though Chris Evans' Steve Rogers retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the shield. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showed Sam's reluctant acceptance, and Captain America: Brave New World charts his evolution.

Brave New World positions Sam as crucial in reuniting the team. President Ross's (Harrison Ford) proposal for a government-sanctioned Avengers team, despite their subsequent falling out, leaves Sam ready to lead. Can he match Steve's inspiration? Doomsday and Secret Wars will likely answer this.

War Machine

Don Cheadle's War Machine, previously a supporting character, is emerging as a solo hero. Armor Wars, focusing on Rhodey preventing Tony Stark's tech misuse, builds upon Secret Invasion, revealing a Skrull imposter.

Before Armor Wars, War Machine's inclusion in the Avengers seems natural. His experience and firepower fill the Iron Man void. He may lack Tony's invention skills, but that's where another Avenger comes in.

Ironheart

Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is poised to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Debuting in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, she created her armor and aided Shuri. Her 2025 series, Ironheart, will solidify her identity.

By Avengers: Doomsday, Ironheart should be a fully established hero, bringing her intellect and technology to the team, especially against a powerful villain like Doom.

Spider-Man

Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a flagship hero, despite choosing anonymity. His role in Doomsday and Secret Wars is expected, barring any further disputes between Marvel Studios and Sony.

A complication arises from the world forgetting Spider-Man's identity. While the Avengers remember him, they lack contact. However, Wong's final words to Strange in No Way Home ("Leave me out of it") suggest Wong might be the only one who still knows Spider-Man's secret, providing a path to his return.

She-Hulk

Mark Ruffalo's Hulk, a fixture in the Avengers films, is taking a supporting role. She-Hulk introduces his son, Skaar.

Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk emerges as the new powerhouse Avenger. Her intelligence, strength, and fourth-wall-breaking humor make her a perfect fit.

The Marvels

The Marvels showcased Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan. Their roles in Doomsday and Secret Wars are likely significant.

Captain Marvel is a strong candidate to lead the new Avengers. Monica's whereabouts remain a mystery, potentially crucial to Secret Wars. Kamala, focused on the Young Avengers, will likely join Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

How Many Avengers Is Too Many?

The potential Avengers roster for Doomsday is extensive. The original team had six members. Can the new films support a much larger cast?

Comic book precedents exist, with Jonathan Hickman's expansive Avengers run (an inspiration for the MCU). Multiple teams, like the main Avengers and West Coast Avengers, are possible.

Hawkeye & Hawkeye

Archery skills are needed. Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite a recent accident, may return. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, seen in The Marvels' post-credits scene, is also a strong contender.

Thor

Thor, possibly the last original Avenger, is well-positioned to join the new team. Thor: Love and Thunder leaves him ready for action. Multiple Thors might appear in Secret Wars, referencing the comic's Thor Corps.

The Ant-Man Family

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania featured Kang, suggesting their continued importance in Doomsday, even if Kang isn't the main threat. The Quantum Realm's significance ensures their involvement.

Star-Lord

The Guardians of the Galaxy's role is uncertain, but Star-Lord's return to Earth in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests involvement in Doomsday. His leadership style might be tested.

Black Panther

While Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther's Avengers status was debatable, Wakanda's resources remain vital. Shuri's leadership and M'Baku's role will be crucial.

Who's on your ideal Phase 6 Avengers roster? Who should lead? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts!

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For more on the MCU's future, explore how Robert Downey Jr. might play 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.