The MCU landscape has shifted dramatically since *Avengers: Endgame*. The Avengers team, as we knew it, is no more. While new heroes are emerging to fill the void left by Iron Man and Captain America, a true Avengers reunion on the big screen remains some time off. Even *Captain America: Brave New World* doesn't fully reunite 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 gone, Benedict Wong's Wong has become the MCU's unifying force in Phases 4 and 5. His appearances in numerous post-Endgame projects, from Spider-Man: No Way Home to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, solidify his central role. His comedic bond with Madisynn in She-Hulk further cements his likeability. Having inherited the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, Wong's proactive defense of the world against emerging threats positions him as a key figure in the Avengers' reassembly.

Shang-Chi

Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a near-certainty for the Phase 6 Avengers. His summoning by Wong in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Destin Daniel Cretton's initial involvement with Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (before script changes) strongly suggest significant plans for Shang-Chi's future. His mastery of the mystical Ten Rings makes him a valuable asset, and the mid-credits scene in The Legend of the Ten Rings hints at a deeper mystery potentially relevant to Avengers: Doomsday.

Doctor Strange

While Wong is Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains crucial to the Avengers in Phase 6. His experience and expertise in magic and the multiverse are invaluable. His current involvement in another universe, assisting Clea with the Incursion problem, as teased in Multiverse of Madness, likely plays a significant role in the Avengers' confrontation with Doctor Doom.

Captain America

No Avengers roster is complete without a Captain America. Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson, having inherited the shield, is poised for a significant role. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showed his reluctant acceptance of the mantle, and Captain America: Brave New World charts his evolution. The film's events suggest Sam will be instrumental in the Avengers' reformation, despite his initial conflict with President Ross. His journey to become a true leader, mirroring but differing from Steve Rogers, will likely be a central theme in Doomsday and Secret Wars.

War Machine

Don Cheadle's War Machine, having moved beyond his supporting role in the Iron Man and Avengers films, is emerging as a solo hero. Armor Wars, dealing with Rhodey's efforts to prevent Tony Stark's technology from falling into the wrong hands, builds upon Secret Invasion. Before Armor Wars, War Machine's experience and firepower make him a natural fit to fill the Iron Man-shaped hole in the Avengers.

Ironheart

Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is a strong contender to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, showcasing her armor and intellect, sets the stage for her solo series, Ironheart. By Avengers: Doomsday, she should be a fully established hero ready to join Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

Spider-Man

Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a flagship MCU hero, despite his choice to return to a more private life. His involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars seems likely, barring further complications with Sony. The world's amnesia regarding his identity presents a challenge, but Wong's cryptic words in No Way Home suggest a possible solution.

She-Hulk

While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk will likely have a role, She-Hulk is emerging as a powerhouse Avenger. Tatiana Maslany's Jennifer Walters combines legal acumen, strength, and a unique personality, making her a compelling addition.

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 Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel is a strong leadership candidate, and Monica's mystery and Kamala's potential Young Avengers involvement add intrigue.

How Many Avengers Is Too Many?

The potential Avengers roster for Doomsday is significantly larger than the original six. The comics have precedent for large teams and multiple co-existing teams, suggesting the MCU might adopt a similar approach.

Hawkeye & Kate Bishop

Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite his recent accident, may return, and Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, hinted at joining the Avengers in The Marvels, is a strong contender.

Thor

Thor, as one of the last remaining original Avengers, is likely to remain a key member. Thor: Love and Thunder's ending sets him up perfectly for this role.

The Ant-Man Family

Given Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's connection to Kang, the Ant-Man family's continued importance in Doomsday is highly probable, particularly given the Quantum Realm's significance.

Star-Lord

Peter Quill's return to Earth in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests a potential involvement in Doomsday, although his leadership style might clash with others.

Black Panther

Shuri's assumption of the Black Panther mantle ensures Wakanda's continued support for the Avengers. M'Baku's role as the new monarch adds another layer of complexity.

Who are your must-have Avengers for Phase 6? Who should lead the team? Let us know in the comments!

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For more on the future of the MCU, 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.