New Avengers Unveiled in Doomsday and Secret Wars

Since the monumental events of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant changes, notably the dissolution of the Avengers. As iconic figures like Iron Man and Captain America have stepped back, new heroes are emerging to fill their shoes. However, fans will have to wait until the culmination of Phase 6 to see the Avengers reunite in Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. Here's a look at the characters poised to assemble for these epic showdowns.

Who Will Be the New Avengers in the MCU?

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In the absence of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, Benedict Wong's character, Wong, has become the unifying force of the MCU through 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 highlight his importance. Wong's role as the new Sorcerer Supreme positions him as a key figure in defending the world from emerging threats and bringing the Avengers together for their next assembly.

Shang-Chi

Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is almost certain to join the Avengers in Phase 6. His summoning by Wong at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and the involvement of director Destin Daniel Cretton in the planned Avengers: The Kang Dynasty underscore Marvel's plans for him. With the mystical Ten Rings under his control, Shang-Chi's role in Avengers: Doomsday could be pivotal.

Despite Wong taking over as Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains a crucial asset for the Avengers in Phase 6. His experience with magic and the multiverse will be invaluable. Currently aiding Charlize Theron's Clea in another universe to address the Incursion problem, Doctor Strange's return is anticipated to play a significant role in the battle against Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.

Captain America

No Avengers team feels complete without Captain America. With Chris Evans' Steve Rogers now retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has stepped into the role. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased Sam's journey to accepting the mantle, while Captain America: Brave New World will further explore his evolution. Sam's leadership could be crucial in reuniting the Avengers, especially after President Ross proposes forming a new, government-sanctioned team.

Don Cheadle's War Machine is stepping into a more prominent role in the Multiverse Saga. His upcoming solo project, Armor Wars, will tackle the issue of Tony Stark's technology falling into the wrong hands. War Machine's military expertise and firepower make him an essential addition to the Avengers, filling the void left by Iron Man.

Ironheart

Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is set to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Riri's intelligence and technological prowess will be fully explored in her upcoming series, Ironheart. By the time Avengers: Doomsday arrives, Ironheart will be ready to contribute her brainpower and innovative gadgets to the team.

Spider-Man

Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a central figure in the MCU, even after choosing to return to being a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. His role in Doomsday and Secret Wars seems inevitable, despite the complication of the world forgetting his identity. There's a possibility that Wong, who requested to be left out of the identity spell in Spider-Man: No Way Home, might still know Spider-Man's secret, providing a way to reintegrate him into the Avengers.

She-Hulk

While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk may take a backseat, his cousin, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk, is poised to become the new powerhouse on the Avengers. Combining legal acumen with superhuman strength and a knack for breaking the fourth wall, She-Hulk is a perfect fit for the team.

In the absence of an official Avengers team, Captain Marvel formed her own trio in The Marvels. Brie Larson's Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan are likely to play significant roles in Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel is a strong contender for leadership, while Monica's storyline and Kamala's interest in forming the Young Avengers add depth to their involvement.

How Many Avengers Is Too Many?

With the potential expansion of the Avengers roster to 20 or more heroes, the MCU could draw inspiration from the comics, where multiple teams and large pools of heroes are common. This approach could allow for smaller groups to tackle specific threats, mirroring the successful strategy used in Jonathan Hickman's Avengers run.

Hawkeye & Hawkguy

Despite Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye contemplating retirement, his return in Avengers: Doomsday seems likely, especially following his recovery from a serious accident. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, last seen being approached by Kamala in The Marvels, is also expected to join the Avengers, bringing her archery skills to the team.

Thor

As one of the last original Avengers still active, Thor remains a vital member of the new team. Thor: Love and Thunder sets him up perfectly to defend Earth, possibly alongside his adopted daughter, Love. The potential inclusion of multiple Thors in Avengers: Secret Wars, inspired by the Thor Corps from the 2015 Secret Wars comic, adds an exciting dimension to his role.

Given their involvement with Kang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the Ant-Man family—Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature—will likely play significant roles in Avengers: Doomsday. The Quantum Realm's importance in the Multiverse Saga suggests their expertise will be crucial in facing new threats.

While the Guardians of the Galaxy's role in the next Avengers movies remains uncertain, Chris Pratt's Star-Lord returning to Earth at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday. His leadership skills and combat experience could be valuable, though his willingness to follow others' commands remains to be seen.

Although Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther never officially joined the Avengers, Wakanda's support was crucial in the Infinity Saga. With Letitia Wright's Shuri now donning the suit and Winston Duke's M'Baku as the new monarch, Black Panther's involvement in the new Avengers lineup seems inevitable, bringing Wakanda's resources and technology to the fight against Doctor Doom.

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