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

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 off. 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 culmination of Phase 6, with the back-to-back releases of Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). Who will answer the call? Let's examine the likely candidates for Phase 6's Avengers roster.

The Next Generation of Avengers

15 ImagesWong

Following the departure of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, Benedict Wong's Wong has become a pivotal figure in Phases 4 and 5, acting as a unifying force within the MCU. His appearances in 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, solidify his importance. His comedic dynamic with Madisynn in She-Hulk further enhances his appeal.

Having inherited the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, Wong's proactive defense of the world against emerging threats positions him perfectly for a key role in the reassembled Avengers.

Shang-Chi

Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a strong contender for the Phase 6 Avengers. His summoning by Wong in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings strongly suggests his future involvement. Furthermore, Destin Daniel Cretton's initial attachment to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (before directorial changes) hints at significant plans for Shang-Chi's MCU future.

His mastery of the mystical Ten Rings makes him a valuable asset to the Avengers, and the mid-credits scene in Shang-Chi alludes to a deeper mystery surrounding these artifacts, potentially pivotal to Avengers: Doomsday.

Doctor Strange

Despite Wong's current status as Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange will likely remain a crucial member of the Phase 6 Avengers. His veteran status and expertise in magic and the multiverse are invaluable.

Currently assisting Clea (Charlize Theron) in another universe with the Incursion problem, another Doctor Strange solo film before Doomsday seems unlikely, but the Multiverse of Madness tease suggests a significant role against Doctor Doom.

Captain America

An Avengers roster without Captain America is incomplete. While Chris Evans' Steve Rogers has retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the shield. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Captain America: Brave New World depict Sam's journey towards embracing his role as Captain America and a potential Avengers leader.

Brave New World suggests Sam will be instrumental in reuniting the team, though his relationship with President Ross (Harrison Ford) is complex. Sam's evolution as a leader and his struggle to live up to Steve Rogers' legacy will likely be explored in Doomsday and Secret Wars.

War Machine

Don Cheadle's War Machine, previously a supporting character, is poised for a more prominent role in the Multiverse Saga. Armor Wars, focusing on Rhodey preventing Tony Stark's technology from falling into the wrong hands, builds upon Secret Invasion, which revealed a Skrull imposter.

Before Armor Wars, War Machine's inclusion in the Avengers seems likely, offering experience and firepower to compensate for Iron Man's absence.

Ironheart

Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams, introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is a strong candidate to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her creation of her own armor and intellectual contributions in Wakanda Forever, followed by her solo series Ironheart, establish her as a significant hero.

By Avengers: Doomsday, Ironheart should be a fully established hero, ready to contribute her intellect and technology to the Avengers.

Spider-Man

Tom Holland's Spider-Man remains a flagship MCU hero, despite his decision to relinquish his public identity. His involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars seems highly probable, barring further conflicts between Marvel Studios and Sony.

The world's amnesia regarding Spider-Man's identity presents a challenge. However, some fans speculate that Wong's knowledge of Spider-Man's identity could be a plot point for his reintegration into the Avengers.

She-Hulk

While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk remains a significant figure, his post-Endgame appearances suggest a more supporting role. Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk, however, is emerging as a powerful Avenger, combining intellect, strength, and a unique personality.

The Marvels

The Marvels introduced a team comprising Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani). Their involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars is highly anticipated.

Captain Marvel's leadership qualities and Monica's mysterious circumstances suggest significant roles. Kamala, while focused on the Young Avengers, is likely to join Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

A Large-Scale Avengers?

The potential Avengers roster for Doomsday is substantial, exceeding the original six. While the comics have featured expansive Avengers teams, the MCU's approach might involve smaller teams tackling individual threats or multiple co-existing teams.

Hawkeye & Hawkguy

Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite his recent accident, may return. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, seen interacting with Kamala in The Marvels, is also a strong candidate.

Thor

Thor, potentially the last remaining original Avenger, is well-positioned to join the new team. Thor: Love and Thunder leaves him ready for action, possibly bringing his daughter Love. Avengers: Secret Wars might feature multiple Thors.

The Ant-Man Family

Given Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's introduction of Kang, the Ant-Man family's involvement in Doomsday seems probable. The Quantum Realm's significance suggests their continued importance.

Star-Lord

While the Guardians of the Galaxy's role is uncertain, Star-Lord's return to Earth in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests potential involvement in Doomsday.

Black Panther

Shuri's role as Black Panther and Wakanda's resources suggest continued involvement in the Avengers. M'Baku's role as the new monarch of Wakanda also adds another layer of complexity.

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

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

For further insights into the MCU's future, explore the possibility of Robert Downey Jr. as 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, to reflect the latest MCU developments.