Marvel Unveils New Avengers for '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 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 the back-to-back releases of Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. But 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 Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' departures, Benedict Wong's Wong has become a pivotal figure in Phases 4 and 5, acting as a unifying force within the MCU. His appearances across numerous 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 as a key player in the Avengers' reassembly.

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 and Destin Daniel Cretton's initial involvement with Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (before directorial changes) 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 larger mystery potentially crucial to Avengers: Doomsday.

Doctor Strange

While Wong is now Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange will likely remain a vital member of the Phase 6 Avengers. His experience and expertise in magic and the multiverse are invaluable assets.

His current involvement in another universe, assisting Clea with the Incursion problem, suggests a potential storyline leading into Doomsday, building upon the Multiverse of Madness cliffhanger.

Captain America

The Avengers need a Captain America. Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has assumed the mantle, his journey documented in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Captain America: Brave New World.

Brave New World positions Sam as a key figure in reuniting the team, potentially even leading the new iteration. However, his struggle to live up to Steve Rogers' legacy will likely continue.

War Machine

Don Cheadle's War Machine is poised for a more prominent role in the Multiverse Saga, starring in Armor Wars. This film builds upon Secret Invasion, revealing Rhodey's Skrull impersonation.

Before Armor Wars, War Machine's inclusion in the Avengers is highly probable, filling the power vacuum left by Iron Man.

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, showcase her potential.

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

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 is highly likely, barring any further disputes between Marvel Studios and Sony.

The world's amnesia regarding Spider-Man's identity presents a challenge, but theories suggest Wong might retain this knowledge, facilitating Spider-Man's return.

She-Hulk

While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk will likely have a role, She-Hulk is emerging as a powerful new Avenger. Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk combines intellect, strength, and a unique personality, making her a strong contender.

The Marvels

Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan, having formed a team in The Marvels, are likely to feature prominently in Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel's leadership skills and the ongoing mystery surrounding Monica's abilities suggest significant roles. Kamala's potential involvement with the Young Avengers doesn't preclude her participation in the main Avengers team.

The Size of the Avengers Roster

The potential Avengers roster for Doomsday could be significantly larger than the original six. The comics have precedent for expansive teams, often employing smaller subgroups to tackle specific threats or utilizing multiple co-existing teams. The MCU might adopt a similar approach.

Hawkeye & Kate Bishop

Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite recent health challenges, might return. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, having been approached by Kamala in The Marvels, is also a likely addition.

Thor

Thor, potentially with Love, could continue his role, representing a link to the earlier Avengers era. Thor: Love and Thunder leaves him well-positioned for future involvement. The Secret Wars storyline might even feature multiple Thors.

The Ant-Man Family

Given Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's connection to Kang, the Ant-Man family (Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature) are likely to remain important, particularly given the continued significance of the Quantum Realm.

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 Avengers: Doomsday. His leadership style and potential conflict with other Avengers leaders could create compelling dynamics.

Black Panther

Letitia Wright's Shuri, as the new Black Panther, will likely continue Wakanda's support for the Avengers, alongside M'Baku.

Who Should Lead the New Avengers?

The question of leadership remains open. Several candidates possess the necessary qualities, and the choice will likely influence the overall tone and direction of the new Avengers team.

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 potential of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and review the 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.