Marvel Unveils New Avengers Rosters in '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 slated for the end of Phase 6, with Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). But who will answer the call? Let's examine the likely candidates for Phase 6's Avengers roster.

The Next Generation of Avengers

Wong: Following the departure of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, Benedict Wong's Wong has become a pivotal figure, appearing in numerous post-Endgame projects. Having inherited the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, his proactive defense of Earth makes him a crucial member of any new Avengers team. We've entered a "Phase Wong" of the MCU.

Shang-Chi: Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is almost certain to join the Avengers. 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, 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 larger mystery connected to these artifacts, potentially playing a role in Avengers: Doomsday.

Doctor Strange: While Wong is Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange remains a vital asset. His expertise in magic and the multiverse is indispensable to the Avengers. His current involvement in another universe with Clea (Charlize Theron) addressing the Incursion problem might delay his return, but his presence in the fight against Doctor Doom is highly anticipated.

Captain America (Sam Wilson): Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, is essential to any Avengers lineup. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Captain America: Brave New World showcase his evolution as a leader. Brave New World positions him as a potential team leader, even amidst conflict with President Ross. His ability to unite the team will be crucial.

War Machine: Don Cheadle's War Machine is poised for a more prominent role. Armor Wars, focusing on Rhodey's efforts to prevent Tony Stark's technology from falling into the wrong hands, builds upon Secret Invasion. His experience and firepower make him a natural addition to the Avengers.

Ironheart: Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams, introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is a strong contender to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her intelligence and self-made armor make her a valuable asset, and her solo series, Ironheart, will further establish her capabilities.

Spider-Man: Tom Holland's Spider-Man, despite choosing anonymity, is likely to play a crucial role. The complication of his forgotten identity presents an intriguing challenge, potentially resolved by Wong's knowledge of his secret.

She-Hulk: While Hulk may take a supporting role, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is a strong contender. Her intellect, strength, and personality make her a perfect fit for the Avengers.

The Marvels: Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan, from The Marvels, are expected to play significant roles. Captain Marvel's leadership qualities and Kamala's potential involvement with the Young Avengers suggest their presence in Doomsday and Secret Wars.

Hawkeye & Kate Bishop: Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite recent recovery from an accident, may return. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, seen interacting with Kamala in The Marvels, is also a likely candidate.

Thor: Thor, as one of the few remaining original Avengers, is a likely inclusion. His position after Thor: Love and Thunder sets him up for a return to Earth's defense.

The Ant-Man Family: Given Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's introduction of Kang, Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature are expected to continue playing significant roles due to the Quantum Realm's importance.

Star-Lord: Chris Pratt's Star-Lord's return to Earth at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests a potential involvement with the Avengers.

Black Panther (Shuri): Letitia Wright's Shuri, the new Black Panther, will likely continue Wakanda's support of the Avengers. M'Baku's role as the new king of Wakanda will also be significant.

Leadership and the Future

The potential size of the Avengers roster raises questions about manageability. The comics have precedent for large teams and multiple concurrent teams. The MCU may adopt a similar approach.

A poll asks readers who should lead the new Avengers team in Avengers: Doomsday: Captain America, Captain Marvel, Wong, Black Panther, Thor, Star-Lord, or other.

(Note: This article was originally published on July 28, 2022 and updated on February 18, 2025 with the latest MCU developments.)