Marvel Unveils New Avengers for Doomsday and Secret Wars

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant transformations since the monumental events of Avengers: Endgame. With the absence of a formal Avengers team, new heroes have emerged to fill the void left by the likes of Iron Man and Captain America. While we await the next official Avengers movie, even Captain America: Brave New World falls short of reuniting Earth's Mightiest Heroes. It's not until the culmination of Phase 6, with the back-to-back releases of Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, that fans will witness the much-anticipated reunion. Let's delve into the characters poised to assemble in this new era.

Who Will Be the New Avengers in the MCU?

15 ImagesWong

In the wake of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' departure, Wong, portrayed by Benedict Wong, has become the linchpin of the MCU in Phases 4 and 5. His presence spans various projects, from Spider-Man: No Way Home to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and notably, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. His comedic camaraderie with Patty Guggenheim's Madisynn in She-Hulk adds a light-hearted touch. As the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wong is at the forefront of defending the world against emerging threats. His role in rallying the Avengers for their next assembly is virtually assured.

Shang-Chi

Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is all but confirmed 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 planned direction of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty by Destin Daniel Cretton signal his pivotal role. With the mystical Ten Rings under his control, Shang-Chi's importance is further underscored by the mid-credits scene hinting at a deeper mystery that could play a significant part in Avengers: Doomsday.

Despite Wong's ascension to Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange's role in the new Avengers lineup remains crucial. As a seasoned superhero with expertise in magic and the multiverse, his contributions are invaluable. Currently, Strange is in another universe aiding Charlize Theron's Clea with the Incursion issue. His absence in a new Doctor Strange sequel before Doomsday is offset by the promise of his involvement in the battle against Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom.

Captain America

No Avengers team feels complete without Captain America. With Chris Evans' Steve Rogers retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle. His journey from reluctance to acceptance was chronicled in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, with Captain America: Brave New World set to further his evolution. Sam's potential to lead the Avengers is highlighted when Harrison Ford's President Ross proposes a government-sanctioned team. Though their relationship sours, Sam emerges ready to lead, striving to embody the inspirational leadership of Steve Rogers.

Don Cheadle's War Machine, having supported Iron Man and the Avengers, is set for a more prominent role in the Multiverse Saga. His solo journey in Armor Wars will address the risks of Tony Stark's technology falling into the wrong hands, building on the revelations from Secret Invasion. War Machine's experience and firepower make him a natural fit to fill the void left by Iron Man.

Ironheart

Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is poised to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever showcased her ingenuity and technical prowess. By the time Avengers: Doomsday arrives, Riri's transformation into Ironheart will be complete, her intellect and gadgets vital against threats like Doctor Doom.

Spider-Man

Despite Peter Parker's choice to return to being a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Tom Holland's character remains a cornerstone of the MCU. His involvement in Doomsday and Secret Wars is anticipated, though the world's forgetfulness of his identity complicates matters. A theory suggests Wong may still know Spider-Man's secret, offering a pathway for his inclusion.

She-Hulk

While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk takes a backseat, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk emerges as a formidable force for the Avengers. With her legal acumen, super strength, and fourth-wall-breaking charm, She-Hulk is set to be a key player.

In the absence of an official Avengers team, Captain Marvel's trio from The Marvels—Brie Larson's Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan—are poised to contribute to Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel's leadership potential is unmatched, while Monica's disappearance and Kamala's enthusiasm for superhero teams add intriguing layers.

How Many Avengers Is Too Many?

With the potential for a large roster of Avengers in Doomsday, the question arises: can the film support such a vast ensemble? The MCU's inspiration from Jonathan Hickman's expansive Avengers runs suggests a possibility of multiple teams and dynamic groupings to tackle various threats.

Hawkeye & Hawkguy

Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite his recent recovery from a serious accident, is confident about returning in Avengers: Doomsday. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, seen in the post-credits of The Marvels, is likely to follow suit, ensuring the Avengers have their expert archers.

Thor

As one of the few remaining original Avengers, Thor's continued involvement is vital. His readiness to defend Earth at the end of Thor: Love and Thunder positions him perfectly for the new team. The possibility of multiple Thors in Secret Wars, inspired by the Thor Corps from the comics, adds an exciting dimension.

Given their involvement with Kang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the Ant-Man family's role in Doomsday is anticipated. The Quantum Realm's significance in the Multiverse Saga ensures Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature's continued importance.

While the Guardians of the Galaxy's role in the next Avengers films is uncertain, Chris Pratt's Star-Lord's return to Earth in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hints at his involvement in Doomsday. His leadership style and ability to work within a team will be key factors.

Though Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther was never officially an Avenger, Wakanda's support was crucial in past battles. Letitia Wright's Shuri now wears the suit, and with Winston Duke's M'Baku as the new monarch, Wakanda's role in the Avengers' future remains significant.

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