New Avengers Lineup Unveiled for Doomsday and Secret Wars

The MCU has undergone significant shifts since Avengers: Endgame, with no active Avengers team currently in place. Emerging heroes are stepping up to fill the gaps left by Iron Man and Captain America, but a full Avengers reunion is still on the horizon. Even Captain America: Brave New World doesn't bring Earth's Mightiest Heroes back together.

Not until the close of Phase 6, with Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, will we witness the return of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Who will rise to the challenge? Here's a look at the likely lineup for Phase 6.

Who Will Form the New Avengers in the MCU?

Wong

With Tony Stark and Steve Rogers gone, Benedict Wong's Wong has become the linchpin holding the MCU together in Phases 4 and 5. He's appeared in numerous projects, from Spider-Man: No Way Home to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and notably in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. His comedic bond with Patty Guggenheim's Madisynn in She-Hulk is a fan favorite.

As the new Sorcerer Supreme, Wong has taken on a critical role in safeguarding the world from emerging threats. When the Avengers reassemble, expect Wong to be at the forefront, uniting the team.

Shang-Chi

Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is a near-certain addition to the Avengers in Phase 6. Wong summoned him in the closing moments of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and despite changes to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, Marvel clearly has major plans for him.

Armed with the mystical Ten Rings, Shang-Chi is a vital asset. The mid-credits scene in his solo film teases a deeper enigma surrounding the Rings, which may play a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday.

Doctor Strange

Though Wong now holds the Sorcerer Supreme title, Stephen Strange remains a key figure for the Avengers in Phase 6. His expertise in magic and the multiverse is indispensable for the team.

Currently, Strange is in another universe aiding Charlize Theron's Clea with the Incursion crisis. While a Doctor Strange sequel before Doomsday seems unlikely, his Multiverse of Madness tease will likely pay off when the team faces Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom.

Captain America

No Avengers team feels complete without a Captain America. While Chris Evans' Steve Rogers has retired to live with Peggy Carter, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson now carries the shield. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier depicted Sam's hesitant acceptance of this role, and Captain America: Brave New World charts his next chapter.

Depending on Brave New World's events, Sam could be as pivotal as Wong in reuniting the team. Harrison Ford's President Ross proposes a government-backed Avengers squad, but tensions arise. By the film's end, Sam embraces his leadership role, though living up to Steve's legacy remains a challenge.

War Machine

Don Cheadle's War Machine is stepping out of his supporting role in the Multiverse Saga. His solo film, Armor Wars, focuses on preventing Tony Stark's tech from falling into the wrong hands, building on Secret Invasion's Skrull impostor reveal.

Before Armor Wars, War Machine is likely to fill the void left by Iron Man in the Avengers. His military experience and firepower make him a key player, even if he lacks Tony's inventive genius.

Ironheart

Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is poised to become the MCU's new Iron Man. Introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, she built her own armor and aided Shuri. Her 2025 series, Ironheart, will further establish her as a hero.

By Avengers: Doomsday in 2026, Riri should be ready to join Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Facing a foe like Doctor Doom, her intellect will be as crucial as her tech.

Spider-Man

Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a cornerstone of the MCU, despite choosing a low-profile life as Spider-Man. It's hard to imagine him not playing a major role in Doomsday and Secret Wars, assuming Marvel and Sony maintain their partnership.

One hurdle is that the world has forgotten Peter's identity. However, some speculate Wong might still know Spider-Man's secret, potentially paving the way for his return to the Avengers.

She-Hulk

While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk remains a staple, his recent roles suggest a shift to the background. With a son, Skaar, to care for, he may take a backseat. Instead, Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk is emerging as the team's new powerhouse.

Combining legal expertise, Hulk-level strength, and a knack for fourth-wall-breaking humor, She-Hulk is a natural fit for the Avengers.

The Marvels

Though the Avengers are currently disbanded, Captain Marvel formed her own trio in 2023's The Marvels. Brie Larson's Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan are all likely to feature in Doomsday and Secret Wars.

Captain Marvel is a strong contender to lead the team, while Monica's mysterious fate could tie into Secret Wars. Kamala, meanwhile, may focus on the Young Avengers but won't miss the chance to join Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

Can the Avengers Handle a Larger Roster?

The Avengers could see a significant roster expansion by Avengers: Doomsday. The original team had six members, but the new lineup might include 20 or more heroes.

In the comics, large Avengers teams are common, with smaller squads handling specific threats. Multiple teams, like the West Coast Avengers, often coexist. The MCU might adopt a similar approach.

Hawkeye & Hawkguy

The Avengers need skilled archers, and they have two. Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye may be nearing retirement, but he's confident he'll return for Doomsday. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, last seen being recruited by Kamala in The Marvels, is also a sure bet for the team.

Thor

As one of the few remaining original Avengers, Thor is a natural fit for the new team. Thor: Love and Thunder's ending positions him perfectly to defend Earth, possibly alongside his adopted daughter, Love.

In Secret Wars, we might see multiple Thors, inspired by the comic's Thor Corps, serving as Doctor Doom's enforcers.

The Ant-Man Family

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's ties to Kang suggest the Ant-Man family will play a role in Doomsday, even with Kang's reduced prominence. The Quantum Realm remains a key element in the Multiverse Saga, critical to countering threats like Doctor Doom.

Ant-Man has already joined the Avengers, and now Wasp and Stature are likely to follow.

Star-Lord

The Guardians of the Galaxy's role in the next Avengers films is uncertain, but Chris Pratt's Star-Lord is likely to feature. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ends with him returning to Earth, perfectly timed for the Avengers' next big crossover.

Star-Lord may struggle with taking orders, but his return to Earth signals his readiness to join the fight against new threats.

Black Panther

While Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther may not have been an official Avenger, Wakanda's support was crucial in Infinity War. Now, Letitia Wright's Shuri carries the mantle, and Wakanda's resources will be vital against foes like Doctor Doom.

With M'Baku as Wakanda's new king, Shuri's role in the Avengers will be critical. Their involvement will become clear when Doomsday arrives.

Who are your top picks for the Phase 6 Avengers? Who should take the lead? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

For more on the MCU's future, explore how Robert Downey, Jr. could portray Doctor Doom and catch up on every Marvel project in development.

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