Marvel Unveils New Avengers: Doomsday & Secret Wars

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone a significant transformation since Avengers: Endgame. The Avengers team, as we knew it, is no more. While new heroes are emerging to fill the void left by Iron Man and Captain America, a full-fledged Avengers movie remains on the horizon. Even Captain America: Brave New World avoids a complete reunion of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

It's not until Phase 6, with the back-to-back releases of Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), that we'll witness the Avengers' triumphant return. But who will answer the call? Let's explore the potential roster for Phase 6.

Who Will Be the New Avengers in the MCU?

Wong

With Tony Stark and Steve Rogers absent, Benedict Wong's Wong has become the MCU's unifying force in Phases 4 and 5. His appearances span 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. Let's not forget his memorable camaraderie with Madisynn in She-Hulk.

We've arguably entered "Phase Wong," as he's inherited the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme. His role is to proactively defend the world, and his presence in a reassembled Avengers team is almost certain.

Shang-Chi

Simu Liu's Shang-Chi's inclusion in Phase 6's Avengers is highly probable. 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 future plans for the character.

Shang-Chi's mastery of the Ten Rings makes him a valuable asset. The mid-credits scene in The Legend of the Ten Rings hints at a deeper mystery surrounding these artifacts, potentially playing a crucial role in Avengers: Doomsday.

Doctor Strange

While Wong is now Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange will undoubtedly remain vital in Phase 6's Avengers iteration. His experience and expertise in magic and the multiverse are invaluable assets.

Currently assisting Clea in another universe, addressing the Incursion problem, Strange's absence before Doomsday is likely, but the Multiverse of Madness tease suggests a significant role in the Avengers' confrontation with Doctor Doom.

Captain America

No Avengers roster is complete without a Captain America. While Chris Evans' Steve Rogers has retired, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased Sam's reluctant acceptance of the responsibility, and Captain America: Brave New World will further his evolution.

Brave New World suggests Sam will be instrumental in reuniting the Avengers, potentially leading a new, government-sanctioned team. His journey to live up to Steve Rogers' legacy will likely be a significant theme 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 will see Rhodey preventing Tony Stark's technology from falling into the wrong hands, building upon Secret Invasion's revelation of a Skrull imposter.

Before Armor Wars, War Machine's inclusion in the Avengers seems likely, filling the void left by Iron Man. His military experience and firepower are significant assets.

Ironheart

Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is a strong contender for the MCU's new Iron Man. Her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever showcased her armor-building skills and intellect. Ironheart (2025) will further establish her as a hero.

By Avengers: Doomsday, Ironheart should be a fully-fledged Avenger, offering invaluable intelligence and technological expertise against powerful adversaries like Doom.

Spider-Man

Tom Holland's Peter Parker remains a flagship MCU hero, despite choosing a less public role. His participation in Doomsday and Secret Wars is highly anticipated, barring further complications with Sony.

The world's amnesia regarding Spider-Man's identity presents a challenge. However, Wong's cryptic words in No Way Home suggest a possibility that Wong might be the only one who still knows Spider-Man's secret identity, potentially facilitating his return.

She-Hulk

While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk will likely have a role, his post-Endgame appearances suggest a more supporting role. Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk, however, is emerging as a powerful Avenger. Her intelligence, strength, and personality make her a strong addition to the team.

The Marvels

Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan, assembled in The Marvels, are expected to play significant roles in Doomsday and Secret Wars. Captain Marvel's leadership skills and Kamala's enthusiasm make them valuable assets.

How Many Avengers Is Too Many?

The potential Avengers roster for Doomsday could be significantly larger than the original six. The MCU might adopt the comic book model of multiple Avengers teams or smaller task forces dispatched to handle individual threats.

Hawkeye & Hawkeye

Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye, despite a recent accident, may return. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop, seen interacting with Kamala in The Marvels, is also likely to join the Avengers.

Thor

Thor, potentially the last remaining original Avenger, is well-positioned to continue his role, possibly alongside his daughter, Love. Secret Wars might even feature multiple Thors, mirroring the comic book storyline.

The Ant-Man Family

Given Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's introduction of Kang, Ant-Man, Wasp, and Stature's roles in Doomsday are likely, given the Quantum Realm's continued importance.

Star-Lord

Star-Lord's return to Earth in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 suggests a potential involvement in Avengers: Doomsday, although his leadership style might cause conflict.

Black Panther

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

Who should lead the new Avengers team? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts!

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For more on the future of the MCU, 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 with the latest MCU developments.