The MCU’s first three phases featured four Avengers movies and a de facto fifth in Captain America: Civil War. And yet, Phase 4 of the MCU hasn’t had—and won’t have— a single franchise-wide crossover Avengers movie. And Phase 5 won’t bring the Avengers together, either. But we now know when Earth’s mightiest heroes will finally reunite. The Fantastic Four will kick off Marvel‘s Phase 6 in 2024, then two MCU Avengers movies, The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars, will follow in 2025. That’s closer than you think, but with so many Marvel projects on the docket before then, it’s not clear which superheroes will even be around to take on Kang the Conqueror. So which Avengers should we expect to see protecting the multiverse? Based on both their comic history and importance to the franchise’s future, we put together a list of the characters we think are most likely to team up and create the Phase 6 MCU Avengers. Here’s what we think the next Avengers roster will look like.
The Most Likely Candidates for the New MCU Avengers Team
Captain Marvel
Arguably the most powerful Avenger in the MCU (we said “arguably,” Wanda fans!), Carol Danvers seems poised to lead the Avengers against Kang in the upcoming MCU films. She was already an important member of the group in Endgame, only, unlike her colleagues, she focused on saving more than just Earth. If anyone is capable of leading the charge against a danger that threatens all worlds everywhere, it’s her. Welcome to the next phase of the Avengers, Captain Marvel.
Doctor Strange
We know the real dream of every Marvel Comics fan is to see Doctor Strange lead The Defenders. But within the MCU, the master of the mystic arts is far more likely to help steer the new iteration of the Avengers. He’s already familiar with the dangers of the multiverse. He knows all about incursions and messing with forces you can’t comprehend. That’s why we wouldn’t be surprised to see the powerful Doctor Strange end up as an Avengers co-leader alongside Carol Danvers. The two of them alone are an impressive squad.
Thor
One of the original six MCU Avengers is still around, and he’s more than kicking. Thor Odinson is possibly stronger than ever now that he’s made peace with who he is rather than who he is supposed to be. He’s also the longest-serving hero ever to protect Earth. And if Chris Hemsworth wants to keep playing the God of Thunder, our bet is Disney will continue to make him the face of the franchise. We’re betting that Thor will remain part of the MCU Avengers going into the Phase 6 movies.
She-Hulk
The original Avengers also had a Hulk, but we bet by the time the team reforms it’ll feature a different green hero. Jennifer Walters is coming to the franchise this year with her own Disney+ series, and she has a far greater history with the Avengers in the comics than Bruce Banner does. We’re willing to wager that even if the old Hulk is still around to smash in the MCU, it’ll be the new She-Hulk who takes on a more prominent role on the Avengers team this time.
Ant-Man
Ever since Scott Lang joined Steve Rogers at that German airport, he’s seen and done it all. He’s also one of Marvel Comics’ most frequent Avengers and is played in the MCU by one of Hollywood’s most popular stars. And if all of that isn’t enough, Ant-Man will be among the first heroes to take on Jonathan Majors’ Kang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. He’ll be one of the Multiversal Saga’s most important Avengers.
Captain America
You can have an Avengers team without Captain America. But why would you want to, especially when you have a great one around? And Sam Wilson will be around. His first standalone film, Captain America: New World Order, premieres one year prior to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. And every team needs a selfless hero with a good heart whose only concern is protecting others. Just like the old team, the new Avengers will need Captain America on their roster.
Black Panther
We don’t actually know who will take up the mantle of Wakanda’s protector in the next Black Panther movie, but we know someone will. The film’s stunning first trailer teased another hero wearing the character’s signature suit. But regardless of who it is, the powerful African nation already helped saved the universe against Thanos, and we’re confident it will be called on again when Kang the Conqueror comes calling. And with so much on the line, the Avengers will need the wisdom, strength, and backing of the Black Panther.
Shang-Chi
One of the newest heroes to the MCU is already one of its most powerful. Shang-Chi was a skilled warrior even before he gained the power of the Ten Rings. His abilities, both human and magical, are enough reason to put him on the new Avengers team. Especially during their greatest time of need. But it doesn’t hurt his sister still runs their father’s organization. Shang-Chi would have the best shot of convincing the group to fight in the coming war with Kang.
Other Characters Who Could Be Part of the New MCU Avengers Team
Like Bruce Banner, Clint Barton was an original MCU Avenger. And like Hulk can still get the job done. But Hawkeye is getting older, and he’s not as healthy as he once was. He’s seemingly ready to pass the baton bow to Kate Bishop. There’s a good chance the loving family man is out of the superhero game entirely when Kang shows up. Even if he were to come out of retirement again, though, we wouldn’t expect him to be a main Avengers at that point. But obviously, both men are still serious candidates to join the team.
We also have no idea if Spider-Man (Sony owns the rights) and Moon Knight (no contract for Oscar Isaac) will be a part of the franchise going forward. And it’s unclear what the future holds for the Scarlet Witch or White Vision. (Including if anyone would trust them.) All we know is any of them would be great Avengers to have around to fight Kang.
In any case, we can’t wait to see what the next Avengers team looks like, whoever ends up on the roster. if they’re willing to fight the conqueror, we don’t care which dimension they come from. All of existence will take great Avengers wherever they can find them.
