The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is entering a new era with Phase 6. With the Multiverse Saga well underway after the events of Avengers: Endgame and Phase 4 introducing concepts like the multiverse, fans are excited to see what’s next for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Phase 6 will likely introduce a new version of the Avengers as the franchise moves forward. But who will make up this new team? Here’s a look at some of the top candidates to be members of the Phase 6 Avengers lineup.
Captain America
One of the few certainties about the Phase 6 Avengers is that Captain America will be leading the team. Steve Rogers passed on the shield to Sam Wilson at the end of Avengers: Endgame, and Anthony Mackie’s Falcon officially took up the mantle of Captain America in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Wilson has proven himself worthy of being the new Cap, and the character is poised to be at the forefront of the MCU moving forward. As the new face of Captain America, Wilson is guaranteed to be guiding and directing the new Avengers.
Shang-Chi
Shang-Chi was introduced in Phase 4 and is likely to stick around as a central hero going into Phase 6. In Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Simu Liu’s master martial artist was inducted into the larger world of superheroes, learning that his father Wenwu possessed the powerful Ten Rings. Now in possession of the rings himself, Shang-Chi has taken his place among Earth’s champions. With his spectacular fighting skills and experience dealing with cosmic threats, Shang-Chi would make an excellent addition to the Avengers lineup.
Ms. Marvel
The MCU’s latest young hero, Kamala Khan, is also potentially Avengers-bound. Iman Vellani shined as the exuberant fan girl turned Inhuman in the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel. Kamala has energy and optimism to spare, with her newfound shapeshifting powers only enhancing her fangirl enthusiasm. As the MCU builds up its next generation of heroes, having Kamala as part of the Avengers would allow her to serve as an audience surrogate within the group, providing a fresh perspective on Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Thor
The God of Thunder has been an integral part of the Avengers since the early days, and that’s not likely to change anytime soon. Chris Hemsworth’s Thor went through major changes in Phase 4, primarily becoming a Guardian of the Galaxy. But Thor still has close ties to Earth and would likely come running if the planet faced a big enough threat. He bring the power of his trusty hammer Mjolnir as well as his newly unlocked Thunder and Lightning powers. Thor has always been one of the heavy hitters of the Avengers, and he’ll likely continue to fight alongside Captain America and others.
Hulk
After having played a major role in reversing Thanos’ snap, Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner/Hulk will also have a spot waiting for him on the new Avengers lineup. Professor Hulk has achieved a balance between his two selves, making him an even more fearsome fighter. And Banner’s brilliance is an invaluable asset as well. As long as he’s not off planet with the Sakaarans, Hulk will surely answer the call to assemble alongside his fellow heroes again when dangerous new threats emerge.
Scarlet Witch
One of the most powerful Avengers isn’t likely to be left out of the Phase 6 team. Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff has come a long way from her early days with Hydra, now boasting chaos magic powers that are second to none among Earth’s heroes. She reached frightening new heights in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as the Scarlet Witch. Wanda is currently on a path to redemption after those events. But her unmatched abilities would make her an extremely formidable member of a new Avengers squad.
Blade
The Avengers mostly concentrated on cosmic and technological threats in Phases 1-3. But with the supernatural side of the MCU rapidly expanding, it’s very possible Blade could join their ranks. Mahershala Ali is set to play the half-vampire vampire hunter in an upcoming solo film. Blade’s skills and knowledge would be invaluable against demonic and mystical enemies. Doctor Strange has tackled some of these threats already, but reinforcement from Blade would make the Avengers far more equipped to handle supernatural evils.
She-Hulk
Banner’s cousin, Jennifer Walters, is poised to make her MCU debut in the She-Hulk series on Disney+. Assuming She-Hulk is well-received, it would make sense for Jennifer to stick around on the Avengers as well. A seasoned lawyer as well as a Hulk, She-Hulk has a unique skill set and perspective she could bring to the team. Plus, it would be great to have more female representation on the squad. She-Hulk has been an Avenger numerous times in the comics, so her joining the MCU version of the team would be a natural move.
Yelena Belova
Natasha Romanoff’s absence leaves a void on the Avengers that no one can completely fill. But her “sister” Yelena Belova seems the most qualified to take up the Black Widow mantle. Florence Pugh made her MCU debut as Yelena in Black Widow, and her dry wit and lethal skills left quite an impression. Yelena is a complicated character but ultimately wants to do the right thing, which would make her a fit for the Avengers. She’d also bring a unique moral grayness to the typically squeaky clean team.
Kate Bishop
The Hawkeyes were both founding Avengers in the comics, so with the expert archer Clint Barton retired, it makes sense his disciple Kate Bishop could take his spot. Hailee Steinfeld proved herself as the spirited young archer Kate in the Disney+ series Hawkeye. She not only can hold her own in a fight but also brings fresh millennial energy to the team. Kate as a female Hawkeye would help the Avengers brand feel current. And she’d get to avenge her mentor Clint while fighting alongside her hero Captain America.
Wonder Man
Phase 6 could potentially introduce the fan favorite character Wonder Man to the MCU. Simon Williams is traditionally a reluctant hero who possesses various superhuman abilities courtesy of Baron Zemo – flight, strength, speed, durability and more. Wonder Man has been rumored to appear in the Disney+ series Vision Quest. If he makes his debut there, he could then transition to joining the Avengers on the big screen. Wonder Man would be a powerhouse addition to the new roster.
Spectrum
Relatively few Black female superheroes have been part of the Avengers in the comics or films. The MCU’s Phase 6 could change that by having Monica Rambeau become Spectrum and join the team. We first met Teyonah Parris’ Monica as a child in Captain Marvel, and she developed energy abilities after going through the Hex in WandaVision. As Spectrum in the comics, Monica can transform herself into any form of energy across the electromagnetic spectrum. Those powers could make her a formidable Avenger able to hold her own against cosmic-level threats.
America Chavez
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness introduced movie audiences to America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez. America has the unique ability to punch star-shaped portals through the Multiverse, which would enable her to transport the Avengers across dimensions. If America decides to join forces with the Masters of the Mystic Arts in Kamar-Taj, she’d make a fine addition to the Avengers roster. It would also be meaningful to have a Latinx LGBTQ character on the team representing marginalized communities.
Ironheart
Tony Stark’s death left a major void in the MCU, but Riri Williams could potentially step up to carry on part of Iron Man’s legacy. Dominique Thorne is slated to introduce her genius inventor character Riri Williams in the Disney+ series Ironheart. The comics precedent suggests Riri eventually builds her own powerful suit of armor to battle evil as Ironheart. After her solo series, Ironheart would be in a prime position to graduate to the Avengers big leagues. A new armored Avenger would help make up for the absence of Iron Man.
Amadeus Cho
In the comics, teen genius Amadeus Cho becomes the Hulk for a time. The MCU could introduce an Amadeus Cho variant and have him become Smart Hulk, combining brains and brawn. Amadeus was the seventh smartest person on Marvel’s Earth; putting that intellectual ability in a Hulk body would make him invaluable to the Avengers. He’d bring a dynamic new perspective as a teen genius who can also smash with the best. Amadeus would be an unconventional but intriguing wildcard addition for Phase 6’s team.
Nova
Including a cosmic hero on the new Avengers lineup would make sense given Phase 6 will likely build on Multiverse of Madness’ exploration of the larger Marvel cosmos. Nova is a perfect candidate to fill this role. As Nova, Richard Rider and Sam Alexander both wield the Nova Force, giving them immense power as galactic police officers. Joining the Avengers would be a natural move for Nova to continue protecting Earth while also handling cosmic threats. Nova can also traverse space instantly, giving the team greater mobility.
Valkyrie
Another Avenger possibility connected to the cosmos is Valkyrie. As played by Tessa Thompson, Valkyrie was a key player in Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Endgame. She’s now ruling over New Asgard on Earth as its King. But Valkyrie’s formidable combat skills would be a huge asset to the Avengers. She’d bring a fun swagger to the team along with her trusty sword Dragonfang. Valkyrie bridges Earth and other worlds, giving her a unique perspective she can lend to the Avengers.
Namor
One way the MCU’s new Avengers lineup could differentiate itself is by incorporating antiheroes. Namor has been rumored to appear in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. As king of an undersea nation, Namor protects his people fiercely but also has been an antagonist at times due to his volatile temper. He’s one of Marvel Comics’ earliest antiheroes. Having Namor challenge the Avengers way of doing things from within their ranks could make for intriguing tensions. His abilities to fly and thrive underwater would also be tactical assets.
Miles Morales
In Spider-Man: No Way Home, a dimensional rift brought Tom Holland’s Peter Parker face-to-face with Andrew Garfield’s web-slinger. Perhaps the next Spider-Verse team-up could introduce Miles Morales to the MCU. After Peter Parker inevitably retires from superhero life again, Miles would be the perfect successor to assume the Spider-Man mantle and join the Avengers. As an Afro-Latino Spider-Man, Miles’ presence would increase much-needed diversity on the team while also bringing his cool powers and skills.
Hercules
While Thor brings the thunder, the Avengers could really use some divine muscle from a legendary hero of ancient myth. Enter – Hercules. The Greek demigod was rumored to appear in Thor: Love and Thunder. If Hercules makes his MCU introduction in the Thor sequel, he’d be primed to later join the Avengers. Hercules possesses god-level strength and durability along with other abilities granted by his father Zeus. He’d provide raw power and a fun wildcard dynamic coming from his Olympian background.
Moon Knight
Oscar Isaac’s debut as the turbulent hero Marc Spector in the Disney+ series Moon Knight was met with widespread praise. The character’s mental health struggles and violent methods provide an interesting contrast to more traditional Avengers. No longer having Khonshu in his head might make Marc more amenable to teamwork. Moon Knight operates as more of a street level vigilante, but his superior fighting skills and multiple personas could be useful to the Avengers in the right circumstances.
Abigail Brand
Recruiting an agent of S.W.O.R.D. would help the Avengers have vital connections to Earth’s space defense network. In the comics, Abigail Brand is a mutant capable of generating flames and immune to radiation. She could be introduced in The Marvels before joining the Avengers. Abigail’s extensive knowledge of alien threats and willingness to make tough calls would enable her to guide the Avengers’ strategic efforts against extraterrestrial enemies.
Kid Omega
The Omega-level mutant Kid Omega’s vast psychic powers would give the Avengers a powerful member not unlike Jean Grey or Professor Xavier. Introduced in Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers comics, Kid Omega was deemed a candidate for the team’s “Avengers World” PR initiative. The unstable antihero ultimately didn’t make the cut, but the MCU’s Avengers could tap his formidable telepathic and telekinetic abilities. Keeping Kid Omega in check might require oversight from fellow mutants like Cyclops.
Quake
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. gave glimpses of how awesome an Avenger Quake could be. As played by Chloe Bennett, Quake (aka Daisy Johnson) can generate shockwaves and vibrations with her Inhuman abilities. She has leadership experience from heading S.H.I.E.L.D. and has fought threats on a global scale. Quake continuing her superhero journey by officially being instated as an Avenger would recognize Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s place in the broader MCU. Her powers would make Quake extremely formidable both solo and in combination with other heroes.
Vision
The Android Avenger Vision has died and come back to life before, so there’s always a possibility he could be reborn following the events of WandaVision. Vision was created through a combination of human ingenuity and cosmic powers, and his solar energy blasts provide valuable range in combat. More importantly, Paul Bettany’s compassionate performance makes Vision one of the most beloved Avengers. If Vision is revived in some form, there will undoubtedly be a spot waiting for him with the new team.
Squirrel Girl
This might seem like an oddball choice, but Squirrel Girl could inject the Avengers with a lighter, comedic touch that most of its movies have lacked. With the power to talk to and control squirrels, Doreen Green has proven herself one of Marvel’s mightiest heroes. She even defeated Thanos! Introducing Squirrel Girl as part of the MCU through her connections to the Young Avengers could pave the way for her to take a spot on the flagship team. Just don’t underestimate Squirrel Girl because she’d bring unique abilities and humor.
Conclusion
The roster of the MCU’s new version of the Avengers is still very much a mystery. There are so many amazing characters to pick from as the franchise heads into the Multiverse Saga. A diverse cast combining classic Avengers and new heroes – while throwing in some antiheroes and cosmic figures – seems like a likely blueprint. The creative possibilities are endless! No matter who assembles in Phase 6, fans can expect the new Avengers to soar to thrilling new heights. Excelsior!
