The recent cast announcement for Avengers: Doomsday has generated significant buzz, potentially unveiling the new lineup for the Avengers team in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). After enjoying a prominent role throughout the Infinity Saga—confronting villains like Loki, Ultron, HYDRA, and Thanos—the Avengers have been notably absent from the MCU since the climactic events of Endgame. With Avengers: Doomsday slated for release in 2026, fans are speculating about this refreshed superhero roster.
The upcoming film Captain America: Brave New World has hinted at the reformation of the Avengers, confirming the first two members of the team. Earlier this year, Marvel Studios revealed a list of 27 actors who will participate in Avengers: Doomsday, which includes some intriguing new faces. This revamped Avengers lineup is poised to differ greatly from the original core team established in Phase 1, but could still present a formidable challenge against adversaries, including Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.
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Sam Wilson’s Captain America
Anthony Mackie Debuted As Sam Wilson In Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
In Captain America: Brave New World, President Thaddeus Ross encouraged Sam Wilson to spearhead a new Avengers initiative. Although this objective was not fully realized in the Phase 5 film, it set the stage for the impending formation of the new team. Anthony Mackie is confirmed to reprise his role as the MCU’s Captain America in Avengers: Doomsday, suggesting he will carry out his promise of assembling the new Avengers team.
While Sam Wilson has not received a super-soldier serum and lacks inherent superhuman abilities, his vibranium suit, kinetic energy-absorbing winged harness, and exceptional combat skills position him as a logical leader for the Avengers. His tutelage under Steve Rogers has adequately prepared him for this leadership role. The groundwork laid in Captain America: Brave New World will culminate in Avengers: Doomsday.
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Joaquín Torres’ Falcon
Danny Ramirez Debuted As Joaquín Torres In The Falcon & The Winter Soldier (2021)
In Brave New World, Joaquín Torres officially takes on the role of Falcon, marking a significant evolution for his character. Danny Ramirez’s return in Avengers: Doomsday has been confirmed, building on the narrative established when Sam Wilson recruits Torres as part of the new Avengers initiative. Having demonstrated his capabilities in combat, Torres has proven he is ready for this next step.
In the comics, Joaquín possesses superhuman abilities thanks to an experiment that spliced his DNA with that of Sam’s falcon, Redwing. However, the MCU adaptation presents a different backstory. Utilizing similar wing-suit technology as Sam Wilson, Joaquín will bring unique skills to the Avengers as both a combatant and an intelligence officer, making him a valuable member of the new lineup.
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Shuri’s Black Panther
Letitia Wright Debuted As Shuri In Black Panther (2018)
Shuri, portrayed by Letitia Wright, steps into the role of Black Panther following the loss of her brother T’Challa in Wakanda Forever. Wright’s confirmation of her return in Avengers: Doomsday indicates an expanded role, where she fully embraces her new identity as Wakanda’s protector after utilizing her technological prowess to recreate a synthetic heart-shaped herb.
Empowered by this herb and equipped with a technologically advanced suit, Shuri will be an indispensable ally for the new Avengers. Although she has remained somewhat distanced from the Avengers historically, the dire circumstances of Doomsday necessitate her involvement, making it imperative for Wakanda’s guardian to join the team.
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M’Baku
Winston Duke Debuted As M’Baku In Black Panther (2018)
Winston Duke will also reprise his role as M’Baku in Avengers: Doomsday, bringing his character’s growth from a minor antagonist to an ally of Shuri into the new narrative. Anticipations are high for M’Baku as he may be portrayed as the new King of Wakanda, introducing him with potentially enhanced abilities suitable for the Avengers.
Traditionally a supervillain in the comics, M’Baku’s character has evolved, and with Duke steering these developments, there’s vast potential for opportunities as he navigates his role alongside the Avengers. With formidable strength and tactical skills, he stands out as a compelling addition to the roster.
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Namor
Tenoch Huerta Mejía Debuted As Namor In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Marvel Studios has confirmed that Tenoch Huerta Mejía will return as Namor, the ruler of Talokan, in Avengers: Doomsday. Historically depicted as an Avenger in the comics, his eventual alignment with surface heroes could be an interesting twist especially following previous conflicts.
Namor holds the distinction of being among Marvel’s earliest characters, introduced in 1939. The potential for his character’s development in the MCU is immense, especially as he might face challenges that push him toward collaboration with the Avengers, particularly in light of threats to his kingdom.
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Scott Lang’s Ant-Man
Paul Rudd Debuted As Scott Lang In Ant-Man (2015)
Following a lukewarm reception of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, it remained uncertain what role Scott Lang would play moving forward. However, Rudd’s return as Ant-Man in Avengers: Doomsday solidifies his status as an integral member of the Avengers ensemble, especially given his previous contributions to the team, notably in Endgame.
As one of the few heroes familiar with the Quantum Realm and with ties to many key characters including Sam Wilson, Ant-Man’s tactical skills and unique abilities position him as a vital asset for the Avengers’ future battles.
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Shang-Chi
Simu Liu Debuted As Shang-Chi In Shang-Chi & The Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
The excitement surrounding Simu Liu’s return in Avengers: Doomsday is palpable, especially with rumors suggesting that this installment might explore the deeper mysteries of the Ten Rings and their connections to upcoming villains like Doctor Doom. Although Awkwafina’s Katy has not been confirmed to return, the storyline has the potential to further develop Shang-Chi’s narrative in the MCU.
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Thor
Chris Hemsworth Debuted As Thor In Thor (2011)
Chris Hemsworth was the first actor confirmed to return for Avengers: Doomsday, hinting at a significant role in this Phase 6 film. Since his first appearance in 2011, Thor has been characterized by a compelling evolution across the franchise, entering every iteration of the Avengers team, except during the division in Civil War.
Given the mixed response to his character in Thor: Love and Thunder, Thor’s return in Doomsday presents an opportunity to refresh the Asgardian’s narrative arc, potentially channeling the gravitas seen in Infinity War and Endgame. Speculation suggests that this film could also lay groundwork for a future Thor 5.
In summary, as the MCU progresses with Avengers: Doomsday, fans can anticipate a thrilling reinvention of the beloved superhero team, showcasing new alliances and the fierce battles they will inevitably face.