[Editorial] Who Could Be The Next Avengers In Phase 4 Of MCU

Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige have been keeping mum about the future movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially with Avengers: Endgame just around the corner.

Let's just assume that the whole Avengers line-up will be changed after Endgame...

We have had such a great adventure with the original, founding members: Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Hulk. But a lot of signs are pointing to the retirement of these characters and the actors playing them; with the exception of Scarlett Johansson who may be getting a solo movie without my support.

Could Black Widow be the next to lead the Avengers? Who will make up of her team? Or, let's say she isn't returning after all, who will be the next Avengers?


Most likely candidates:

Black Panther - already introduced and is the most successful solo movie, nominated for Best Picture at this year's Oscars. He is a natural leader and also the most advanced in technology, and would be the ideal candidate to fill in Iron Man's shoes.

Doctor Strange - He played a big part in Infinity War, that trajectory could carry him forward as a strong line-up in future movies.

Captain Marvel - She is a no-brainer as Kevin Feige has set her up to be the next Cap.

Ant-Man - Resident funny guy, every team needs one.

Wasp - If Ant-Man is in, then there will be a higher chance for her too as she did say she would have done a better job in the Civil War event than Ant-Man.

Spider-Man - How long would Sony share him with the MCU? May no longer be the case after the third movie but then again, it would make sense to give him a spot so there will always be that connective tissue between the two studios.

Shang Chi - Already with a director attached and will make sense to bring him in to the fold as diversity will be a bigger thing going forward in Hollywood.


Heroes that could be stepping out:

Scarlet Witch & Vision - She could be the most powerful next to Captain Marvel and we haven't seen what else he could do. But these questions could be answered in the Disney+ series that is being planned.

War Machine - I don't believe he will have a place in the roster. This character was introduced earlier than the Avengers and is also ready for retirement.

Winter Soldier & Falcon - There was a time when they could be the next Captain America but I no lo nger believe that will be their story arc.


X-Men & Fantastic Four:

Another reason for keeping mum could also be the uncertainty then with the Fox merger and the possibility of bringing in Fantastic Four, Namor, Deadpool and the X-Men. They could play a part in shaping Phase 4 too.

But for now, the more likely scenario would be, Deadpool will live in his own universe while still introducing X-Force as planned, but the Fantastic Four could be fast tracked for the MCU!