Marvel Studios' Avengers: Doomsday will feature a brand-new Avengers squad, and Disney may have just revealed which heroes will make up the roster. Avengers: Doomsday's casting announcement earlier this year revealed a massive ensemble of characters coming together. It also became clear that there will be separate teams forming in this fight against Doctor Doom, including at least two versions of the Avengers.
Thunderbolts* ended with the reveal that the misfit team of heroes has been branded the "New Avengers". However, the post-credit scene reveals that there is another Marvel Cinematic Universe team that is using that title, forming a potential rivalry between the two factions. We already know all the characters who make up the New Avengers, but a Disney event in Italy seems to have revealed who will be included in the other superhero team.
Sam Wilson / Captain America
One hero that we were all quite certain would be included in the "official" Avengers team was Sam Wilson. Indeed, the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts* confirms Sam is involved in the team and that seems to have taken over the leadership role. Despite this, he is still butting heads with his old friend, Bucky Barnes, and his New Avengers team.
With Sam taking over the mantle of Captain America, it makes perfect sense that he will lead the new team. Despite being new to the role as Cap, Sam is an MCU veteran and has considerable credibility as the new leader. However, the disappointing reception of Captain America: Brave New World still lingers over the character.
Joaquin Torres / Falcon
Another unsurprising addition to the team is Joaquin Torres a.k.a. Falcon, who has stepped up into the role of Sam Wilson's right-hand man in recent years. After teasing the possibility in Disney Plus series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Joaquin took over the role of Falcon in Captain America: Brave New World, giving the team an aerial advantage.
While it makes sense that Falcon would be included in Sam's team, he is the least exciting character of the squad. He has only had two MCU appearances to date and has not been given much to really stand out as a strong supporting character. With such a massive cast in Avengers: Doomsday, it is hard to imagine he'll get the chance here either. Here's hoping we're wrong about that!
Scott Lang / Ant-Man
Despite his solo movies never being considered among the best of the MCU, Scott Lang, a.k.a. Ant-Man, has remained a beloved part of the MCU. With Paul Rudd returning to the role, it is safe to assume that he will deliver a lot of the comic relief in Avengers: Doomsday, while giving the team a much-needed "everyman" energy.
Sam was the one who recruited Scott onto Steve Rogers' team in Captain America: Civil War, so it makes sense that he would join this new superhero team as well. Scott also most recently tangled with Kang the Conqueror, not only elevating him as a solo hero but giving him some experience with the multiverse.
Shang-Chi
After being absent from the live-action arm of the MCU since his debut in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Shang-Chi is finally returning in Avengers: Doomsday and has officially become an Avenger. While the ending of Shang-Chi saw the hero being introduced to some other MCU figures, like Bruce Banner and Captain Marvel, it will remain to be seen how he became part of Sam Wilson's team.
After such a long absence, it is thrilling to see such a promising new hero back in action. It will also be exciting to see how Shang-Chi does in a team dynamic as he is the only memorable hero of this new squad who doesn't already have a relationship with one of the other heroes.
Thor
Certainly, the biggest returning MCU character in the official Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement was that of Thor. He is the only original Avenger confirmed for the movie and is also the first MCU hero to get four solo movies. However, seeing him as part of Sam Wilson's Avengers is a bit of a surprise.
Thor is such a bigger character compared to his teammates that it is hard to imagine him being teammates with them. Even with Sam as the new Captain America, Thor overshadows him and has very little previous connection to him. However, his involvement in the team could be explained by the final rumored member of the Avengers.
Loki
The biggest surprise of the apparent new members of the Avengers is the God of Mischief himself. Obviously, Loki is more well-known in the MCU as a villain and was actually the world-ending threat that led to the Avengers being formed in the first place. To see him now as a member of that very team shows his surprising arc.
Indeed, along with being a fan-favorite character, Loki has grown into an anti-hero, and one who will certainly be instrumental to Avengers: Doomsday. Last seen in his solo series, Loki is now the being who is holding all the timelines in place. His inclusion in the Avengers team will likely be reluctant for everyone involved, but he may be the key to saving the day.
Avengers: Doomsday arrives in movie theaters on December 18, 2026.