The Marvel Cinematic Universe is officially entering a new era following the exit of the original Avengers in the 2019 blockbuster Avengers: Endgame.
With Iron Man’s (Robert Downey Jr.) death and Captain America’s (Chris Evans) departure – although his return has now been confirmed – fans are eager to see who will step up and lead the next Avengers team.
While Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is widely expected to help reform the group, the question remains: is he the only hero capable of leading the Avengers forward? Read on to discover the five Marvel characters who should lead the next Avengers lineup.
Sam Wilson (Captain America)
The most natural choice to lead the new Avengers is Sam Wilson. Not only did he fully embrace the Captain America mantle in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but he is also tasked with reassembling the Avengers in Captain America: Brave New World.
Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam is more attuned to the morally gray realities of modern politics. He understands diplomacy, challenges authority, and questions institutions rather than blindly following them.
In a world where governments can no longer be fully trusted, Sam’s empathy, integrity, and moral clarity make him one of the strongest candidates to lead the next Avengers.
Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel)
With her unmatched cosmic experience, Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) is another excellent choice to lead the Avengers – especially as threats increasingly move beyond Earth.
Carol has spent years protecting entire civilizations across the galaxy, giving her a deep understanding of interstellar politics, alien threats, and the catastrophic consequences of unchecked power.
While her stoic demeanor has often been mistaken for emotional distance or weakness, The Marvels proved that Carol is a capable team player who isn’t afraid to rely on others or take responsibility for her actions. Her experience and power make her a formidable leader in the MCU’s expanding cosmic landscape.
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) may not be the easiest hero to work with, but there’s no denying he can be a potential Avengers leader.
As the former Sorcerer Supreme and the MCU’s foremost expert on the multiverse, Strange possesses knowledge that few heroes can comprehend.
From Avengers: Infinity War to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Stephen Strange has faced reality-altering threats and made impossible decisions for the greater good. With the MCU leaning heavily into multiversal chaos, his foresight, strategic thinking, and willingness to bear heavy responsibility make him an indispensable figure for the Avengers’ future.
Shuri (Black Panther)
After taking on the mantle of Black Panther in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Shuri (Letitia Wright) proved she has what it takes to become a future Avengers leader.
Rather than living in T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) shadow, she forged her own path, shaped by intellect, grief, and growth.
As the mind behind Wakanda’s technological dominance, Shuri brings a forward-thinking strategy the Avengers desperately need.
Beyond her genius, she balances scientific logic with cultural responsibility, making her not just a brilliant innovator but a thoughtful and capable leader.
Spider-Man (Peter Parker)
Although Peter Parker (Tom Holland) may seem too young to lead, Spider-Man: No Way Home proved that he already understands the true cost of responsibility. By choosing duty over personal happiness, Peter demonstrated the very qualities that once defined Steve Rogers.
Spider-Man’s strength lies in his humanity. He fights not for glory or recognition, but because he genuinely cares.
His ability to inspire hope, adapt quickly, and think creatively under immense pressure positions him as a future Avengers leader who can remind the team why they fight in the first place.
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