She-Hulk
Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk has been a fixture in the Avengers movies from the beginning. But while we expect Hulk will have some part to play in the new version of the team, Ruffalo’s post-Endgame appearances suggest Hulk is taking more of a supporting role going forward. Instead, Hulk’s cousin, Tatiana Maslany’s She-Hulk, is shaping up to be the new resident powerhouse on the Avengers.
The new She-Hulk trailer released during Comic-Con certainly backs up that theory. We see Bruce coaching Jen on using her new powers, and it quickly becomes apparent that She-Hulk is stronger and more capable than Hulk ever was. The Avengers can surely use that strength against an enemy like Kang.
Kate Bishop
Hulks and wizards are great, but what the Avengers really need is someone who knows how to shoot a bow and arrow. Unfortunately for the team, Clint Barton seems ready to finally embrace retirement. Clint probably won’t be joining the new Avengers in Phase 6, but he’s not the only Hawkeye any longer.
Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop is another likely candidate for the next Avengers squad. She’s proven herself as Clint’s successor, and Marvel hasn’t given us any sign that they’re introducing the Young Avengers before the end of Phase 6.
Black Panther?
It’s debatable whether Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther ever technically qualified as an Avenger during the Infinity Saga. Still, he lent vital aid to Captain America’s team after the events of Captain America: Civil War, and Wakanda was the site of a major battleground in Avengers: Infinity War. Wakanda has the technology and resources the Avengers need to stand a fighting chance against all-powerful villains like Thanos and Kang.
Given that, we can see Black Panther continuing to play a part in the team going forward. The question is more which character will be wearing the suit. Will Shuri be the MCU’s new Black Panther after the events of Wakanda Forever? M’Baku? Okoye? That’s one of the bigger MCU mysteries at the moment, but hopefully we don’t have much longer to wait for an answer.
