The Marvel Cinematic Universe is still going strong after completing their Infinity Saga in 2019 with Avengers: Endgame. Now in the Multiverse Saga, the MCU is entering its 5th phase this year. Thanks to the roadmap that CEO Kevin Feige's gave fans last year, Marvel lovers know there are two Avengers movies coming out in the next few years. Avengers: The Kang Dynasty is set to release in 2025 and while fans are excited to see what's to come in that film, it's the next Avengers epic coming that has people thinking it could be the next Endgame.
Avengers: Secret Wars is set to release just one year after Kang Dynasty in 2026, and is practically guaranteed to be a global phenomenon. MCU fans have a lot of theories on which characters will make an appearance. Here's a look at some of the most anticipated heroes.
8 Kang
Jonathon Majors' Kang is looking to be this saga's big bad, in the vein of Thanos. He made his first appearance in season one of Loki and is set to appear again soon in Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania.
It's clear that Kang is going to be the main antagonist of Avengers: Kang Dynasty as well, but fans aren't sure if he will be back again for Secret Wars. Hopefully he won't be killed off too early and will get to make an appearance in both upcoming Avengers films.
7 The Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four are set to make their MCU debut in their own film in 2025. John Krasinski played Fantastic Four's leader Reed Richards in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness last year, but it's unclear if the character will be recast in their solo film or if Krasinski will return.
With that being said The Fantastic Four need to make an appearance in Secret Wars. Not only do they play an essential role in the comics' version of the story, but fans have also been wanting to see them alongside the Avengers for years.
6 She-Hulk
She-Hulk got to have her own show last year and introduced the MCU to a new version of Hulk that isn't afraid to shatter expectations or the fourth wall either. Unfortunately, it's unlikely the show will get a second season, so She-Hulk's future in the MCU is unclear.
The Avengers need a Hulk on their team, and with Bruce Banner looking to slow things down when it comes to smashing, it only makes sense for She-Hulk to take his place. Her ability to break the fourth wall would add a funny and unique spin to the film.
5 Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man was the heart and soul of the MCU's Infinity Saga. Seeing him go from selfish billionaire playboy to an honest family man willing to sacrifice himself to save the entire universe was an incredible journey.
With that being said, fans are still desperate to see him return one day, and there's no better moment than the next Avengers epic. Considering the plot will likely feature heroes from dozens of different universes, it would actually make sense to see Iron Man make his return.
4 Hugh Jackman's Wolverine
Like RDJ with Iron Man, it's hard to imagine anyone other than Hugh Jackman play Wolverine. Everyone thought he was done with the role after his beautiful sendoff to the character in Logan back in 2017, but with the announcement of his return in the upcoming Deadpool 3, anything is possible.
Getting to see Wolverine interact with the other Avengers is something fans have wanted since the MCU's debut. Hopefully, Secret Wars will be that chance.
3 Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man
It felt like a fever dream that Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man actually entered the MCU in 2021 with Spider-Man: No Way Home. While it was great to see him again, fans are desperately hoping that wasn't the last of his version of Spider-Man. Avengers: Secret Wars is the perfect opportunity to bring him back due to the fact it's going to be a multiverse war. Maybe Andrew Garfield could also make a return and fans will get to see the best three Spider-Men alongside each other once again.
2 Dr. Doom
Dr. Doom is without a doubt the most anticipated villain that hasn't yet been featured in the MCU. He unfortunately hasn't had a great track record in his former big screen appearances, but fans are hoping Kevin Feige will finally do him justice.
Dr. Doom plays a very important role in the Secret Wars comic run, so it's expected that he'll be featured in the film adaptation as well. With The Fantastic Four being basically a shoe-in for the movie, it only makes sense for their arch nemesis to show up too.
1 Captain America (Sam Wilson)
In last year's The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson finally shed his Falcon name and took up the mantle of Captain America. He's set to make his film debut as the character in 2024 with Captain America: New World Order, but it's unclear if he will play a substantial role in the next Avengers movies.
The Avengers need a leader, and it only makes sense for Captain America to lead them to victory. Hopefully, Sam Wilson will get to put his leadership skills to the test in Secret Wars.