The Marvel Studios’ Multiverse Saga is approaching its conclusion, with two blockbuster films, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, set to debut in 2026 and 2027. These films are expected to be the largest-scale events in the MCU, even more “epic” than Infinity War or Endgame. Therefore, it is not surprising that the final multiversal battle will feature various superheroes alongside the return of the Avengers after many years of “dormancy.”
Avengers & Guardians of the Galaxy to Make Major Returns in Doomsday and Secret Wars
The Avengers will play a central role in the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga, and their return has been highly anticipated since they ceased operations after the events of Endgame. Currently, the Avengers team has undergone significant changes, with the departures of key members such as Iron Man, Captain America (Steve Rogers), and Black Widow.
In their place, many new heroes will be introduced, led by experienced superheroes like Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, Wong, Hulk, Thor, Sam Wilson (the new Captain America), and Spider-Man, who has already had multiversal experiences in No Way Home. Additionally, the Avengers will now include several potential new members like Shang-Chi from the Ten Rings and the powerful Eternals.
The Guardians of the Galaxy will also have significant roles in Secret Wars, especially after their crucial involvement in both Infinity War and Endgame. Similar to the Avengers, the Guardians have seen many changes, with the new team led by Rocket Raccoon, alongside Groot, Adam Warlock, Phyla, Kraglin, and Cosmo. Moreover, “Star-Lord” Peter Quill will return to the MCU in a standalone project, making it difficult to imagine that the Guardians will not play a part in the pivotal events of Secret Wars.
Young Avengers & Thunderbolts
The Young Avengers and Thunderbolts are considered the next generation of superheroes in the MCU. While the Thunderbolts will be featured in their own movie set to release on May 2, the Young Avengers have been gradually building up over the years, with several potential members that could rival the original Avengers.
For instance, in the post-credit scene of The Marvels, Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel directly hinted at forming a new superhero team – believed to be the Young Avengers. This team will likely include Cassie Lang, the daughter of Ant-Man, America Chavez, a superhero with the ability to traverse multiple universes, and Ironheart, a genius inventor creating advanced suits reminiscent of Tony Stark, despite facing various obstacles in resources and funding. Additionally, Billy Maximoff/Billy Kaplan, the son of Wanda Maximoff, is also expected to join this team in the future.
Meanwhile, the Thunderbolts will officially debut in the MCU at the beginning of May through the film Thunderbolts. The movie title suggests that many characters are merely temporary fixtures, and there are rumors indicating that the film may lay the groundwork for Marvel Studios to introduce the Dark Avengers on the big screen. As of now, the Thunderbolts team will include members like Yelena Belova, James Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier), John Walker (US Agent), Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian), Ava Starr (Ghost), Antonia Dreykov (Taskmaster), and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.
Fantastic Four & X-Men
In addition to the Avengers, the Fantastic Four are confirmed to make an appearance in Secret Wars. The first family of Marvel is set to officially join the MCU in the film The Fantastic Four: First Steps, scheduled for release on July 25. This film will portray a new story set in a different universe, featuring prominent villains like Galactus and Doctor Doom. Since Doom is viewed as the “final boss” of the Multiverse Saga, it is no surprise that the Fantastic Four will have a particularly significant role in both Doomsday and Secret Wars.
On the other hand, the X-Men are expected to be explored further after the Multiverse Saga concludes. However, Marvel Studios has hinted at incorporating various characters from the previous Fox film adaptations into the MCU. Besides Deadpool and Wolverine, audiences have already seen characters like Charles Xavier/Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Beast in Ms. Marvel. The battlefield in Secret Wars presents a fantastic opportunity for these legendary superheroes to return to the forefront, serving as a farewell to the Fox X-Men universe before Marvel introduces its new characters.
The Defenders
The recent trailer for Daredevil: Born Again has confirmed that many familiar faces from Netflix’s Defenders will return to the MCU. This includes characters like Matt Murdock, Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, and Frank Castle/Punisher. Since Daredevil: Born Again connects with previous Netflix series, it is likely that other Defenders, such as Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, will also appear in this project.
While the Defenders typically operate on a smaller scale compared to the Avengers, they have often been seen as street-level heroes. However, with the increasing stakes in the multiverse, it is entirely possible that a street-level hero like Daredevil could join the Avengers in their battle against Doom in Secret Wars.
Midnight Sons
Since the events of Endgame, Marvel Studios has actively been exploring mystical elements, particularly through projects like Doctor Strange, Werewolf by Night, and Moon Knight. This has led many fans to speculate that a new team may be forming, focused on supernatural issues in the MCU – the Midnight Sons. This team could consist of members like Doctor Strange, Blade, Elsa Bloodstone, Wong, Moon Knight, and Man-Thing (who is expected to appear in future Marvel projects).
Doctor Strange is seen as a central character in the Multiverse Saga and will play an important role in the two upcoming Avengers films. Therefore, it is quite possible that he will assemble the Midnight Sons ahead of the events in Secret Wars, leading them into battle against Doctor Doom.
Source: ScreenRant
