It has been said “once an Avenger, always an Avenger,” but fans of Marvel comics know that the active line-up varies. The Russo Brothers have recently said that the Avengers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be no different after the events in ‘Avengers: Infinity War.’ Let’s look at who might be on the Avengers roster of Phase 4.
Captain Marvel
She is a Marvel Universe heavy hitter who will undoubtedly play a large role in the Infinity War finale. Her stand-alone film comes out in between the two parts of Infinity War, linking their fate. In the comics, Captain Marvel is sometimes the team leader which would up her strong-female-status to trump even DC’s Wonder Woman.
Black Panther
Chadwick Boseman is making his debut in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and I expect his presence will be a new feature of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Black Panther is a long-standing Avenger and a strong male lead that is needed now to replace some who may be leaving. Although less powerful, I can see him taking on the role of Thor sharing his regal standing from a far away land.
Spider-Man
If heroes like Iron Man leave the team, Marvel needs star-power to fill the void. Tom Holland isn’t at Robert Downey, Jr.’s level (yet), but that’s not the point. Spider-Man, the character, is the star. Fans have been chomping at the bit to see Spider-Man swing onto the scene with a team of his own. Now it can finally happen.
Scarlett Witch
Elizabeth Olsen is a solid actress who is new to a role that has a long Avenger’s history. It is safe to say that Scarlett Witch will have a much longer film career than her brother and probably has a contract to ensure that. Considering that she has been a central plot point for many bad things that happen in the Marvel Comic Universe, it’s good to keep her in play on the big screen as well.
Vision
Here we have a newly minted android with a very cinematic power set. I imagine Vision will have some big moments against Thanos and beyond. As an added bonus, when audiences tire of the strange Black Widow/Hulk romance they can be met with the even stranger Vision/Scarlett Witch romance. With movies so jam-packed with superheroes the only love interests available are superheroes.
Captain America
I’d like the see Chris Evans play this character for as long as possible, but if he chooses to go on to other projects, the Avengers still need a Captain America. Luckily, there are already back-ups established. The comics have moved both Falcon and Bucky Barnes to Cap’s role and there is no reason that wouldn’t work in film. The only hang-up is that, in the comics, Falcon may soon be ending his tenure as Cap so that Steve Rogers may return. Since the comics like to mirror key goings-on with movie releases, this would be a bit backward.
Hulk
We have some options with Hulk. Bruce Banner could continue as-is; Hulk and Bruce could be more merged with Mark Ruffalo voicing a more intelligent monster, or Banner could be out of the picture in favor of a new Hulk–perhaps the Red Hulk who’s alter ego has already been established in the movies. Some Hulk will probably have a presence. People like Hulks.
Doctor Strange
I’m torn here. Scarlett Witch already has the magic base covered and, honestly, we haven’t even needed a magic user up until now. Still, the interplay between the two could be a good way to tell viewers what the hell is going on with otherwise counter-intuitive spellcraft. Doctor Strange will likely be the teacher and Scarlett Witch the student in this relationship. Besides, Marvel isn’t going to waste a talent like Benedict Cumberbatch on just a couple movies.
Wasp
It would be redundant to feature both Ant-Man and Wasp so I have to choose. I choose Wasp. I can see Ant-Man being a casualty of the Infinity War with Thanos which would provide more motivation for Evangeline Lilly’s character to fight on as a hero. If the upcoming Ant-Man and the Wasp does box office gangbusters, that might mean that Ant-Man hangs around. Which would be great. Even if Scott Lang stays alive for Ant-Man 3, I don’t know if he’ll be an Avenger. Wasp is depicted as more embracing the hero lifestyle.
Black Widow
Scarlett Johansson’s character has been around long enough that Marvel might consider benching her for the new team. She isn’t even needed for the token female of the group with the additions of Captain Marvel, Scarlett Witch and Wasp. The thing is, she’s great. I have no idea what Johansson’s contract is like these days, but I could see her staying if she is offered the stand-alone movie she is overdue. The Avengers needs a powerless hero to stay grounded. If it’s not her, I suppose Hawkeye is still an option.
What do you think? Do you agree with this list or is there another superhero you would like to see become an Avenger?
