Who Will Lead the Avengers Next? A Deep Dive into the MCU’s Heroic Leadership!

In light of recent hints that the leadership of the MCU Avengers might shift in the upcoming movie “Avengers: Doomsday,” we decided to revisit the entire history of the four individuals who have taken charge of Earth’s strongest heroes in this popular superhero series. The legendary team is gearing up for another cinematic appearance, with “Avengers: Doomsday” set to hit theaters next December – marking the first time they’ve reunited since 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame.

In the revamped Avengers team, you’ll notice a significant change compared to their previous lineup when they were initially assembled. Familiar figures such as Chris Evans’ Captain America, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, and Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man won’t be part of this new crew. Instead, we have Anthony Mackie stepping into the role of Captain America, Florence Pugh portraying Yelena Belova, and the Fantastic Four joining forces, with a potential new leader rising among these exciting newcomers.

Director Matt Shakman, responsible for Fantastic Four: First Steps, has stirred up the Marvel community with his latest remarks regarding potential leaders of the Avengers at the conclusion of Avengers: Doomsday.

In a recent interview, Shakman hinted that Pedro Pascal’s character, Reed Richards in the upcoming MCU film, will transform from a “scientist who spends most of his time in the lab” to a “leader of the Avengers.

In a more conversational style, this could be rephrased as: “From the lab-bound scientist and family man who’d go to any lengths for his loved ones, to the one steering the Avengers, I came to understand that our creation needed to encompass all these aspects.

It seems likely that the leadership role among the Avengers could change hands again soon within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So far, just four characters have been the leaders of the Avengers in the over 17 years since they first appeared on the big screen.

I can hardly contain my excitement as I eagerly look forward to the release of “Avengers: Doomsday” in theaters on December 18, 2026! This highly anticipated film, directed by the visionary duo Joe and Anthony Russo who brought us “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame,” promises an epic showdown between Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and the reality-twisting Doctor Doom, played by none other than Robert Downey Jr.

In this thrilling adventure, we’ll witness not only our cherished Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) heroes but also characters from the now-defunct X-Men franchise, with the return of Sir Patrick Stewart as Professor X and the legendary Ian McKellen as Magneto! This crossover event is sure to be a game-changer in the Marvel Multiverse!

A Complete Timeline of the MCU’s Avengers Leadership

Tony Stark (Iron Man—The Avengers)

Although the Avengers didn’t officially come together until the storyline of 2012’s “The Avengers” film, Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) often reminisces about leading the team in its earliest formation prior to that significant event.

In 2008, Tony Stark transformed into the armored hero Iron Man. He was the initial member from outside SHIELD to be part of what Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson) called the Avengers initiative. Following their first fight in New York City, Tony relinquished the leadership role, instead sharing it with Captain America (portrayed by Chris Evans), serving as a co-leader for the team.

Tony Stark & Steve Rogers (The Avengers—Captain America: Civil War)

After the Chitauri invasion of New York City and the Avengers successfully stopping their extraterrestrial schemes, the team experienced a shift in leadership, as two heroes led the group for the first and only instance in Marvel Cinematic Universe lore.

In the films ranging from The Avengers to Captain America: Civil War, Tony Stark and Steve Rogers were jointly referred to as the leaders of Earth’s strongest superheroes, a partnership that endured for several years (even through confrontations with the rogue AI Ultron). However, this alliance was fractured when a disagreement over the contentious Sokovia Accords occurred.

Steve Rogers (Captain America: Civil War—Avengers: Infinity War)

The timeframe following “Captain America: Civil War” and leading up to “Avengers: Infinity War” saw an unusual period for the Avengers team. It could be said that post their decisive battle in the “Civil War,” the Avengers essentially disbanded or ceased to function as a unit.

During the period spanning from “Civil War” to when Thanos posed an imminent danger in “Infinity War”, Chris Evans’ character, the star-spangled man with a plan, effectively maintained a close-knit team of heroes (consisting of Falcon, Bucky Barnes, and Black Widow). This suggests that he was instrumental in keeping the Avengers united during this specific timeframe.

Natasha Romanoff (Avengers: Infinity War—Avengers: Endgame)

During the gap between different projects, Scarlett Johansson’s character Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow effectively led the Avengers for approximately five years, starting from after the events of Avengers: Infinity War and before the time leap in Avengers: Endgame. Similar to the Avengers post-Civil War, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes were essentially non-existent following Thanos’ devastating snap in Infinity War.

The majority of characters chose to hide or abandon their superhero roles altogether. In contrast, Natasha stayed alert, assessing the team’s possibilities with half the universe gone. While leading the team during this period, she ultimately sacrificed herself to secure the Soul Stone. This was when the Avengers temporarily disbanded.

Sam Wilson (Avengers: Endgame—Avengers: Doomsday)

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, let me shed some light on the latest head honcho of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Although fans were well aware that Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson had been bestowed with the Captain America shield and title at the culmination of Avengers: Endgame, there remained ambiguity as to whether this meant he now steered the Avengers ship or if this elite team still operated.

In the thrilling post-credits scene of the Thunderbolts film, I couldn’t contain my excitement as it became clear that I was indeed leading the extraordinary team. The New Avengers – Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Winter Soldier, and others – seemed taken aback when they learned that I had been growing uncomfortable with their use of the Avengers name.

Fans will finally see Sam leading the Avengers team in next year’s Avengers: Doomsday.

2025-07-18 19:37