The Infinity Saga is complete. Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe concluded with the downfall of Thanos, as well as the heartbreaking deaths of Iron Man and Black Widow. Original members of the Avengers were slain in the fight against Thanos, and it is up to a new generation of Marvel heroes to take on their mentors' mantles in Phase Four.
Multiple characters will be passing the torch to a younger successor in forthcoming installments, as the MCU expands with several Disney+ shows such WandaVision and The Falcon And The Winter Soldier. Who will inherit the titles of earth's mightiest heroes and potentially join the New Avengers?
Passing The Torch: Black Widow
MCU fans will likely witness Black Widow's final mission in her upcoming solo movie. Natasha Romanoff met a tragic fate in Avengers: Endgame after sacrificing her life for the Soul Stone on Vormir. It is unclear if she will return or if Black Widow is her character's last appearance in the MCU.
It is appropriate that Natasha passes the mantle to a new Black Widow whilst finally starring in her long-awaited solo film. Her character may have died in Endgame, but if she leaves behind a successor, then her legacy lives on.
Receiving The Torch: Yelena Belova
Black Widow director Cate Shortland has announced that Natasha will "pass the baton" to Yelena Belova in her upcoming film. Black Widow's fellow Red Room recruit is set to co-star in the first installment of Phase Four, which will explore the complex relationship between the spies.
Yelena inheriting the mantle of Black Widow is an interesting new direction for the MCU. Belova's Black Widow could become an integral member of the Avengers, following in Natasha's footsteps.
Passing The Torch: Captain America
Captain America fought continuously throughout the MCU before finally finding peace in Avengers: Endgame. Following Thanos' defeat, Steve Rogers travels through time again to return the Infinity Stones. The First Avenger reunites with Peggy Carter and settles down with her in an alternate timeline.
Cap has faced intergalactic beings, superpowered threats, and has traveled through space and time. At the end of Endgame, it is clear that he is ready to retire and relinquish his mantle.
Receiving The Torch: Sam Wilson
Endgame's conclusion saw Cap pass his iconic shield to his long-term friend and fellow Avenger, Sam Wilson. It is unclear when the Falcon will don the stars and stripes, though his future as the next Captain America is all but assured.
Steve physically passes the torch to Sam by handing him his vibranium shield. The MCU's Falcon is set to follow the same arc as his comic-book counterpart by becoming the new Captain America.
Passing The Torch: Thor
Thor's story in the MCU is not over yet. The original Avenger left New Asgard in Valkyrie's hands to travel with the Guardians of the Galaxy in Avengers: Endgame. Thor: Love And Thunder will explore the God of Thunder's new future, as well as re-introducing old characters.
It is unknown if Thor's next film will be his last. Given the refreshing reinvention of his character in Thor: Ragnarok, fans would be dismayed to see him exit the franchise. Although Thor's status in the MCU is uncertain, it is confirmed that he will be passing the hammer to another worthy hero.
Receiving The Torch: Jane Foster
During their Hall H panel at SDCC 2019, Marvel announced that Jane Foster would be returning for Thor: Love And Thunder, where she will wield Mjolnir as Thor's successor. This storyline occurred in the comic books when Thor was deemed unworthy and his hammer was given to Jane.
This is an exciting development for the MCU's Jane Foster. Her character can progress beyond the limited role of a love interest and become a superheroine in her own right.
Passing The Torch: Iron Man
Avengers: Endgame was filled with triumphant victories and heartbreaking losses. One of the film's most emotional scenes was the death of Iron Man. During the final battle, Tony Stark absorbs the power of the Infinity Stones to defeat Thanos, giving his life to save the world.
Tony's tragic fate was foreshadowed throughout the franchise, and his legacy in the MCU is undeniable. Tony's daughter, Morgan, is too young to don an Iron Man suit (for now), but there is another worthy successor to Tony's mantle...
Receiving The Torch: Spider-Man
Spider-Man received the torch from Tony Stark during his second MCU outing, Spider-Man: Far From Home. Peter Parker inherits E.D.I.T.H after Iron Man's death, giving him access to all of Tony's technology. Tony bequeathed this gift to his protege believing him to be "the next Iron Man."
Peter's relationship with Tony was explored throughout Phase Three, with Iron Man acting as a father figure to the young hero. Spider-Man will, undoubtedly, continue to honor the legacy of his mentor in Phase Four.
Passing The Torch: Hawkeye
Hawkeye is a primary member of the Avengers who has been considerably overshadowed by his superpowered teammates. Despite this, his character was a vital member of the team, fighting on the frontlines during The Avengers, Age Of Ultron, and Captain America: Civil War.
Clint Barton's character progressed in a new, darker direction as Ronin during Endgame, before he was finally reunited with his family. The former SHIELD agent's adventures will continue in his upcoming Disney+ show, where viewers will likely see him pass the torch to a new hero.
Receiving The Torch: Kate Bishop
Kate Bishop has been confirmed to appear in the forthcoming Hawkeye series. Her character is well-known for donning the mantle of Hawkeye in Marvel Comics, and will likely follow the same path in the MCU.
Hawkeye's story may see him train Kate Bishop as his predecessor, passing along his iconic bow and arrow. Kate, Peter, Jane, Sam, and Yelena look set to inherit their mentor's mantles as the next generation of Marvel heroes and, potentially, key members of the New Avengers.