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As Avengers: Endgame becomes a distant memory — and Steve Rogers and Tony Stark begin to fade into the past – new heroes continue to enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe conversation. With Tony Stark and Rogers gone — and others soon to exit the landscape — several original Avengers may be replaced with female counterparts. The MCU may be looking to turn over a new leaf, with several distinct superhero teams, and multiple heroines present to take care of the baddies.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige MCU
President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige | Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

1. Natalie Portman’s Mighty Thor will likely replace Chris Hemsworth’s God of Thunder

While Chris Hemsworth has yet to exit the landscape, it’s likely that he will bid the franchise farewell following the God of Thunder’s upcoming fourth installment. Love and Thunder will reintroduce Jane Foster, yet she will come to carry the hammer by the end of the movie.

Considering Hemsworth has been with the franchise since the early days, this movie will likely focus on his denoument, and initiate the introduction for his Mjolnir-wielding successor. Jane Foster may then serve a vital role in the universe’s expansion, playing a part in the eventual A-Force movie, set to feature a team of all-female heroes. 

2. Will Jennifer Walters AKA She-Hulk take over for Bruce Banner’s Jade Giant? 

While casting has yet to be announced for the Disney+ series She-Hulk, Kevin Feige and Co. have already confirmed that the production is in the pipeline. In the comics, Banner is responsible for turning his cousin (Walters) into a jade giant. 

Banner could serve to introduce the new hero. He may then proceed to focus on his academic studies (now that Banner and Hulk have merged), leaving Walters to take on his superhero duties. Such a narrative would present a situation in which Banner operates in the background; he could step in periodically for relevant cameo appearances as a wise mentor to a new team. Yet, with the damage done to his arm via Thanos, he may be out of commission when it comes to combat. 

3. Clint Barton is set to train Kate Bishop to become Hawkeye 

In the upcoming Disney+ series Hawkeye, Clint Barton will presumably train his successor, Kate Bishop. The series will allow Marvel Studios to dive into a character that has not received a warranted standalone installment, while also presenting his successor in tandem. Thus, fans will get the best of both worlds if the series lives up to the high expectations set. 

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‘Thor: The Dark World’: Leaving Jane Foster Out Would Have Made a Better Movie, Fans Say

4. Could Iron Heart replace Iron Man in the MCU?

Replacing Iron Man will not be easy; without Robert Downey Jr.’s early triumph, the entire franchise may have fallen apart.  When asked about Iron Heart in the MCU, Kevin Feige said, “… think it’s a great character, and it’s been fun to see how she evolves in the comics…I just saw that quote, too. But again, the future…” The future does not mean never, but it does imply that any Iron Man replacement may be far off, or, at the least, it will be a long time until one of the iron-clad women take the reigns. 

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