Sam Wilson’s Avengers Assemble: New ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Look Puts Captain America, Falcon and Shang-Chi Side by Side
Every Avengers movie has to answer the same question early: who’s on the team? In previous installments, the answer was a famous six-person lineup that audiences already knew by heart. This time, the roster is more complicated, with multiple teams, multiple universes and a new generation of leaders.
That’s why even a quick glimpse of the heroes standing together has fans paying attention. A new shot has surfaced from the ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ preview that aired during Game 1 of the World Series, and it gives a clearer picture of the squad Sam Wilson has built.
The new look at Captain America, the Falcon and Shang-Chi in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ shows Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson in the center of the frame, wearing the Captain America suit with the shield on his back. Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres stands behind him in tactical gear, and Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi appears on the right in a dark outfit. It’s a team portrait rather than an action beat, and it reinforces who is standing at the front.
New look at Captain America, The Falcon and Shang-Chi in ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’ https://t.co/Y02RkZXCsG
— Cosmic Marvel (@cosmic_marvel) October 24, 2026
The shot fits the film’s official positioning. Marvel’s character descriptions say Sam has assembled the Avengers and leads a diverse group of heroes as they face the collision between 3 different universes. A promo card for the team also puts Sam at the front, with Thor, Shang-Chi and Ant-Man behind him.
That’s the payoff to an arc that began in ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ which ended with Sam agreeing to rebuild the Avengers. The post-credits scene of ‘Thunderbolts*’ suggested 2 distinct teams, one led by Sam and another, the New Avengers, led by Yelena Belova. ‘Doomsday’ appears to put both sides in the same story.
Torres took over the Falcon mantle from Sam in ‘Brave New World,’ and Marvel’s description says he’s back in action and ready to take off alongside Captain America’s Avengers. The new image shows him as part of the inner circle, even though a separate team card left him out. That inconsistency has fueled some debate among fans.
Another display grouped Sam, Thor, Loki, Shang-Chi, Falcon and Ant-Man together as the ‘Heroic Avengers.’ The inclusion of Loki was a surprise, and his return remains one of the film’s biggest mysteries.
Liu’s Shang-Chi has been widely expected to join Sam’s team, and the new shot gives the strongest visual confirmation yet. The character appears alongside Thor and Ant-Man in the promotional material, which suggests he’ll play a significant role in the fight against Doctor Doom. One toy line has even described him as possibly the only hero powerful enough to stop the threat.
An official display in Shanghai also listed Shang-Chi among the returning heroes, along with Steve Rogers, Shuri, Thor, Loki, Ant-Man, Captain America, Falcon, Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova and Red Guardian. It’s a long list, and it shows how crowded the film’s ensemble will be.
New teaser for ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’. In theaters on December 18. https://t.co/gr47mK5Af7
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 24, 2026
The same preview contained a joke that settles who holds the title. Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man mixes up whether to call Steve Rogers or Sam Wilson ‘Cap,’ and coverage called the moment proof that Sam is the Captain. Steve is returning but not as Captain America, and he’s been given his own Mjolnir-themed logo.
That distinction matters for the portrait. By placing Sam in the center with his shield and his friends around him, the filmmakers are making clear that the new team isn’t just a collection of legacy characters. It’s his team.
The film’s cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Florence Pugh, David Harbour and Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. The Fantastic Four, the original X-Men and the Wakandans also appear. Anthony and Joe Russo direct from a screenplay by Stephen McFeely.
With so many heroes, every group shot carries weight. The new image suggests Sam, Falcon and Shang-Chi will be central to the story rather than background players.
‘Avengers: Doomsday’ opens in theaters on December 18, followed by ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ on December 17, 2027. A new trailer is rumored for mid-November, and more team footage may arrive before then.
For now, the portrait works as a promise. The Avengers are back, and they have new leaders.
Which hero are you most excited to see on Sam Wilson’s Avengers team in 'Avengers: Doomsday'?
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