By JV Tanjuatco
Whether or not Avengers: Endgame ends with Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor biting the dust, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth will hang up their tights sooner than later. Thanks to their popularity, it’s highly unlikely that they’ll be recast either. So it looks more than probable that their legacy will be passed on to some familiar characters in the MCU. There’s precedent in the comics and hints in the movies that indicate that this possibility. Lets look at the comics that reveal our candidates and speculate the identities they could be taking on
(Warning: POSSIBLE MAJOR SPOILER)
1. Captain America
The Potential Successors:
Winter Soldier – Bucky became Cap in a legendary Captain America story. On a path to redeem himself after being a brainwashed hitman, he is stunned by the apparent assassination of Steve Rogers by the villain Crossbones. Tony Stark recommends to Bucky to wear the suit to carry on the legacy, which he reluctantly accepts. He stays Cap for two years until knowledge of his hitman past becomes public.
Falcon – When a super villain drains all the Super Soldier serum out of Steve Rogers it ages him into an old man. Seemingly no one is willing to bear the shield when an invasion force from Dimension Z led by Arnim Zola arrives in New York. Sam Wilson aka the Falcon leads the Avengers to drive them back. Sacrificing himself to defeat Zola, he surprisingly survives. Rogers gives him his blessing to take over for him. Sam has a good run as Cap until he steps down to make way for a rejuvenated Rogers.
Who is the most likely candidate? This is assuming Avengers: Endgame reverses the devastating climax of Avengers: Infinity War. Bucky has the edge since he’s from the same era as Rogers. He’s also got enhanced physical abilities that put him on the same level. However, while he’s been cured of the brainwashing, he has issues that he needs to make peace with. Sam’s advantage is that he’s a war veteran who’s learned how to handle the emotional trauma that comes with war (he was a counselor for vets in Captain America: The Winter Solder). He has no actual powers but his skills in air combat, thanks to his flight harness, are second to none. Hopefully, the Falcon & Winter Soldier series will help resolve this issue (if it becomes the issue).
2. Iron Man
The Potential Successors
War Machine – As Tony Stark’s pilot and buddy, James Rhodes has been Iron Man twice. First, when Stark succumbs to alcoholism and second, when Stark seemingly dies. As part of his will, Stark gives Rhodey not just his armor but his entire company as well! His second stint ends when he discovers that Stark is actually still alive. He angrily leaves, taking with him the War Machine armor.
Pepper Potts – In the comics, Pepper never actually becomes Iron Man though she does get own suit of armor. Provided by Tony, she becomes Rescue, who’s MO is to help people in danger, rather than fight villains.
Happy Hogan – Happy frequently posed as Iron Man to hide the fact that Stark is actually Iron Man. However, he was injured in an incident while wearing the armor and has worn it once since then.
Who is the most likely candidate? Pepper used the armor in Iron Man 3 so she’s had some experience. She hasn’t gotten the chance to use it since then. But she’s never been really that comfortable with Tony’s exploits as Iron Man. As for Happy? He’s never suited up mainly because there doesn’t seem to be an armor in his size. It appears pretty clear that Rhodey with deep knowledge of the armor is Tony’s heir apparent. Unless, of course, he’s perfectly happy being War Machine…
3. Thor
The Potential Successors:
Jane Foster – Thor undergoes a crisis of faith and doubts his worthiness. This leads to him unable to lift his hammer, Mjolnir. He leaves it unattended when frost giants attack Earth. The hammer summons cancer patient (and ex-girlfriend) Jane Foster. Drawn to it, she is able to lift the hammer and becomes the new Goddess of Thunder. She aids Thor (much to his chagrin) and succeeds in driving the frost giants away. After a brief fight with each other (and unaware of her true identity), she earns Odinson’s respect and he is convinced that she has the right to the name Thor.
Beta Ray Bill – Bill was an alien looking for a new home planet for his people when he encountered Thor in space. Mistaking him for an enemy, they fight until Bill is somehow able to lift Mjolnir! After their differences are resolved, Odin gives Bill a hammer of his own called Stormbreaker.
Who is the most likely candidate? Beta Ray Bill was seen as part of a large sculpture in Thor: Ragnarok so he does exist in the MCU. But we haven’t seen him in any of the movies. It’s safe to say he’s a long shot for now. It’s most likely Jane Foster. Still, she hasn’t been seen since Thor: The Dark World and rumors online say Portman left the franchise because of creative differences. There’s a possibility that the role could be recast.
This is all speculation, of course. And while the Big Three may be leaving the MCU, it may be a door that isn’t locked. These actors could return to their famous roles in twenty years and be de-aged thanks to CGI magic. Time will tell…
About the author:
JV Tanjuatco, comic book writer/editor/publisher, founded Comic Book Lab that publishes the comic book titles Mythopolis and War of Whispers (co-created and co-written by him). Comic Book Lab’s most recent project was the graphic novel anthology Stay: 21 Comic Stories authored by Palanca Award winner Angelo R. Lacuesta and illustrated by a stellar line-up of artists including Trese’s Kajo Baldisimo. He has also written articles/reviews for Spot.ph and Ain’t It Cool.
