MCU Heroes We Believe Won’t Survive Phase Six

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is heading toward an explosive end to its Multiverse Saga with Phase Six. With massive crossover events like ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever, and not every hero will make it out alive.

Phase Six kicks off with ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ and wraps up with universe-altering battles that could reshape the MCU forever. Based on recent news, comic storylines, and character arcs, here’s our list of 15 heroes who might not survive the chaos of Phase Six.

Thor

Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, has been a cornerstone of the MCU since his debut. His journey from reckless prince to wise hero has spanned four solo films and multiple Avengers adventures, but his time may be running out. With the Multiverse Saga pushing for new faces, killing off a fan-favorite like Thor in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ or ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ would raise the stakes dramatically.

The comics often see Thor sacrifice himself for the greater good, and the MCU could follow suit. His survival through so many phases is impressive, but the Russo brothers, directing the upcoming Avengers films, might choose to end his arc to make room for newer heroes. Hemsworth’s long tenure makes Thor a prime candidate for a heroic exit.

Hulk

Bruce Banner, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, has been a key Avenger since ‘The Incredible Hulk’. His transformation into Smart Hulk gave him a fresh arc, but recent projects like ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ suggest his story is winding down. With his son Skaar introduced, the MCU might be setting up a new Hulk to take over.

The comics have depleted many Hulk storylines, leaving little room for new tales. ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ promise multiversal chaos, and Hulk’s death could serve as a shocking moment. With other gamma-powered characters like Red Hulk appearing, Banner’s time as a hero might end tragically.

Ant-Man

Scott Lang, played by Paul Rudd, brought humor and heart to the MCU starting with ‘Ant-Man’. His role in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ was pivotal, but ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ hurt his momentum with poor reviews. The shift away from Kang the Conqueror, whom Scott faced, weakens his relevance in Phase Six.

The upcoming Avengers films will feature massive battles, and Scott’s relatively low power level makes him vulnerable. In the comics, Ant-Man often fades into the background during major events. A sacrificial death in ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ could give Scott a memorable send-off while clearing space for new heroes.

Star-Lord

Peter Quill, portrayed by Chris Pratt, led the Guardians of the Galaxy through three films, but their story concluded in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’. With the team disbanded and Quill back on Earth, his arc feels complete. His emotional journey tied heavily to his found family, leaving little room for solo stories.

With James Gunn now at DC, the Guardians are unlikely to return soon. ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ could see Quill join the fight against Doctor Doom, but his death would fit the comics’ tendency to wrap up his story. A heroic end would honor his growth while making way for fresh characters.

Hawkeye

Clint Barton, played by Jeremy Renner, is one of the original Avengers, appearing in multiple films since ‘Thor’. His arc in ‘Hawkeye’ passed the mantle to Kate Bishop, signaling a possible exit. After over a decade in the MCU, Clint’s story as a hero seems to have reached its natural end.

In ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, the massive scale of the conflict could claim Clint’s life, mirroring comic moments where he sacrifices himself. His retirement teases in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ and ‘Hawkeye’ make his death a logical step to finalize his journey and focus on newer archers.

War Machine

James Rhodes, portrayed by Don Cheadle, has been a loyal hero since ‘Iron Man 2’. His role in ‘Secret Invasion’ and upcoming ‘Armor Wars’ keeps him active, but his story feels secondary compared to newer heroes. With Tony Stark gone, Rhodes lacks the same narrative drive he once had.

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ could see Rhodes fall in battle against Doctor Doom, especially if ‘Armor Wars’ sets up his final stand. In the comics, War Machine often faces tragic ends during major events. His death would be a gut-punch while allowing the MCU to pivot to characters like Ironheart.

Rocket Raccoon

Rocket, voiced by Bradley Cooper, is a fan-favorite from the Guardians of the Galaxy. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ gave him a complete arc, overcoming his tragic past. With the Guardians disbanded, Rocket’s role in the larger MCU feels uncertain, especially without James Gunn’s direction.

In ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, Rocket’s knack for risky plans could lead to a sacrificial death, echoing comic moments where he faces overwhelming odds. His emotional growth makes him a strong candidate for a heroic exit, leaving a lasting impact while the MCU shifts to new teams.

Nebula

Nebula, played by Karen Gillan, evolved from villain to hero across the Guardians films and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. Her redemption arc peaked in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’, leaving her with less to explore. Without the Guardians, her place in Phase Six is unclear.

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ might feature Nebula in the multiversal fight, but her death could mirror comic storylines where she faces tragic ends. Her sacrifice would honor her growth from Thanos’ daughter to a selfless hero, allowing the MCU to focus on emerging characters.

Drax

Drax, portrayed by Dave Bautista, brought humor and heart to the Guardians of the Galaxy. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ wrapped up his arc, with Drax choosing to stay behind as a protector. Bautista has also expressed readiness to leave the role, making Drax’s future uncertain.

In ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, Drax’s brute strength could lead to a bold but fatal stand against Doctor Doom’s forces. Comic events often see Drax fall in massive battles. His death would tie up his story while opening doors for new cosmic heroes.

Mantis

Mantis, played by Pom Klementieff, joined the Guardians in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ and grew into a beloved hero. Her arc in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ saw her leave to find herself, leaving her role in Phase Six ambiguous. Without the Guardians, her narrative purpose is limited.

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ could bring Mantis back for a multiversal battle, but her empathic powers might not save her from a tragic end. In the comics, Mantis often faces danger in cosmic conflicts. Her death would be a sad but fitting close to her journey.

Wong

Wong, played by Benedict Wong, became Sorcerer Supreme and a key figure in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. His role in guiding mystical heroes is vital, but the scale of ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ could overwhelm even him. The MCU often sacrifices mentors to push heroes forward.

Wong’s death in a multiversal clash would raise the stakes, especially if Doctor Strange loses his ally. Comic storylines sometimes see Wong fall during magical battles. His exit would pave the way for new mystical characters while honoring his wisdom.

Valkyrie

Valkyrie, portrayed by Tessa Thompson, became King of New Asgard in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. Her leadership role is inspiring, but her story feels complete after aiding Thor. With Phase Six focusing on multiversal threats, Valkyrie’s grounded role might not fit.

In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, Valkyrie could lead Asgardians into battle, only to fall against Doctor Doom. The comics often depict her in sacrificial roles during cosmic wars. Her death would be a bold move, allowing the MCU to introduce new Asgardian heroes.

Sam Wilson (Captain America)

Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, took up the Captain America mantle in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ sets him up as a leader, but its poor reception weakens his momentum. Facing Doctor Doom in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ could prove too much.

The comics sometimes see Captain America fall to inspire others, and Sam’s death could pass the shield to someone new, like Joaquin Torres. His sacrifice would cement his legacy while refreshing the Captain America role for Phase Seven.

Doctor Strange

Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange is a multiversal anchor, starring in two solo films and supporting roles in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. His power makes him a target for Doctor Doom in ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’. The MCU might kill him to reset the mystical landscape.

In the comics, Strange often sacrifices himself to save reality. His death would be a massive shock, given his importance, but it could pave the way for characters like Clea to take over. Strange’s exit would mark a bold shift for the MCU.

Spider-Man

Tom Holland’s Spider-Man has led three solo films, with ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ (2026) set for Phase Six. After ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, Peter Parker is alone, making him vulnerable. Facing Doctor Doom in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ could lead to his demise.

The comics’ ‘Secret Wars’ often put Spider-Man in danger, and a multiversal sacrifice would fit his selfless nature. Killing Spider-Man would be a huge risk, but it could refresh the character for a new actor or universe post-Phase Six.

Which MCU hero’s potential death in Phase Six shocks you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!