While the release of Avengers 4 is still a year and a half away, production is well underway in Atlanta, New York, and cities around the world. Thanks to various information from the cast and set photos, we already have a pretty good idea of all the characters that will appear in the film.

Naturally, these returns bring with them the possibility of spoilers for Avengers: Infinity War—at least in terms of who survives. But for those who want to keep tabs on all the new and returning characters for 2019’s Marvel epic, a decent number of actors and characters have already been announced. And this weekend, a slew of set videos and photos from the film’s stars signaled just how big the cast will be. While most major characters are assumed to reappear, here are the heroes and villains who have been confirmed for Avengers 4.

The Wasp

Exactly one year ago, Evangeline Lilly’s the Wasp was the first character to be confirmed for Avengers 4. The news also brought with it word that the Wasp would be sitting out Infinity War. With her co-headlining film arriving shortly after the third Avengers, Marvel wanted to make sure Lilly’s debut as a hero came in Ant-Man & the Wasp. After that spotlight, she’ll be all set to join her fellow costume crime fighters to save the world.

Lilly won’t be the only character from Ant-Man 2 in the film either. Laurence Fishburne was in one of the set photos from this weekend, seeming to confirm that his character Dr. Bill Foster will appear in the film. Considering his scientific expertise, it makes sense that the Avengers would want all hands on deck for the big fight that will end Phase 4.

Captain Marvel

Like the Wasp, it looks as if Captain Marvel will debut in her own movie before joining the team in Avengers 4. For months now, rumors—and a fair amount of evidence—have pointed towards some sort of Carol Danvers cameo in Infinity War. Whether or not that happens, however, we know that Brie Larson will be reprising her role as Earth’s Mightiest Hero in Avengers 4. With her arrival will come a sizable amount of cosmic power, so any foe facing the Avengers better be careful.

Guardians of the Galaxy

For awhile, David Bautista’s Drax was the only member of the core Guardians of the Galaxy that has confirmed his involvement with Avengers 4. This weekends set photo/video dump, however, confirmed the return of Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) and Groot. Vin Diesel was even on set himself, sharing images and video from the shoot. While there’s no word on Rocket or Gamora yet, it does seem safe to assume they’ll show up given Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is supposed to explore both of their backstories.

Along with the core team, we know that some of the newer Guardians will be along for the ride. Karen Gillan was one of the earliest actors to be confirmed for the film, and she’s already been sharing Nebula-related dispatches from the set. And recently we learned that Pom Klementieff will also be back as Mantis. With their roles in Guardians 2 and Avengers 3 and 4, Nebula and Mantis should be core parts of the team by the time the Vol 3 rolls around.

Yondu and Starhawk

While the return of the team from Guardians 2 is hardly a surprise, the reemergence of Yondu and Starhawk is interesting. Recently, James Gunn confirmed that only flashbacks would bring Yondu back from the dead, yet Michael Rooker was seen in the recent set dispatches. He’s also been rumored for Infinity War, so it looks as if the Infinity Stones will be bringing some characters back from the dead in some way.

Meanwhile, Sylvester Stallone’s appearance on set with Rooker seems to prove that Stakar Ogord aka Starhawk will be coming back to the MCU. While we’ve heard the original Ravagers could return to the Guardians franchise, it’s surprising to see that at least their leader will be back as early as 2019.

Captain America & Peggy Carter

While Captain America seemed guaranteed to return given how much Chris Evans has talked about extended his Marvel contract to Avengers 4, there are still those rumors of his character’s death. Even if that does occur in Infinity War, we know death isn’t too permanent in the MCU. Evans was spotted in recent set photos from Avengers 4 and was on hand for the big group get together this weekend. Alongside him was another familiar face.

We’ve heard rumors for awhile that Agent Peggy Carter is set to return for one of the upcoming Avengers films, and her appearance on set this weekend proves she’ll at least be in the fourth movie. Given her character’s long life, there’s a number of place she could turn up in the history of the MCU. With her death in Civil War, however, it looks like we’ll be seeing another reincarnation of some sort of perhaps a bit of time travel.

The Winter Soldier & Falcon

Peggy won’t be Steve Rogers’ only partner in crime set to return for Avengers 4. Last month, we learned that Sebastian Stan will be back for Avengers 4. Sure enough, he showed up in Atlanta this weekend. While he won’t be showing up in Black Panther, Infinity War will see the anti-hero thawed out and brought onto the team. Considering he almost destroyed the Avengers in Civil War, his role in Avengers 3 and 4 will be interesting to see.

Bucky will also be fighting alongside Falcon once again, as Anthony Mackie was on hand during the big group photo sessions this weekend too. With rumors of Steve’s death and Bucky and Sam both in Avengers 4, could one of them finally pick up Cap’s shield?

Vision

Fairly early on, Vision was confirmed to be back for Avengers 4. Since that time, one of the few official set photos we’ve seen was shared by Paul Bettany. In it, Vision attends to some paperwork, presumably while on a break from shooting. While we haven’t heard if Scarlet Witch will also be back, the reported romance in Infinity War makes it seem as if Elizabeth Olsen will return.

Black Widow

One of the earliest rumors about Avengers 4 teased a Japanese shooting location. It also hinted that the Yakuza would factor into the film. Sure enough, where the mob is concerned Black Widow is soon to follow. Earlier this year we learned that not only will Scarlett Johansson be back for Avengers 4, but she’ll be either working with or against the Japanese mafia.

Iron Man & War Machine

Just as Avengers 4 began shooting at the end of the summer, set photos emerged of Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jon Favreau. With the images came confirmation that not only does Iron Man make it out of Infinity War alive, but he’ll be joined by Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan. A later set photo even gave us a glimpse of a new arc reactor for Iron Man.

And rounding out Iron Man’s crew, we know that Don Cheadle will be back as War Machine. He was on hand this weekend with most of the other cast members, so Avengers 4 will likely continue to deal with the fallout from his Civil War injury.

The Hulk

Before filming began, we learned that the Hulk was set to have a big story arc in Avengers 3 and 4. With the Jade Giant unable to helm a solo film, Mark Ruffalo has had to pop up in a number of other films to flesh out Bruce Banner. He’ll next be seen teaming up with the God of Thunder in Thor: Ragnarok. After that, the Science Bros will return in Infinity War and Avengers 4.

Ant-Man

After the events of Ant-Man & the Wasp, Rudd will be back with the Avengers for the fourth film. He was on set with Chris Evans this weekend, and he won’t be alone. Along with the Wasp and Dr. Foster, Scott Lang will be joined by his fast-talking friend Luis (Michael Pena) in the new movie. How Luis will factor into the epic film is unknown, but it’s best not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Michael Douglas will also be returning as Hope’s father Hank Pym. He was gathered with the group this weekend, proving he’ll be more looped into the overall narrative this time around. Given his negative feelings towards Tony Stark, it will also be interesting to see them potentially paired off together.

Nick Fury & Maria Hill

We’ve heard rumors for awhile that Nick Fury will be back in an upcoming Avengers, but Samuel L. Jackson has denied them. This weekend, however, he was front and center in the photos from the set. He even sent one out himself. While there’s no word if he’ll be around for Infinity War, his presence in Avengers 4 could mean a return of S.H.I.E.L.D. And while we still don’t know if Coulson will ever come back to the movies, Fury won’t be alone.

Joining Jackson this weekend was Cobie Smulders, confirming rumors that Maria Hill will return in the new movie. She’s had a sporadic appearance in the films and on Agents of SHIELD, but it looks like Fury’s second-in-command will be back.

Hawkeye

Despite rumors of Hawkeye’s demise in Infinity War, Jeremy Renner will return as the archer for Avengers 4. He’s filmed quite a bit already, and even teased a new haircut. All of this has led to speculation that some version of Ultimate Hawkeye or Clint Barton’s alter-ego Ronin will arrive in Avengers 4. If either proves to be true, it could mean bad news for Barton’s family during Infinity War. Regardless, a darker take on Hawkeye looks to be coming our way in 2019.

Thor & the Grandmaster

While Thor will kick off Infinity War when he slams into the Guardians’ ship, it wasn’t until this weekend that we learned Chris Hemsworth will be returning for Avengers 4. Whether his brother Loki or comrades like Valkyrie, Sif, Heimdall, and the Warriors Three will be back is unknown. But, a less-than-savory acquaintance will be coming with him from Thor: Ragnarok.

Jeff Goldblum was in attendance on the set this weekend, meaning the Grandmaster will be in Avengers 4. Whether he’ll be working with Thor or with the villains is unknown, but his inclusion means his brother the Collector (Benecio del Toro) could be involved as well.

Wong

While there’s been no word yet if Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) makes it to Avengers 4, this weekend confirmed that Wong (Benedict Wong) will. Naturally, it seems safe to assume the good doctor will be with him, but who knows what happens during the first fight with Thanos. Could Wong become the Sorcerer Supreme and have to somehow rescue or resurrect Strange?

Black Panther

Though Phase 4 is assumed to feature sequels for Doctor Strange and Black Panther, nothing is guaranteed at this point. But while Strange may not be confirmed yet for Avengers 4, Black Panther is. Chadwick Boseman was on set this weekend with most of the rest of the cast, proving the King of Wakanda will make it to the next big film. Whether he’ll be joined by the Dora Milaje or his sister Shuri is unknown, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see them appear as well.

Spider-Man

Considering the follow-up to Spider-Man: Homecoming will arrive just two months after Avengers 4, it’s been safe to assume for some time that the web slinger would be back for the second team-up film. Sure enough, he’ll once again be stepping out of his comfort zone to take on a world-ending threat in 2019. In fact, a big part of the beginning of Phase 4 and the Spidey sequel will be Peter coming to terms with all the insanity of fighting Thanos.

Thanos

Surprising no one, Josh Brolin was one of the earliest actors to show up for Avengers 4 filming. While we’ve been repeatedly told that Avengers 4 won’t be the second part of Infinity War, it seems impossible that it’s not. Not only have set photos from both movies shown actors in the same character clothes, but it’s hard to imagine a storyline that would top Thanos hunting for the Infinity Stones. Still, it’s good to know that Thanos won’t be easily defeated in just one epic film. Instead, it will take two.

Along with the confirmed heroes, we’ve learned of one prominent new character who will appear in the film. It also seems likely one of the many cameos Stan Lee recently filmed will be for the 2019 team-up. As filming continues over the next two months, we’ll also learn more and more of the new and returning characters that will appear in Avengers 4. Until then, stay tuned.

  • Thor: Ragnarok Release Date: 2017-11-03 Black Panther Release Date: 2018-02-16 Avengers: Infinity War Release Date: 2018-04-27 Ant-Man 2 Release Date: 2018-07-06 captain marvel Release Date: 2019-03-08 The Avengers 4 Release Date: 2019-04-26 spider-man homecoming 2 Release Date: 2019-07-02