The Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for its larger-than-life heroes, but in recent years, a new generation of much younger superheroes has emerged. The MCU timeline is gradually introducing its Young Avengers team, through various Phase 4 and Phase 5 projects, many of which will likely play significant roles in the MCU’s future. Even the very youngest MCU hero will be vital as the franchise continues.
Before ranking the youngest heroes, it’s important to consider the complex timeline of the MCU. There are some MCU continuity errors, and several movies and shows take place in the future. The Blip in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), meant that some characters did not age for five years until they returned in Avengers: Endgame (2019), which is set in 2023. This time jump before Avengers: Endgame meant that other characters were aged-up and recast. For the sake of clarity, this list ranks each character as per their most recent MCU appearance.
10
Shuri/Black Panther
19-20 In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Shuri, played by Leтιтia Wright, is the genius princess of Wakanda and sister to T’Challa. She first appeared in Black Panther (2018) as a 16-year-old, demonstrating her intelligence by developing advanced Wakandan technology that even surpᴀsses Stark Industries. By the time of Avengers: Infinity War, she was 18 but was Blipped by Thanos, meaning she did not age during the five-year period between 2018 and 2023.
When she returns in Avengers: Endgame and later becomes the next Black Panther in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, she is between 19 and 20 years old. This aligns with her stepping into a more central role in Wakanda, taking on greater responsibility following T’Challa’s death. Despite her youth, she is one of the most brilliant minds in the MCU, rivaling even Tony Stark and Bruce Banner in intellect, as seen in Infinity War.
9
Riri Williams/Ironheart
19 In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Riri Williams, portrayed by Dominique Thorne, is a tech prodigy who builds her own Iron Man-style suit using scrap parts. She makes her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where she is introduced as a student at MIT. Riri explicitly states that she is 19, making her one of the youngest heroes to develop and use advanced technology on par with Tony Stark.
Her ability to reverse-engineer Stark’s technology and build a working Ironheart suit demonstrates her exceptional intelligence and ingenuity. Unlike other teenage heroes who inherit powers or abilities, Riri’s brilliance is entirely her own, marking her as one of the most self-made young heroes in the MCU. She is set to headline her own Disney+ series, Ironheart, where her character will be explored further. Her youth and potential make her an essential figure in the MCU’s future lineup.
8
Peter Parker/Spider-Man
18 In Spider-Man: No Way Home
Tom Holland’s Peter Parker is one of the most well-known young heroes in the MCU. Introduced in Captain America: Civil War as a 15-year-old, he quickly became a fan favorite with his witty personality and heartwarming mentorship with Tony Stark. By Spider-Man: Homecoming, he was still in high school, and his age progression followed a natural timeline.
However, Peter was Blipped in Infinity War, meaning he did not age during those five years. By the time of Spider-Man: No Way Home, he is in his senior year of high school and preparing for college, confirming he has turned 18. His final appearance in No Way Home leaves him alone and independent, setting up a new chapter for his character in future MCU installments. Despite being one of the youngest heroes, Peter has endured some of the toughest trials, making him one of the most resilient.
7
Cᴀssie Lang/Stature
18 In Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Cᴀssie Lang, Scott Lang’s daughter, has had multiple actresses portray her at different ages. Born in 2008, she was six years old in Ant-Man (2015), where she was portrayed as a bright and loving child who adored her father. When the Blip occurred, Cᴀssie was one of the lucky ones who survived, allowing her to age naturally while Scott was trapped in the Quantum Realm.
By the events of Avengers: Endgame (2023), Cᴀssie was 15 and played by Emma Fuhrmann, greeting her father after his escape from the Quantum Realm. Kathryn Newton plays Cᴀssie in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which is set in 2026. Newton’s Cᴀssie is 18 years old and has her own Pym Tech-powered suit, following in her father’s footsteps as a young superhero. Her journey is just beginning, and with her newfound abilities, she is set to become a key figure in the MCU’s younger generation of heroes.
6
Skaar
17-18 In She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Skaar, the son of the Hulk, makes a surprising and brief appearance in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. His introduction is a major surprise, given that the MCU had not previously mentioned Bruce Banner having a child. His age is a bit tricky due to the unique way time flows on Sakaar, where the Hulk spent years before returning to Earth.
While She-Hulk is set approximately 10 years after Avengers: Age of Ultron, Marvel Studios concept artist Constantine Sekeris confirmed in an Instagram post that Skaar was designed to be around 17–18 years old. Given the time dilation on Sakaar, Skaar may have grown much faster than a typical human. His future role in the MCU remains uncertain, and he has not reappeared in the timeline. However, given his connection to Hulk, he could play a major part in a potential Hulk storyline and as part of the MCU’s Young Avengers.
5
Billy Maximoff/Wiccan
16 In Agatha All Along
Billy Maximoff, also known as Wiccan, was first introduced in WandaVision as one of Wanda Maximoff’s magically created twin sons. Throughout the series, he aged rapidly from infancy to 10 years old due to Wanda’s hex. However, when the hex was undone, Billy and his brother Tommy ceased to exist.
His soul was later reincarnated into a new reality as Billy Kaplan, who was 13 years old. In Agatha All Along, which takes place three years later, he is confirmed to be 16. Billy’s abilities mirror Wanda’s magic, giving him a unique skill set that sets him apart from other young heroes. His connection to the Young Avengers in the comics suggests that he will play a major role in the MCU’s upcoming projects. Following Agatha All Along, Billy is poised to go in search of his brother.
4
Tommy Maximoff/Speed
Age Unclear After Agatha All Along
Tommy Maximoff, the twin brother of Billy Maximoff, has one of the more enigmatic introductions to the MCU’s young heroes. Like his brother, he initially appeared in WandaVision, as a magical construct in Wanda’s altered reality who is destroyed along with the hex. In Agatha All Along, Billy helps his brother’s soul find a host body in a young boy who is drowning, but little has been revealed about him.
The age of Tommy’s new body has not been definitively stated, but it’s likely that he would be similar in age to Billy. That said, given the nature of his magical creation and the possibility of the filmmakers taking creative liberties, his exact age remains ambiguous. Despite the uncertainty, Tommy is expected to evolve into his role as the hero Speed as part of the Young Avengers.
3
Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel
16 In The Marvels
Kamala Khan, also known as Ms. Marvel, a vibrant addition to the MCU and the first Muslim superhero to headline her own series. Portrayed by Iman Vellani, Kamala is introduced as a teenager navigating the trials of high school while grappling with the discovery of her own superpowers. The Disney+ series Ms. Marvel captures her coming-of-age journey with humor, heart, and a healthy dose of action.
In an interview with Total Film, (via The Direct), director Nia DaCosta confirmed that Kamala remains 16 in The Marvels. The movie picks up directly after the events of Ms. Marvel, which ended with Kamala switching places with Carol Danvers. Kamala might be one of the most crucial young heroes as she recruits Kate Bishop (who is 23) to join a team in The Marvels‘ post-credits scene, specifically alluding to a Young Avengers team.
2
America Chavez
14 In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
America Chavez burst onto the MCU stage in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as a character with extraordinary abilities. Portrayed by Xochitl Gomez, America is introduced as a young, determined hero who Scarlet Witch hunts relentlessly for her ability to create portals to other dimensions in the multiverse. According to an interview with Marvel.com, America is stated to be 14 years old, which is notably younger than her comic book counterpart.
Though not an origin story, Multiverse of Madness explores America’s Chavez’s early development in harnessing her abilities. Indeed, America’s youthful age is integral to her character, as it emphasizes her resilience and determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds despite her tender years. With her character firmly rooted in the multiverse storyline, America Chavez is poised to become a key figure in upcoming Marvel projects as the franchise winds up its Multiverse Saga.
1
Love
Approximately 10 In Thor: Love And Thunder
Love, the daughter of Gorr the God Butcher, is arguably the most unexpected addition to the MCU’s pantheon of young heroes. Introduced in Thor: Love and Thunder, she is a character who encapsulates both innocence and potential amidst a universe filled with gods and тιтanic battles. At the end of the movie she has been adopted by Thor and is depicted leaping into battle with her step-father while wielding Stormbreaker.
Although her exact age is not explicitly stated in the film, the casting suggests she is around 10 years old or slightly younger. Love is played by Chris Hemsworth’s daughter, who was 10 years old at the time. It’s therefore likely that she will be around, or slightly younger than, that age. Though Love has no Marvel Comics counterpart, she will likely remain a key part of Thor’s future MCU narratives.
Sources: Constantine Sekeris, The Direct, Marvel.com
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