MCU Phase 4: Which Characters Will Return After Avengers: Endgame?

12. Doctor Strange (& Wong)

Status: Alive

The grand orchestrator of the key plot to defeat Thanos was obviously going to survive Endgame because he admitted in Infinity War that he has seen the future where the Avengers were victorious. That confirmed that he would live beyond the victory, since The Ancient One's death ended her ability to see the future beyond it.

In the end, he comes back with the other "dead" heroes - in fact, it's him who brings them back - to lead them into battle, saving everyone from a savage drowning and also letting Tony Stark know that he had to be the one to snap and end Thanos' reign of terror (and his own life). He'll be back too, and hopefully in a leadership role.

Next Up: Doctor Strange 2

Even before whatever replaces the Avengers movies (at least initially) comes into consideration, Benedict Cumberbatch will be back alongside trusty comrade Wong (who also survived) for their forthcoming sequel. Where they'll presumably deal with Mordo's attempts to end the Sorcerors.

11. Black Panther

Status: Alive

Black Panther had the honour of being the first real character to come through Doctor Strange's portals and join the battle against Thanos. That was a great moment for fans who had immediately fallen in love with T'Challa and it's definitely one of those air-punching moments.

There was never any way he was going to die, but it's good to see him back and safe all the same.

Next Up: Black Panther 2

We know it's coming - and even if it wasn't confirmed, there's no way it wouldn't be given the box office performance of the first movie. T'Challa's story will no doubt continue to explore the fallout of Wakanda opening their doors to the outside world with another challenge to the country. Because there's no way we aren't getting a story wholly set there after it was so beloved by fans first time round.

And now to the supporting characters...