Recently while promoting his Disney+ TV show, Hawkeye, actor Jeremy Renner mentioned that he would like to continue playing the title role in a live-action version of the West Coast Avengers. For anyone who is unaware, The West Coast Avengers was a Marvel Comics spinoff title from the main comic book, The Avengers. Originally a mini-series created by Roger Stern and Bob Hall, the title was popular enough to warrant a regular series that lasted for 102 issues in its original run.

Hawkeye was the team leader of an expanded Avengers team situated in the west coast of the United State. The original lineup included his wife Mockingbird, Iron Man, Wonder Man, Tigra, and later on, Hank Pym. Other notable superheroes that joined the team included Moon Knight, the Thing, Spider-Woman, the Vision, Scarlet Witch, and U.S. Agent.

If Marvel Studios were ever to do an adaptation of the West Coast Avengers, what would be its lineup? Will it closely mirror its original comic book counterpart or will it be radically different to showcase currently popular heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)? Here is a viable roster for the MCU version of the team, which largely includes heroes based in California as shown in their MCU films:

Hawkeye

Played by Jeremy Renner, Hawkeye would be the team leader as in the comics. In the TV show, Hawkeye, Renner has shown he has the role down pat to portray the archer as a seasoned leader with the field experience needed to lead a team. His role as the leader of the West Coast Avengers would allow Hawkeye to stand out and have a stronger presence unlike the original Avengers films.

Ant-Man

Scott Lang as played by Paul Rudd is a natural fit in this team since he is considered, along with Hawkeye, to be an underdog. It does not hurt that Rudd is incredibly popular these days and adds star power to a potential West Coast Avengers film. Ant-Man could fill in the role of comedic relief while demonstrating with his abilities and character that he is not to be taken lightly.

The Wasp

Having Ant-Man’s natural companion as part of the West Coast Avengers’ roster is a must. Unlike the more comedic Lang, Hope Van Dyne as portrayed by Evangeline Lilly in Ant-Man and the Wasp, would be deadly serious combatant who fully utilizes her shrinking and growing powers. At the same time, the Wasp would be a good foil and romantic partner for Ant-Man.

Shang-Chi

Of course, he has to come with the mystical ten rings that will give him that extra oomph in the power department. Ten rings aside, Simu Liu has a natural charisma that will let him shine in an MCU West Coast Avengers film along with his character’s crowd-pleasing fighting skills and mystical background.

Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel’s west coast connection comes from her adventures in Los Angeles in her debut film, which could serve as the hero’s new home base on Earth. Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel may be too overpowered, but she could serve as the emergency back up in case of a dire need.

War Machine

Even though Iron Man was a founding member of the West Coast Avengers mini-series, he was not Tony Stark. During this time, James Rhodes took over the Iron Man duties because of Stark’s ordeal with alcoholism. With Stark deceased in the MCU, Don Cheadles’ War Machine would easily fill in that super-tech hero role.

Wonder Man

The last two members shoule be new characters to the MCU and the Hollywood-based actor Simon Williams naturally must be included in the roster. Wonder Man would provide the needed Hulk-level super strength for the team. Also, Nathan Fillion should play him since he was seen as the actor in Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 when he turned up in a couple of movie posters as part of the film’s many Easter eggs.

Tigra

The other founding member of the West Coast Avengers should be Tigra aka Greer Grant, the former Cat. She has a unique look and skill set with her tiger motif although how she should be presented in live-action is a mystery and may involve radically altering her. As to who should portray her, there are many solid actors, such as Megalyn Echikunwoke, who could project the physicality of Tigra and a ferocious, yet kind nature. Too bad Zoe Saldana already has a role in the MCU, because she would be perfect.

Should anyone else be in the MCU version of the West Coast Avengers? Be sure to leave a comment!