Hold onto your seats, Marvel fans, because the directors of Avengers: Doomsday just dropped a bombshell that’s got everyone scratching their heads—and it’s not about the movie itself, but the trailers. Yes, you read that right: the trailers aren’t actually trailers. At least, not in the way we’re used to thinking about them. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo are now calling them 'narrative information,' and they’re insisting that Doomsday has already begun—even before the film hits theaters. But here’s where it gets controversial: are these clips just cleverly disguised marketing, or are they something more cinematic and integral to the story? Let’s dive in.
In a recent interview with Empire magazine, the Russo brothers doubled down on their earlier claim that the four trailers released in December and January aren’t your typical teasers. Instead, they’re part of a larger narrative puzzle. Joe Russo explained, 'Each one of these trailers is narrative information, and it’s all part of a larger story. So I would argue that Doomsday has already started for you.' This raises a fascinating question: are these sequences exclusive to the trailers, or are they actual scenes from the film? While the Russos didn’t confirm either way, Joe hinted that they’re more filmic, designed to give characters like Steve Rogers, Thor, and even The Thing their moment to shine in a way that highlights the movie’s complexity.
And this is the part most people miss: the Russos also reaffirmed that Chris Evans’ return as Steve Rogers isn’t just a cameo—he’s playing a 'central role' in Doomsday. This has sparked heated debates among fans, especially given his character’s apparent retirement in Avengers: Endgame. Some see it as a nostalgic play to win back older fans, while others argue it undermines newer characters like Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, the current Captain America. Mackie’s standalone film, Captain America: Brave New World, received poor reviews, and Marvel boss Kevin Feige controversially blamed its failure on the absence of Chris Evans. Is Marvel playing it safe by bringing back a fan favorite, or is this a disservice to the new guard?
The controversy doesn’t stop there. Marvel’s decision to bring back Evans has divided fans, with some calling it a desperate move to boost ticket sales. Meanwhile, the four Doomsday trailers have collectively racked up over 1 billion views, proving that whatever the Russos are doing, it’s working—at least in terms of hype. But as we count down the next 10 months to the film’s release (yes, Marvel is literally running a live countdown clock), the bigger question remains: are these trailers a genius storytelling tactic, or just a clever marketing gimmick?
Here’s where we turn it over to you: Do you think the Russos are onto something revolutionary, or are they overcomplicating what should be a simple teaser? And what does Chris Evans’ return mean for the future of the Captain America legacy? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s just getting started.
