The gradually building marketing strategy for Avengers: Doomsday clearly established which heroes (and villains) were the most important in the final chapter of the multiverse saga. Like Avengers: Endgame, Doomsday took a deliberately slow, selective approach to revealing its plot to build anticipation for the next major Marvel Cinematic Universe crossover. These dramatic teasers were strategically designed to highlight key elements of the multiverse saga, as evidenced by the first four teasers shown during screenings of Avatar: Fire and Ash in December 2025.
These key moments include the return of veteran heroes to the spotlight, unexpected team-ups across multiverse realms, and the readiness of the original members of the Earth-616 Avengers to take the lead in the upcoming clash with Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom.
One of the reasons the marketing campaign for Avengers: Doomsday worked so well is how it lived up to expectations: the cast was announced in March 2025, and it was done with creative flair. Empty director's chairs were placed on the set, confirming the film's massive cast and demonstrating that Marvel can still generate huge excitement.
Avengers: Doomsday's Most Important Characters, Ranked by Marketing Activity.
Doctor Doom
Status: Essentially, there are countless of them in every piece of advertising material.
The plot of Avengers: Doomsday centers on the appearance of Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr. Although he doesn't appear in any of the four main teaser trailers released by Marvel Studios, Doom has become the undisputed face of the campaign.
He appeared in the Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, in the final livestream where Downey Jr. stood in a chair, in the first high-definition screening of the Fantastic Four: First Steps post-credits scene, on the official Marvel banner at the 2026 Disney Merchandise Expo, in various behind-the-scenes photos on social media, on the official variant cover of Ultimate Endgame #1, and in the final CinemaCon trailer in April 2026. And that's in addition to the numerous promotional materials, merchandise, and posters that Downey Jr. himself showed off on social media.
Each teaser indirectly leads up to his imminent arrival, positioning him as the main villain and emotional anchor of the Multiverse Saga.
Thor
Status: 10 times
Thor has been a constant presence in the promotional campaign for Avengers: Doomsday, appearing on screen at least 10 times.
Beyond the big cast announcement, Thor appeared in the second teaser trailer for Doomsday, which teased his role and emotional arc with Luv, in the CinemaCon trailer where he had a one-on-one moment with Doctor Doom, on numerous posters, merchandise, promotional materials, and, most recently, on the first batch of Doomsday action figures from Hasbro.
Thor's Asgardian heritage and his relationship with his daughter make him a key emotional core in Doomsday.
Sam Wilson (Captain America)
Status: 8 times
Like Doctor Doom, Anthony Mackie's Captain America didn't appear at all in the first four teasers for Avengers: Doomsday.
However, the new Avengers leader has received a fair amount of marketing attention, appearing eight times, including during the film's event, in CinemaCon videos, group photos, crew merchandise images, a promotional poster, and a recently released action figure featuring Sam Wilson's costume from the film.
Sam Wilson is the current leader of the Avengers, the link between the old and new heroes, so it's no surprise that he's been given a significant amount of attention in the marketing campaign.
Thing
Status: 8 times
The fourth official teaser for Avengers: Doomsday features Ben Grimm (The Thing), the lead character in the massive crossover project, traveling to Earth-616 to meet King M'Baku and Shuri in Wakanda.
The creature has also appeared in various promotional materials, the much-hyped CinemaCon trailer, and one of the Fantastic Four Easter eggs (as part of a series of Doomsday allusions Robert Downey Jr. has posted on social media).
The Thing's prominent presence in the marketing campaign signals a genuine integration of the Fantastic Four not only into Doomsday's image, but also into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Cyclops
Status: 7 times
James Marsden's Cyclops appeared seven times in marketing materials for Avengers: Judgment Day, most notably at the end of the third official teaser in December 2025. Cyclops also appeared in the CinemaCon trailer and on X-Men-related promotional materials and merchandise.
As the leader of the X-Men, Cyclops naturally featured heavily in the advertising campaign, as he embodies the essence of the mutant problem.
Elena Belova
Status: 6 times
Yelena Belova, as the leader of the New Avengers, made six appearances in the Avengers: Doomsday promotional campaign, including the chair scene, the Thunderbolts post-credits scene* (the first official footage of Doomsday), the CinemaCon trailer, and promotional materials.
Elena's position on the marketing ladder essentially demonstrates how the Marvel Cinematic Universe's street life world and the New Avengers are integrated into the multiversal context of Doomsday's events.
Shuri (Black Panther)
Status: 6 times
Shuri (Black Panther) will play a major role in Avengers: Doomsday, as she has appeared extensively in the fourth official teaser, promotional materials, and production merchandise (6 times in total).
The final shot of the four teasers presents Shuri as a unifying leader and bridge builder between universes, cementing her status as one of the campaign's most strategically important heroes.
Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic)
Status: 6
Reed Richards, Doctor Doom's archrival in Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has appeared and been mentioned in promotional material six times, most notably at the recent Avengers: Doomsday event in London, where his feud with Doom was hinted at.
Reed also appeared in promotional materials, a CinemaCon trailer, and an interview with Pedro Pascal leading up to the release of Doomsday.
Namor
Status: 5 times
Tenoch Huerta's Namor has appeared five times, most notably in the fourth official teaser for Avengers: Judgment Day, where he was shown extremely enraged by the invasion of multiversal beings on Talocan. Namor has also appeared in various promotional materials, a CinemaCon trailer, and a cast chair presentation.
Namor's heavy involvement in the marketing campaign for Doomsday focused on underwater scenes and unexpected alliances with the heroes of Earth-616 and Earth-828.
Gambit
Status: 4 times
After making memorable appearances in Deadpool and Wolverine, Channing Tatum's Gambit is set to appear in Avengers: Judgment Day and has been featured in at least four promotional materials so far.
His most notable appearance was in the CinemaCon trailer, where Gambit battled Simu Liu's Shang-Chi. Promotional materials were also shown confirming that his costume would be the same as the one seen in Deadpool and Wolverine.
Beast
Status: 4 times
Following his confirmed Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in the post-credits scene of Beast, Kelsey Grammer has appeared as Beast at least four times in various promotional materials for Avengers: Doomsday, including promotional art, the CinemaCon trailer, merchandise, and leaked images of the Hasbro action figure.
As one of the X-Men's brilliant minds, Beast is expected to play a vital role in the meeting with Shuri and Reed Richards regarding countering the incursions.
Johnny Storm
Status: 4 times
Despite his absence from trailers, Johnny Storm from Fantastic Four appeared four times in marketing materials, including promotional images, the CinemaCon trailer, Hasbro artwork for his action figure, and on merchandise featuring the film's cast and crew after filming wrapped.
Following his breakout role in Fantastic Four: First Steps, Johnny's role in Avengers: Doomsday promises to be significant, playing a supporting character in the thrilling moments when he comes face to face with Doctor Doom.
Shang-Chi
Status: 4 times
Simu Liu's Shang-Chi is considered by many to be one of the rising stars of the Marvel Multiverse saga, and he's poised to make a splash in Avengers: Doomsday as part of Sam Wilson's Avengers team.
Shang-Chi has appeared four times, including in set photos, promotional materials, a CinemaCon trailer where he fought Gambit, and on production merchandise.
M'Baku
Status: 4 times
As the new king of Wakanda, M'Baku appeared in a key moment in the fourth official teaser for Avengers: Doomsday, indicating that he will play a major role in uniting the Wakandan forces in the fight for the Multiverse.
After filming concluded, M'Baku also appeared in promotional materials, set photos, and crew merchandise.
Ant-Man
Status: 4 times
Paul Rudd's Ant-Man has made four (so far) appearances in the Avengers: Judgment Day promotional campaign. Aside from the cast announcements, Ant-Man's appearances have been small but memorable, particularly in the CinemaCon 2026 trailer, in promotional images alongside other characters, and in merchandise from the cast and crew's wrap party.
Unlike other characters, Ant-Man doesn't seem like he'll be the emotional centerpiece of Doomsday, but Marvel could still surprise by making him an unpredictable hero, especially after Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed his new position as the team's elder statesman.
Professor X
Status: 4 times
The third trailer for Avengers: Doomsday debuted Patrick Stewart's Charles Xavier, hinting at his crucial role in the X-Men's fight for the Multiverse. Professor X was also featured in the CinemaCon trailer and various promotional materials.
This discreet but prestigious notoriety underscores Marvel's intention to view him as a foundational figure for integrating the X-Men into the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Magneto
Status: 4 times
Like Professor X, Ian McKellen's Magneto also featured prominently in the third teaser trailer for Avengers: Doomsday, portraying them as allies rather than enemies (hinting at the film's unified X-Men). Promotional materials, a CinemaCon 2026 trailer, and crew merchandise from the wrap party were also unveiled.
Instead of portraying Magneto as a villain, it will be interesting to see him work with the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four to save the Multiverse from destruction.
Sue Storm
Status: 3 times
Fantastic Four: First Steps demonstrated Sue Storm's strength, and she will play a major role in the fight against Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. Sue only appeared three times in the promotional campaign, most notably in the CinemaCon trailer and various official promotional materials for the entire team.
Her appearances are more selective and follow the gradual progression of the Marvel films, reminding audiences of her importance beyond her debut without giving away too much information.
Bucky Barnes
Status: 3 times
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes has appeared three times in Avengers: Judgment Day marketing materials, including the CinemaCon trailer, official promotional materials featuring the star-studded cast, and merchandise from the film's production team.
Bucky is one of the leaders of the New Avengers, and his reunion with Steve Rogers will be eagerly anticipated as they join forces in the fight against Doctor Doom.
John Walker
Status: 3 times
Like the other members of the New Avengers, John Walker also appeared three times in marketing materials for Doomsday, including the trailer and CinemaCon promotional materials. Walker serves as a key member of the New Avengers, helping the team defend Earth-616 while the others are in another universe confronting Doctor Doom.
Ghost
Status: 3 times
Another member of the New Avengers featured in the Avengers: Doomsday promotional campaign is Ghost (aka Ava Starr). Her three prominent appearances correspond with those of her Thunderbolts teammates, as seen in the CinemaCon trailer and promotional materials. Ghost is presented as a significant supporting character, aiding the other heroes in their fight for the Multiverse.
Sentry/Bob
Status: 3 times
As one of the most powerful heroes in Avengers: Doomsday, Sentry will play a vital role in the fight against Doctor Doom. The campaign features Sentry in three forms: on a promotional poster, on merchandise for the film crew, and on-air with a chair.
Sentry is positioned as a powerful, unpredictable character that Doctor Doom can use for his own ends. Marvel deliberately conceals the full extent of his powers, and some claim the Void could be unleashed either as a last resort for the heroes or as Doom's secret weapon.
Red Guardian
Status: 3 times
Red Guardian received moderate promotional support for Avengers: Doomsday, appearing in three notable moments: the CinemaCon trailer, promotional materials, and merchandise featuring the film's insignia. Marvel Studios is expected to utilize his flamboyant personality to create humorous moments and dynamic interactions with other heroes.
Joaquin Torres (Falcon)
Status: 3 times
Joaquin Torres also received little attention in the Avengers: Doomsday marketing campaign, appearing only three times (the CinemaCon trailer, official promotional materials, and merchandise featuring the film's logo). As the new Falcon, Torres is positioned as a promising next-generation hero, one of the newest members of Sam Wilson's team.
Loki
Status: 3 times
Marvel Studios is deliberately hiding Tom Hiddleston's Loki in Avengers: Judgment Day, as he did not appear in the CinemaCon 2026 trailer. Despite this, Loki still appeared three times in marketing materials, most notably in promotional images for the film and in Robert Downey Jr.'s Easter-themed poster in April 2026.
As the god Loki, he returns as a key ally in the fight against Doctor Doom, becoming a prime target as he is the guardian of the Multiverse.
Mystic
Status: 3 times
Mystique made three appearances in the Avengers: Doomsday promotional campaign, most notably in the CinemaCon trailer, where she battled Yelena Belova. Her other appearances included promotional materials and a gift for the film's crew.
As one of the most prominent X-Men in various media, Mystique is positioned as an important supporting character in the fight against Doctor Doom.
Steve Rogers
Status: 2 times
The first official teaser for Avengers: Doomsday confirmed Steve Rogers' return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a key ally in the fight against Doctor Doom. He made another appearance in the CinemaCon trailer, where he finally teamed up with familiar allies.
While he's only officially appeared in two commercials so far, both are trailers, indicating he'll have a more significant role in the film, despite it not ranking high on this list.
Night Serpent
Status: 2 times
Alan Cumming's Nightcrawler made two appearances in the Avengers: Judgment Day marketing campaign, including in the CinemaCon trailer and official promotional materials showcasing his new design. Nightcrawler's ability to teleport makes him an indispensable means of transportation and rescue in the film's various battles.
Franklin Richards
Status: 2 times
Franklin Richards will play a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday, especially after the post-credits scene of Fantastic Four: First Steps revealed that Doctor Doom is after him for his immense power. Franklin has already appeared twice in the official Doomsday promotional campaign, including a themed gift set showcasing the character's new, mature look, and official promotional images of the entire ensemble.
Love
Status: 1 time
Thor's daughter, Luv, only appeared once in the Avengers: Doomsday promotional campaign, in the second teaser trailer, where she was briefly shown to emphasize the personal significance of the God of Thunder's battle with Doctor Doom.
Steve Rogers' son
Status: 1 time
The first official teaser for Avengers: Doomsday featured Steve Rogers' son, and it's no coincidence; it suggests the child will have a significant role, possibly as one of Doctor Doom's targets to exploit Rogers' vulnerability.
Cassie Lang
Status: 1 time
The Avengers: Doomsday trailer shown at CinemaCon confirmed the appearance of Kathryn Newton's Cassie Lang, possibly as a supporting character in her father, Scott Lang's, emotional storyline. Some even speculate that Ant-Man may be killed off to pave the way for Cassie's more prominent role in Avengers: Secret Wars.
Namora
Status: 1 time
The fourth official teaser for Avengers: Judgment Day confirmed the return of Namora, one of Namor of Talokan's chief lieutenants. While Namora's role in the film remains unknown, she may join the other heroes in defending Earth-616 from the impending invasion.
Spider-Man
Status: 1 time
Robert Downey Jr.'s Easter egg poster for Avengers: Doomsday confirmed Spider-Man's appearance in the film, and it reportedly won't be Tom Holland's version. Instead, Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man will play a prominent role in the crossover, likely to set the stage for his more prominent role in Avengers: Secret Wars.
Doctor Strange
Status: 1 time
Doctor Strange is reportedly a strong possibility for an appearance in Avengers: Doomsday, and Robert Downey Jr.'s post referencing Doomsday has only fueled anticipation for Benedict Cumberbatch's return as the Master of the Mystic Arts.