Marvel Studios has reached a historic milestone with the release of teasers for “Avengers: Doomsday.” In December 2023, the studio broke traditional marketing norms by debuting a teaser exclusively in theaters before launching it online. This strategy has paid off tremendously.
Historic Teaser Releases
The first teaser, featuring Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, was shown only in cinemas screening “Avatar: Fire & Ash.” It eventually made its online debut five days later. Following this, three additional teasers were released weekly, showcasing iconic characters such as Thor, the X-Men, and Black Panther’s Shuri alongside M’Baku. Together, these four teasers amassed over 1 billion views, a remarkable feat for a marketing campaign that avoided typical tie-ins.
Viewership and Engagement Statistics
According to industry insiders, the combined view count for the four teasers reached an impressive 1.02 billion organic views. Each teaser generated an average social engagement increase of 188% compared to typical Marvel releases. Highlights include:
- 505 million views on Instagram
- 103 million views on TikTok
- 16 organic trends across social media platforms
The buzz generated by these teasers was significant. The excitement around “Doomsday” propelled it to the top of Marvel’s trailer launches, surpassing even previous major releases.
Comparative Success
While direct comparisons are challenging, notable past Marvel trailers include:
- “Deadpool & Wolverine” – 365 million views in 24 hours (included major TV broadcasts)
- “Fantastic Four: First Steps” – 202 million views in 24 hours (linked to a media event)
In contrast, “Doomsday” managed its success independently of broadcast synergies, fully leveraging its theatrical debut.
Return of Iconic Directors and Characters
“Avengers: Doomsday,” set for release on December 18, 2027, marks the return of beloved directors Joe and Anthony Russo. They are back in the Marvel fold, producing through their AGBO banner.
One of the most exciting aspects of this film is the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, reinforcing the franchise’s deep connection to its fan-favorite characters. Marvel’s strategic marketing success demonstrates strong audience enthusiasm, even without featuring key actors prominently in the teasers.
Innovative Marketing Strategies
The decision to release these teasers in theaters required careful coordination with cinemas worldwide. Marvel also built on the momentum from their earlier five-hour live-streamed casting announcement for the project. A countdown clock for “Doomsday” further amplifies anticipation ahead of its release date.
In a recent podcast, Joe Russo hinted at the deeper narrative embedded within each teaser. He remarked, “Each one of those trailers is narrative information. And it’s all part of a larger story. And so, I would argue that ‘Doomsday’ has already started for you.”
