Disney's ambitious plan to release the first Avengers: Doomsday teaser trailer exclusively in theatres has led to widespread confusion and frustration, as many moviegoers attending Avatar: Fire and Ash screenings on December 18-19 reported not seeing the promised Marvel footage. While some theatres showed the teaser featuring Chris Evans' return as Steve Rogers, fans across Europe, Brazil, India and other regions left disappointed after the trailer failed to appear before their showings.

The inconsistent rollout has sparked backlash on social media, with fans who purchased tickets specifically to see the Avengers teaser expressing their disappointment. "Just went to see the new Avatar film, which was not bad, by the way, and I was surprised to see no Doomsday trailer before the movie," one Reddit user wrote.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney planned to roll out four different Avengers: Doomsday trailers over Avatar: Fire and Ash's first four weeks, with each teaser playing for seven days before being replaced. The strategy appeared designed to drive repeat viewings of the James Cameron blockbuster while building anticipation for the Marvel film, which arrives December 18, 2026. The Russo Brothers marked the one-year countdown on December 18 by posting a clip featuring a digital clock ticking down to the film's release, with the word "Doomsday" briefly flashing across the screen.

Leaked Footage Confirms Steve Rogers' Return

The first teaser, which leaked online earlier this week, shows Steve Rogers riding a motorcycle to his home from the finale of Avengers: Endgame, where he settled with Peggy Carter. The clip features Evans looking at his packed-away Captain America costume before cradling a baby, concluding with text reading "Steve Rogers will return in Avengers: Doomsday". Disney has reportedly issued copyright claims against the leaked footage, adding credibility to its authenticity.

Some theatres did successfully screen the teaser, with reports of sightings emerging from various locations. IGN reported seeing fresh clips of the Avengers: Doomsday trailer surface on social media "apparently taken from within busy movie theatres," though those clips were also removed via copyright claims. The second trailer is expected to focus on Chris Hemsworth's Thor, followed by a third featuring Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, and a fourth broader teaser.

The theatrical-exclusive approach has proven controversial, with the sporadic rollout undermining Disney's strategy to use the Marvel teasers as a draw for Avatar: Fire and Ash. It remains unclear whether Disney will release the trailers online or maintain the theatre-only exclusivity throughout Avatar's run.