Credit: Marvel StudiosMarvel fans thought they knew what to expect from the MCU’s biggest event yet. But a new promotional video for Avengers: Doomsday has thrown everything into chaos. Instead of delivering the comfort of familiar faces, the short teaser stirred speculation by leaving out some of the most recognizable hero groups in the franchise.
This move has stunned audiences, sparking debate about whether these omissions mean permanent exits or strategic misdirection from Marvel Studios.
One thing is clear: the road to Avengers: Doomsday just became a lot less predictable.
The Doomsday Event on the Horizon
Set as one of the defining films of Phase 6, Avengers: Doomsday is already shaping up to be the boldest MCU entry yet. Marvel has teased a story that could unravel the Multiverse itself, raising the stakes higher than even Avengers: Endgame (2019).
The film’s name alone suggests devastation on a scale we haven’t seen before, and insiders have described it as the “largest ensemble cast Marvel has ever attempted.”
Adding to the intrigue is the return of Robert Downey Jr., not as Tony Stark but as Victor Von Doom — Doctor Doom himself. Bringing back the actor who launched the MCU in 2008 with Iron Man feels like a symbolic passing of the torch, only this time he’s on the opposite side of the battle.
Doom is expected to be the central villain, pulling strings across multiple realities and pushing Earth’s mightiest heroes to their breaking point.
The Promo That Sparked Shock
The latest promotional push for Avengers: Doomsday came dramatically during a light show in Shanghai, China. Instead of a traditional trailer, Marvel Studios used massive projections and cutting-edge visuals to tease what’s coming next. The display hinted at the film’s scale while building anticipation for its eventual release.
But what caught fans off guard wasn’t the spectacle itself but the omissions. Over half a dozen groups of major heroes were nowhere to be found in this presentation.
Considering Doomsday is expected to feature the most extensive cast in MCU history and deliver a storyline that could tear the Multiverse apart, the absence of many familiar faces raised immediate questions. Filming is still far from finished, but the Shanghai showcase left the audience buzzing with uncertainty about who will ultimately make the cut.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Closing the Book?
The Guardians of the Galaxy have been staples of Marvel’s cosmic side, with their trilogy closing out in 2023. James Gunn has already shifted gears to DC, and most actors have hinted that their journeys are over. Could this be why the Guardians didn’t appear in the promo?
Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel) may still have a future in cameos, but with Star-Lord’s (Chris Pratt) story left somewhat open-ended, it’s unclear if Marvel wants to revisit them in such a high-stakes crossover. Their absence could signal that the cosmic threads are being woven differently this time, leaving the Guardians on the sidelines.
The Marvels: Missing in Action
The Marvels (2023) didn’t land the box office punch Disney hoped for, which might explain why this group didn’t appear in Doomsday material. Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) were once expected to be big players in the Multiverse saga. Yet their absence has people wondering if Marvel is quietly pulling back after the lukewarm reception.
It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re gone for good. Carol Danvers still represents one of Marvel’s strongest heavy-hitters. But for now, the promo makes it look like the Marvels may sit out the immediate fight.
Young Avengers: The Next Generation’s Time Cut Short?
The MCU has spent years setting up a new generation: America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), Ironheart (Dominique Thorne), and Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld). Fans assumed they would take center stage as the “Young Avengers,” bridging the gap between old and new. Strangely, they weren’t shown either.
This could be Marvel’s way of keeping the spotlight on established heroes for Doomsday, saving the younger lineup for post-battle stories. Still, it’s hard not to feel disappointed that the seeds planted across multiple shows and films aren’t paying off yet.
Shang-Chi and Doctor Strange: Where Are They?
Both Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) and Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) seemed like no-brainer inclusions. Strange has been at the heart of the Multiverse saga, and Shang-Chi introduced the mysterious Ten Rings, which were teased as cosmic-level artifacts.
The lack of Strange is especially puzzling. His role in Multiverse of Madness (2022) positioned him as a key figure. Shang-Chi, meanwhile, had one of Marvel’s best-received solo debuts in years. Their absence could mean Marvel is keeping some cards close to the chest — or it could hint that they won’t appear as prominently as fans hoped.
Wanda Maximoff: Redemption or Removal?
At the end of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Wanda’s (Elizabeth Olsen) fate was left deliberately ambiguous. Many fans believe she’s still alive, destined for a redemption arc or a villainous return. Yet Doomsday’s promo completely left her out.
This could mean Marvel wants to hold her back for a dramatic reappearance, or they’re closing her chapter for now. Considering how central she has been to recent stories, her absence may be the most shocking.
Eternals: A Silent Exit?
The Eternals (2021) were positioned as cosmic guardians tied to the very foundation of Marvel’s universe. But their film divided audiences, and they’ve been notably absent ever since. Their omission from Doomsday promos may be the clearest sign that Marvel has put them on the back burner.
With so many characters already vying for screen time, it may be too crowded for the Eternals to make an impact.
Spider-Man: Sony’s Complicated Hero
Spider-Man’s (Tom Holland) absence is a special case. Tom Holland’s Peter Parker remains one of Marvel’s most bankable heroes, but his rights rest with Sony. That partnership has always been delicate, and Spidey’s not guaranteed to swing into Doomsday.
Fans are hopeful he’ll appear — after all, the Multiverse saga feels incomplete without him. However, his involvement remains uncertain until Marvel and Sony officially confirm his role.
The Thunderbolts: Confirmed but Quiet
Interestingly, the Thunderbolts were also missing from the promo — but they’ve already been confirmed to appear. That makes their absence less concerning and perhaps a matter of marketing timing.
Their presence as a government-sanctioned “anti-hero” team could provide a fascinating counterpoint to the Avengers, but Marvel may be saving their reveal for later campaigns.
A Future in Flux
The Shanghai showcase was a visual spectacle, leaving fans with more questions than answers. Whether these omissions are deliberate misdirection or signs of deeper cuts, it’s clear Marvel is rethinking how to juggle its enormous roster.
Avengers: Doomsday promises to be the most ambitious film in MCU history, with the potential to reshape the universe for years to come. But as of now, fans are left to wonder: who will stand in the fight against Doctor Doom, and who has quietly been written out of the story?
One thing is certain — Marvel’s game plan is far from predictable, and the future of the MCU hangs in the balance.