Disney’s Bold Gamble: Four Trailers for Avengers: Doomsday Attached to Avatar: Fire and Ash

In a move that has stunned the film industry and sparked intense debate among fans, Disney has confirmed an unprecedented marketing strategy for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster, Avengers: Doomsday.

Rather than releasing a single trailer to the masses, the studio is attaching four distinct versions exclusively to theatrical screenings of James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, with each trailer running for one week only.

This sequential rollout begins with the film’s December 19, 2025, premiere and continues over the subsequent weeks, effectively turning the trailers into time-sensitive exclusives.

The strategy was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, citing sources close to the production. According to the outlet, theaters will receive a new Avengers: Doomsday trailer each Friday, replacing the previous one.

The first debuts on opening weekend, followed by versions timed around Christmas, New Year’s, and the following week. This approach ensures that moviegoers attending Avatar: Fire and Ash at different points in its run will encounter varying previews of the highly anticipated superhero epic, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo.

Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on December 18, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for the MCU.

Featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s controversial return as Victor von Doom—not Tony Stark—the film unites an enormous ensemble, including legacy Avengers like Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, alongside newcomers from The Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, and even Fox-era X-Men characters.

The stakes are immense, with the project reportedly costing between $400-500 million amid a period of fluctuating fortunes for Marvel following the post-Endgame era.

By tying these trailers to Avatar: Fire and Ash, Disney leverages the expected massive draw of Cameron’s sequel. The third installment in the Avatar franchise introduces the volcanic Ash People and escalates the conflict on Pandora, building on the series’ record-shattering box office history.

Both previous films surpassed $2 billion globally, and Fire and Ash is poised to follow suit, providing an ideal platform to expose millions to Doomsday’s marketing.

This isn’t merely cross-promotion; it’s a calculated effort to drive repeat viewings. Diehard Marvel fans, eager to catch every glimpse of Downey Jr.’s Doom or the multiversal team-ups, may feel compelled to return to theaters multiple times.

As one industry insider noted to THR, the plan transforms the trailers into a “collectible experience,” encouraging multiple ticket purchases for the nearly three-hour-plus Avatar epic.

Historical precedents exist for trailer exclusivity sparking theater rushes. In 1998, fans flocked to Meet Joe Black solely for the first Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace preview. However, today’s landscape differs vastly, with social media and instant leaks rendering true exclusivity nearly impossible.

Camrip versions of trailers often surface online within hours, potentially undermining Disney’s intent.

Critics argue this tactic borders on manipulation. Forcing enthusiasts to pay full price repeatedly—averaging $15-25 per ticket—for incremental footage feels exploitative, especially when online releases could reach broader audiences effortlessly.

Some view it as Disney prioritizing short-term Avatar boosts over long-term MCU goodwill, particularly as the franchise seeks to recapture Endgame-level excitement.

Proponents counter that it’s savvy business. Avatar: Fire and Ash carries enormous financial pressure; Cameron has hinted at stepping away if it underperforms. Pairing it with Doomsday hype ensures sustained theatrical legs during the lucrative holiday season.

Moreover, in-theater experiences offer superior audio-visual quality, aligning with Marvel’s emphasis on cinematic spectacle.

Fan reactions have been polarized. Online forums buzz with speculation about trailer differences—perhaps each focusing on a specific team: core Avengers, Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four, or X-Men. Others predict subtle variations, adding shots progressively to build narrative intrigue without spoilers.

Yet skepticism abounds. Many declare they’ll wait for inevitable leaks or official online drops, questioning whether anyone will endure Avatar’s runtime four times solely for trailers. As one Reddit user quipped, “I’ll see it twice max; the rest can leak.”

This strategy highlights Disney’s vertical integration advantages, owning both franchises under one umbrella. It maximizes synergy but risks alienating casual viewers who prefer accessible marketing. In an era of streaming dominance, insisting on theatrical exclusivity for previews feels anachronistic to some.

The differences between the four trailers remain shrouded in secrecy. Speculation ranges from team-specific spotlights to evolving reveals of Doom’s plan. Whatever the content, the rollout positions Doomsday as a month-long event, dominating conversations into 2026.

Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen. If it propels Avatar: Fire and Ash to new heights and reignites MCU fervor, Disney will be hailed for innovation. If leaks dilute the exclusivity or fans rebel against the paywall, it could backfire spectacularly.

As opening day approaches, anticipation builds. The first trailer, reportedly clocking in at around 1:25, promises glimpses of the MCU’s boldest assembly yet. For those unwilling to play Disney’s game multiple times, patience—or a quick online search—may suffice.

Ultimately, this approach underscores the evolving nature of film promotion in a digital age. Disney bets that FOMO (fear of missing out) will triumph over convenience, compelling fans back to cinemas week after week.

In doing so, they’ve transformed trailer releases from viral moments into a serialized campaign, blurring lines between marketing and content itself. Love it or loathe it, the strategy is undeniably audacious.

One thing is certain: starting December 19, every trip to see Avatar: Fire and Ash becomes a potential treasure hunt for fresh Doomsday footage. Whether that excites or exasperates will define the campaign’s legacy.