Marvel released two Avengers: Doomsday teasers during the World Series weekend, and one quick Captain America gag has split the fandom. The promos released new sneak peek, but a single joke about the shield sparked a bigger conversation than the action scenes.
The first Avengers: Doomsday preview aired during Game 1 of the World Series on Friday. The MLB crossover spot featured Pedro Pascal’s Mister Fantastic throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch at Milwaukee’s American Family Field.
Marvel then released a second trailer on Saturday, roughly a day later. That trailer focuses on the bond between Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers, emphasizing their shared worthiness to lift Mjolnir. Thor takes charge of the team and warns that Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) will destroy everything unless the heroes unite.
Both promos show the heroes gathered in Avengers Tower, where Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man accidentally calls Steve Rogers “Cap.” Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, the current shield-bearer, shoots him a look, and Scott corrects himself. US Agent also chimes in with a throwaway line about his own brief stint as Captain America.
Doomsday fans debate the Captain America joke
The Captain America moment divided fans on X (formerly Twitter). One side read the gag as a slight against Sam Wilson, who accepted the mantle in 2021’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Critics argued the scene cheapens his claim to the title. “Better put some respect on Sam’s name,” wrote @Th3birdman15. Another user, @zeninhime, added, “Sam deserves better than this.”
Supporters pushed back, arguing the line fits Scott Lang’s history. Ant-Man fought alongside Rogers in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War and has idolized him ever since. For those fans, the slip is muscle memory, not disrespect.
“Ant-Man almost calling Steve Captain America out of habit is peak Scott Lang,” wrote @ZittaCulture. Another user, @movieregion, agreed: “Scott really said ‘Cap’ out of muscle memory” (via CinemaBlend).
The debate reflects a wider divide over how the MCU handles the Captain America legacy. Some viewers still tie the title to Evans, while others insist Mackie owns it now. Marvel has not commented on the backlash.
Avengers: Doomsday releases in theaters December 18, with Robert Downey Jr. returning as Doctor Doom and a stacked cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Chris Evans, Paul Rudd, Simu Liu, Letitia Wright, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Channing Tatum.
