The Numbers Are In
Avengers: Doomsday isn't even out yet, and it's already breaking records. The first proper trailer landed yesterday alongside the start of advance ticket sales, and the response was, to put it mildly, enormous. According to Variety, Doomsday pulled in a staggering $16.5 million in first-day pre-sales — and that's only from premium-format tickets at around 1,000 domestic theaters. By comparison, Deadpool & Wolverine made half that in its first day of pre-sales across all formats and screens. That film went on to gross $1.33 billion globally. So, yeah, the appetite is there.
The trailer itself racked up 503 million views in its first 24 hours. That makes it the second-biggest trailer launch ever, behind only Spider-Man: Brand New Day's 718.6 million. But here's the kicker: it's now officially Disney's biggest trailer launch of all time, topping the Deadpool & Wolverine Super Bowl teaser's 365 million views. For extra perspective, the GTA 6 trailer 2 pulled in 475 million views across all platforms in one day. Marvel is back in the driver's seat, at least in terms of hype.
Why This Matters for the MCU
But hype doesn't always translate to box office gold, especially for a franchise that's been on shaky ground. Since Endgame wrapped up the Infinity Saga in 2019, the MCU has had a rough ride. The Marvels, Captain America: Brave New World, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Thunderbolts* have all struggled to capture the attention of cinemagoers. There's been a persistent sense that the MCU's best days are behind it. Doomsday isn't just another movie; it's the final chapter of the Multiverse Saga, and it's carrying the weight of an entire cinematic universe's future on its shoulders.
The numbers suggest that audiences are still willing to show up for the big, event-level Marvel movies. The early pre-sales are already selling out showtimes for Thursday, December 17, and Friday, December 18. That's a clear signal that the core fanbase is hungry for a return to the kind of massive crossover event that made the MCU a cultural juggernaut. But the pressure is immense. After years of mixed results, one bad movie could really sour the well.
The Disney and Imax Showdown
Here's where it gets complicated. Avengers: Doomsday won't be on Imax screens. That's because Dune: Part III has locked down the premium format exclusively for three weeks. Both movies launch on the same day — December 18, which the internet has already dubbed "Dunesday." It's shaping up to be the box office battle of the year.
Marvel is trying to spin this by introducing something called "Infinity Vision." Disney's branding is meant to label non-Imax premium large format theaters as "the biggest, brightest, and most immersive cinematic experiences." The format will roll out with the Avengers: Endgame re-release on September 25 before Doomsday arrives. But Imax isn't buying it.
"From our view, we feel it's a marketing play to try and offset the fact that they don't have an Imax platform or brand for Avengers: Doomsday," Imax chief financial officer Natasha Fernandes said in a call with investors, via The Hollywood Reporter. "[Marvel fans are] among the savvy and most discerning moviegoers out there. And there's a reason why we're the undisputed leader in premium cinema worldwide."
It's a bold claim from Imax, but the fan reaction to the trailer suggests a lot of people are going to see Doomsday regardless of the format. The conversation online is already buzzing with speculation about the true identity of the Steve Rogers we see at the end of the trailer, and whether a character was edited out of one shot. Doctor Doom is at the center of it all, and a new poster teases his motivation for the story.
What's Next for the Multiverse?
Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026. The official synopsis reads: "Universes collide and the Multiverse Saga begins its final chapter in Marvel Studios' Avengers: Doomsday. Beloved heroes from three distinct universes will be set on a deadly collision course and ultimately face an existential threat unlike anything they've ever encountered. This epic film will lay the foundation for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe."
It's a lot of weight for one movie, but the early numbers suggest the audience is ready to give it a chance. The big question is whether Doomsday can deliver on the hype and set the stage for next year's Avengers: Secret Wars — or whether the Multiverse Saga will end with a whimper. All eyes are on December 18.
Comments (0)
Loading comments…