'Avengers: Doomsday' Trailer Has Fans Claiming Background Figures Were Digitally Removed

Marvel Studios' latest Avengers: Doomsday teaser has sparked intense online discussion, with fans suggesting that background figures or environmental elements may have been digitally removed from certain shots. The theory gained traction shortly after the 64-second clip was released on 13 January, prompting frame-by-frame analysis across social media platforms.

The teaser prominently features Shuri taking on the Black Panther mantle, M'Baku declaring himself King of Wakanda, and Ben Grimm — also known as The Thing — appearing alongside Wakandan figures for the first time. While the crossover moment itself excited fans, attention quickly shifted to the unusually sparse backgrounds in several wide shots, particularly those set in a desert-like environment.

Why Fans Believe Something Was Removed

Viewers have pointed out that the framing and negative space in certain scenes feel deliberate, arguing that the emptiness contrasts with Marvel's typical crowd-heavy ensemble visuals. Screenshots circulating online highlight areas where fans believe characters or objects could have been digitally erased to avoid revealing future plot developments.

While Marvel Studios has not commented on the speculation, fans note that this would not be unprecedented. Marvel has previously altered trailers to conceal major reveals, often using visual misdirection during marketing campaigns.

Marvel's History of Trailer Manipulation

The studio famously removed Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire from multiple Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer shots before their eventual appearances in the film. Similarly, promotional material for Thunderbolts digitally inserted Taskmaster into scenes to obscure the character's early death in the final cut.

Given that context, fans argue that digitally removing background figures in Avengers: Doomsday would align with Marvel's long-standing approach to secrecy, particularly for large-scale crossover projects.

The Russo Brothers' 'Clues' Strategy

Directors Anthony and Joe Russo have previously described Marvel's teaser releases as intentional 'clues' rather than straightforward previews. According to the filmmakers, these short clips are designed to guide audience attention while withholding full narrative context — a strategy meant to preserve surprises and encourage discussion.

So far, Marvel has released four separate Avengers: Doomsday teaser trailers. Each clip has focused on different characters or factions, including Thor, X-Men figures, and returning Avengers. Fans believe this segmented rollout supports the idea that certain visuals may be intentionally incomplete or altered until closer to release.

Alternative Explanations

Not all viewers are convinced the teaser was digitally altered. Some suggest the barren setting could simply be part of the story, potentially linked to previously established locations such as the Void at the End of Time, which was depicted as an open desert landscape in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Others caution that teaser trailers often use unfinished visual effects, meaning some elements may not yet be fully rendered rather than deliberately removed.

What Fans Are Still Searching For

Beyond the alleged removals, fans continue to scrutinise the teaser for signs of Doctor Doom, who will be portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. Marvel has already clarified that Doom is not an Iron Man variant, but speculation persists regarding how and when the character will be introduced.

With Avengers: Doomsday positioned as a key Phase Six event leading into Avengers: Secret Wars, viewers expect Marvel to continue releasing carefully curated footage that reveals just enough to sustain interest without confirming major plot points.

For now, the debate over digitally removed background figures remains unresolved. Whether intentional misdirection or coincidental framing, the teaser has succeeded in one regard: keeping fans closely watching every frame.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release on 18 December 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars following in December 2027.