Avengers: Doomsday Trailer Leaks, Revealing Captain America's Return with a Newborn

So much for the best-laid plans. Marvel Studios had an elaborate rollout strategy for 'Avengers: Doomsday', but the internet had other ideas. The first teaser trailer leaked online just days before its planned debut, revealing the rumored return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America—this time, with a newborn baby, presumably with Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter.

From Leak to Official Drop

The original plan was to release four different teasers, one each week, as previews for 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. After bootleg versions of the first teaser began circulating, Marvel pivoted quickly. The studio released the official HD version to the public with a simple message: "Merry Christmas!" Fans can still look forward to three more teasers, with one focused on Thor, another on Doctor Doom, and a final, more traditional trailer.

Retooling Phase Six

This marketing scramble comes amid a larger strategic shift for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel had initially built its Phase Six arc, 'The Kang Dynasty', around Jonathan Majors' Kang the Conqueror. However, after Majors was convicted of domestic violence, the studio fired the actor and was forced to retool its ambitious plans.

To stabilize the franchise, Marvel announced the return of the Russo brothers. The directing duo previously helmed four of the MCU's most successful films, which together brought in more than $6 billion at the global box office, suggesting the studio is banking on a proven formula for its next saga.