Avengers: Doomsday teaser: Fantastic Four cross paths with Wakandans officially entering main MCU timeline

There has been a major step towards the December 18, 2026, release of Avengers: Doomsday after Marvel Studios formally unveiled the fourth teaser. Exclusive theatrical screenings of Avatar: Fire and Ash preceded today's internet launch of the new clip, which gives fans their first sight of a Fantastic Four member and a Wakanda and Talokan crossover.

How does Shuri set the tone for Avengers: Doomsday?

Consistent with earlier teasers showcasing the X-Men, Thor, and Captain America, this one keeps the serious, high-stakes tone. The current Black Panther, Shuri (Letitia Wright), narrates extensively at the beginning. As she considers the many lives she lost in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Shuri says, "I've lost everyone that matters to me. A king has his duties, to prepare our people for the afterlife. I have mine."

Tenoch Huerta and Mabel Cadena briefly appear in the clip as Namor and Namora, respectively. Namor's appearance in a comically correct black suit suggests a potential role change. Even though the Talokanil were the main adversaries in Shuri's previous adventure, the teaser suggests that the underwater kingdom and Wakanda have declared a truce due to the dangers posed by Robert Downey Jr's Doctor Doom and the possibility of the multiverse collapsing.

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Which first encounter provides a moment of levity in the Avengers: Doomsday teaser?

At the end of the teaser, there is a brief flash of humour that breaks the otherwise serious tone. Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, has his first encounters with well-established Marvel Cinematic Universe characters. Here, Winston Duke plays the role of M'Baku, and the Thing introduces himself to him.

With his trademark tenacity, Grimm replies to M'Baku's declaration that he is "King M'Baku of Wakanda"—a confirmation of his successful challenge for the crown at the end of the last film—with the following: "Ben. Yancy Street between Broome and Grand."

When do the Fantastic Four enter the main MCU timeline?

After being introduced in last summer's The Fantastic Four: First Steps in an alternate 1960s setting, this encounter marks the first time the Fantastic Four have encountered the main Marvel Cinematic Universe chronology. This particular teaser does not feature Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), or Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), but they are undoubtedly members of the enormous ensemble cast.

Anthony and Joe Russo's Avengers: Doomsday is developing into the biggest crossover event in the history of the franchise. Several distinct factions throughout the Marvel Universe will come together in the film.

Which iconic Marvel heroes and teams are joining the massive ensemble?

The Avengers include Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, and Paul Rudd. The X-Men features legacy actors Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), and Kelsey Grammer (Beast). The Thunderbolts will feature Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Wyatt Russell returning to their roles. New faces include Simu Liu as Shang-Chi and Lewis Pullman as Sentry.

The addition of Namor has also caused fans to speculate about the "First Family"—the group of heroes that fight against Doctor Doom throughout dimensions—because comic books typically portray Namor and Sue Storm as having a convoluted romantic history.

Avengers: Doomsday FAQs:

Q: When is Avengers: Doomsday coming out?

A: Avengers: Doomsday is officially scheduled to be released in theaters on December 18, 2026. This marks a major milestone in Marvel’s Phase 6, serving as the first of a two-part finale for the Multiverse Saga.

Q: Is The Thing in the new Avengers: Doomsday teaser?

A: Yes, the fourth teaser for Avengers: Doomsday features the first official interaction between Ben Grimm (The Thing), played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and the primary MCU timeline.

Q: Which members of the Fantastic Four appear in the Doomsday teaser?

A: While all four members—Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)—are confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, only Ben Grimm (The Thing) appears in the fourth teaser. This follows the team's introduction in their own 1960s-set film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps.