Get ready for a jaw-dropping revelation that’s shaking the Marvel fandom to its core: the Marvel Cinematic Universe is breaking its Super Bowl tradition in 2026, and fans are both stunned and divided. As the Super Bowl approaches—the pinnacle of NFL football and one of the most-watched live events globally—it’s not just the game that steals the spotlight. The event is a goldmine for blockbuster trailers, with Hollywood pulling out all the stops to debut sneak peeks of their most anticipated films. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite two major Marvel releases this year, Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday, the MCU has no trailers scheduled for the big game. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the absence of these trailers; it’s the why behind it that’s sparking heated debates.
According to Deadline, the Super Bowl LX lineup is packed with trailers from other studios, but Marvel is notably absent. This is especially baffling given the MCU’s history of using the event to hype its biggest films. Fans had speculated that Avengers: Doomsday would drop a major trailer during the game, especially after teasers appeared during screenings of Avatar: Fire and Ash. Yet, it seems those hints were just red herrings. Even more puzzling is the lack of promotion for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which hits theaters first. Wouldn’t a Super Bowl trailer be the perfect way to drum up excitement? Or is Marvel playing a longer game, saving their marketing budget for closer to the release dates?
Here’s the kicker: Super Bowl ad spots don’t come cheap—a 30-second slot this year costs a staggering $10 million. Marvel might have decided it’s a financial gamble they don’t need to take, especially for films that are already guaranteed to draw massive audiences. But for die-hard MCU fans, this feels like a missed opportunity to fuel the hype train. After all, who doesn’t love a good trailer reveal during the biggest game of the year?
While Marvel sits this one out, other studios are stepping up. Lionsgate is dropping the trailer for its Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, and Dimension is teasing Scream 7. Disney, though skipping Marvel, is still in the game with trailers for The Mandalorian and Grogu and the Pixar film Hoppers. And let’s not forget Toy Story 5, Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Minions 3, and Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day—all vying for your attention.
But let’s circle back to Marvel’s bold move. Is this a strategic decision to save costs, or a miscalculation that could leave fans feeling underwhelmed? With Spider-Man: Brand New Day releasing in July and Avengers: Doomsday in December, is it too early to spend big on promotion? Or is Marvel underestimating the power of Super Bowl buzz? What do you think? Is Marvel making a smart financial move, or are they missing out on a golden opportunity? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the debate in the ComicBook Forum. The conversation is just getting started!
