Get ready to have your mind blown, Marvel fans! The ultimate crossover you’ve been dreaming of has finally arrived—sort of. Marvel Studios has just dropped a jaw-dropping banner art by Ryan Meinerding, the Head of Visual Development, and it’s a feast for the eyes. But here’s the twist: while it features the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men (yes, including Deadpool and Wolverine), it’s not tied to Avengers: Doomsday, despite what some fans might hope. And this is the part most people miss—it’s actually a celebration of Marvel’s nearly 20-year legacy, designed exclusively for AEON Cinema in Japan.
The artwork is a stunning mashup of iconic characters, blending costumes from Avengers: Doomsday (like Bucky’s New Avengers uniform and Sam Wilson’s Captain America suit) with fan-favorite designs. Thor’s look, for instance, combines his new Doomsday costume with his classic long hair and Mjolnir, while Iron Man makes a surprising appearance despite his emotional farewell in Avengers: Endgame. Scarlet Witch is also there, rocking her WandaVision outfit.
But it doesn’t stop there. The piece introduces newer MCU additions like God Loki, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men’s Wolverine and Deadpool. Look closely, and you’ll spot the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Ant-Man family lurking in the background. It’s a love letter to Marvel’s vast universe, and Meinerding himself confirmed, ‘This has nothing to do with *Avengers: Doomsday! I drew my favorite characters, and I hope Japanese movie fans will enjoy it.’*
But here’s where it gets controversial: Why isn’t Spider-Man included? While it’s a bummer for fans, the art still feels like a historic moment, bringing these characters together in a way we’ll only see in live-action in Avengers: Doomsday. Speaking of which, the film’s cast is a who’s who of Marvel stars, including Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, and Robert Downey Jr., alongside newcomers like Wyatt Russell and Simu Liu.
The Fantastic Four and X-Men franchises also join the party, with Pedro Pascal, Kelsey Grammer, and Channing Tatum stepping into their iconic roles. And yes, Chris Evans is officially back as Steve Rogers, alongside Hayley Atwell’s Peggy Carter and Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool. Directed by the Russo Brothers and written by Stephen McFeely and Michael Waldron, Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters on December 18, with Avengers: Secret Wars following in 2027.
So, what do you think? Is this banner art a masterpiece or a missed opportunity? Should Spider-Man have been included, or does it perfectly capture Marvel’s legacy? Let us know in the comments—we’re ready for a friendly debate!
