‘Avengers: Endgame’ Official Trailer – The Beginning of the End?

What film could release a trailer that would break the single day views record with 289 million in the first 24 hours of release? Hmm… something big… something super… something ending… aha! Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame! But, was this trailer worth the hype? Let’s pick up Mjölnir and smash it to pieces!

Per IMDb, Endgame is “the culmination of 22 interconnected films, the fourth installment of the Avengers… [in] the aftermath of Thanos wiping out half of all life in the universe, the remaining Avengers must do what’s necessary to undo the Mad Titan’s deed.” It sounds epic, guaranteed to break box office records and have fan boys going bonkers until the next Marvel film (even if this is the last Avengers, there will be more Marvel films). In the meantime, we’re given a trailer to curb our hunger.

Some Good

The trailer was wearing the Infinity Gauntlet with these…

1. Opening Monologue – The opening shots were of Tony Stark, lost in space, leaving a farewell message. Not only did he look a little haggard, but his dialogue was weighty and it immediately pulled us into the stakes of the film. Even with Downey’s usual levity, the dialogue and images it voiced over were a perfect pull in for this climactic chapter.

2. Steve Rogers Focus – The trailer opened with Tony Stark, but most of it focused on Steve Rogers. Given the history of these two characters, I found the halving fitting and more importantly, it showed Endgame might come full circle in story and character arcs. That’s good marketing; remembering the story that came before and the audience that has been along for the ride.

3. Left You Wanting More – The biggest problems with trailers today is they tell you the whole film or it ends up being better than the film (Man of Steel). While this ad had all the characteristics of today’s trailers, such as loud, obnoxious bass drops, fade-outs, etc., it won by leaving us wanting more. It told enough of what is to come, but didn’t show too much.

4. Palette Cleanser – A strong point of Marvel is that they know they’re silly (take note, DC), but initially the trailer was empty of laughs. It came in heavy and looked to be no-nonsense, which worried me. Marvel’s blend of comedy and action has made it top dog. Then, Ant-Man appeared and re-assured me that Marvel hadn’t lost its likable charm and hadn’t forgot its audience.

Some Bad

The Gauntlet must’ve slipped off on this shot…

1. Gladiator Shot – 1:06 – 1:09: Why is this shot so popular? It’s a good shot (originally from Gladiator), but its everywhere ad nasuem!

The Takeaway

Epic, but restrained, Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame trailer is the right dose of reveal and mystery ahead of springtime’s gigantic release. It had what Marvel fans expect—blockbuster and charm. Disney knows how to market films and this one is off on the right foot. Heck, it has been since ’08!