Marvel fans have criticised the latest promotional banner for Avengers: Doomsday, arguing that it places Sam Wilson and other characters of coulour in the ensemble artwork. The newly shared promotional banner has sparked debate over Marvel Studios' treatment of its current Captain America, played by Anthony Mackie, particularly as Steve Rogers, portrayed by Chris Evans, appears closer to the front.
The criticism also extends to the placement of other characters of colour, with fans questioning why some of the franchise's established heroes appear to have been pushed into the background despite their importance to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The artwork has reignited concerns about how Marvel presents its diverse cast, especially when it comes to recognising characters who have taken on leading roles in recent films.
Fans Question Sam Wilson's Placement Behind Steve Rogers
One fan expressed frustration over Sam's position in the promotional artwork, questioning why the current Captain America appears further back than Steve Rogers, who previously held the title. The fan also challenged the apparent difference in prominence given to the two characters, writing: 'All these poc at the back as if they dont have bigger roles in the current mcu.'
The post also brought up Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, whose placement near the front was questioned in comparison with Sam's. The fan argued that Marvel could not simply justify Sam's position by pointing to the performance of Captain America: Brave New World, especially when other returning characters were still given prominent spots.
// No im actually so pissed. Why is captain america hidden at the back while steve is at the front. You cant even say that it's because his movie sucked because thor is at the front with his infinity war haircut. All these poc at the back as if they dont have bigger roles in the
— bucky♡sam #yumetwt (@captainbbbucky) November 12, 2026
Fans Call Attention to Other People of Colour
Sam was not the only character fans felt had been overlooked. Simu Liu's Shang-Chi was also among the characters whose placement raised questions. Other fans also called attention to the placement of other POC characters, arguing that they also appeared grouped towards the back despite having significant roles in the current MCU.
The fan's concerns also extend to the female superheroes, including Shuri from Black Panther and Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh in Thunderbolts. Fans believe these characters deserve more visibility in the ensemble, given their important roles in the MCU.
The term POC, short for 'people of colour', is commonly used as a broad descriptor for individuals who are not white. Its use in the online discussion reflects fans' concerns about the representation and visibility of characters from diverse backgrounds.
white males to the front, poc and women to the back ….
— Alex ⪩ ⪨ ꠹ (@M00NSTRVCKK) November 12, 2026
@AvengersUpdated Crazy how they sidelined Black Panther and Captain America for Long hair guy
— beefyballsinyourmouth (@beefyballs38141) November 12, 2026
Captain America Debate Continues Ahead of Doomsday
Aside from the banner placement criticism, some fans also said that putting Steve Rogers in the middle is 'boring'. The debate also comes amid the film's large ensemble cast, which includes returning Avengers, members of the Fantastic Four and characters from the X-Men franchise.
There’s literally zero appeal for regular dude Steve Rogers it just looks so fucking boring, especially here.
— Craig (@CS11__) November 12, 2026
Marvel's official film listing includes Mackie, Evans, Hemsworth, Simu Liu, Letitia Wright, Danny Ramirez, Winston Duke and Tenoch Huerta Mejía, among other actors. The film is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on 16 December 2026 in the UK.
For viewers who have supported Sam's journey as Captain America, seeing him pushed into the background has become another reason to question whether Marvel is fully embracing its newer generation of heroes. Whether the arrangement reflects a deliberate creative decision or simply an artistic choice remains unclear.
One thing, however, is evident from the online reaction: Marvel fans are paying close attention. From character placements to the smallest Easter eggs, few details in the MCU escape their scrutiny.
