Key Facts
- ✓ Marvel directors Joe and Anthony Russo have stated that the recent teasers for Avengers: Doomsday are not standard trailers but rather 'stories' and 'clues' for fans to analyze.
- ✓ A fan theory suggests that countdown clocks at the end of each teaser contain hidden timestamps corresponding to specific scenes in Avengers: Endgame.
- ✓ The theory connects the Steve Rogers trailer timestamp to the scene where the Ancient One warns about the dangers of removing Infinity Stones.
- ✓ The Thor trailer timestamp allegedly points to the moment Loki steals the Tesseract, creating a variant timeline.
- ✓ The X-Men trailer timestamp aligns with a scene in Asgard where Rocket asks Thor if he is crying, a line also referenced in Deadpool & Wolverine.
- ✓ The Wakanda trailer timestamp corresponds to the scene where the Avengers first test the technology used for the Time Heist.
Quick Summary
Following a cryptic message from the directors, a fan theory is gaining significant traction regarding the hidden meaning behind the recent Avengers: Doomsday teaser trailers. The theory centers on countdown clocks displayed at the end of each clip, which appear to reference specific moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Marvel has released four distinct teasers over the past month, each focusing on a different character or faction: Steve Rogers, Thor, the X-Men, and Wakanda. While these clips provided first looks at various characters, including an elderly Charles Xavier and the new Wakandan king, the directors insisted there was a deeper narrative layer to be discovered.
The Directors' Challenge
The speculation began shortly after the release of the final teaser. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo issued a statement that shifted the community's focus from visual spectacle to forensic analysis. They explicitly denied that the released materials were standard marketing assets.
"What you've been watching for the last four weeks... are not teasers. Or trailers. They are stories. They are clues... Pay attention."
This directive sent fans scouring the footage for hidden details. The most promising lead emerged from the countdown clocks featured at the end of each video. These clocks, set to the theatrical release date, do not appear instantly; instead, the numbers build up in stages, briefly revealing shorter timestamps before reaching the full countdown.
"What you've been watching for the last four weeks... are not teasers. Or trailers. They are stories. They are clues... Pay attention."
— Joe and Anthony Russo, Directors
Decoding the Timestamps
A theory compiled by a fan known as Fear_Itself on Reddit suggests these fleeting timestamps are not random. By cross-referencing them with Avengers: Endgame, the theory posits that each number corresponds to a pivotal scene involving the manipulation of time.
The findings outline a specific pattern:
- Steve Rogers Trailer (1:24:20): Matches the scene where the Ancient One warns Hulk about removing Infinity Stones, creating branched realities.
- Thor Trailer (1:17:20): Corresponds to the moment Loki steals the Tesseract, creating the variant seen in the Loki series.
- X-Men Trailer (1:11:20): Aligns with a scene in Asgard where Rocket asks Thor, "Are you crying?"
- Wakanda Trailer (1:04:20): Points to the scene where the Avengers plan and test the Time Heist technology.
According to the theory, these specific moments highlight the origins of the multiversal conflict. The suggestion is that Doctor Doom will likely seek to repair or rule the fractured reality created by these past actions.
Narrative Connections
The theory resonates because Avengers: Doomsday is increasingly viewed as a direct sequel to Endgame. It is expected to pick up Steve Rogers' life in the past and explore the ramifications of the Avengers' dabbling in the multiverse.
Regarding the X-Men trailer timestamp, another fan, elbatcarter, offered an alternative interpretation. They linked the "Are you crying?" line to a potential flashforward seen in Deadpool & Wolverine, where Deadpool questions Thor's emotional state during a future event. This loose plot thread is one fans expect Avengers: Doomsday to address.
However, it is important to note that this remains a fan theory. Skeptics have pointed out that the timestamps could apply to other Marvel films or simply be coincidental references to Endgame. Despite the debate, the theory has provided a structured way for the community to engage with the marketing.
The Countdown Continues
Marvel recently launched a live countdown clock to the film's release, which is set to run for over 11 months. Fans are currently monitoring this stream for further clues, though none have been spotted yet.
While hopes for a fifth trailer to arrive in theaters this week were high, current indications suggest a longer wait. The next potential window for new footage is widely speculated to be the Super Bowl on February 8. Until then, the community continues to analyze the existing clues, debating whether the timestamps are a brilliant narrative setup or simply a coincidence.
Looking Ahead
The "timestamp theory" highlights the intense anticipation surrounding Avengers: Doomsday. By linking the new film directly to the events of Endgame, the theory suggests a cohesive story arc that addresses the lingering consequences of the Time Heist.
Whether the timestamps are intentional clues or not, they have successfully engaged the fanbase in a deep dive into Marvel lore. As the release date approaches, all eyes remain on the directors and Marvel Studios to see if these hidden codes will be validated by the final film.









