Marvel Studios debuted an exclusive preview of Avengers: Doomsday on October 23, 2026, during the broadcast of Game 1 of the World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers. The promotional crossover merged the Marvel Cinematic Universe with professional baseball, offering fans a look at a specific multiversal setting and several high-profile athlete cameos.
The sequence is set on Earth-828 at a “retro-future” version of New York City. In this reality, the historic Ebbets Field still stands, suggesting a timeline where the Dodgers never relocated from Brooklyn. The footage shows Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards taking the mound to throw a ceremonial first pitch, utilizing his elastic powers to deliver the ball to the catcher.
MLB Stars and Multiversal Connections
The crossover features a roster of active Major League Baseball stars appearing alongside the Marvel characters. According to MLB.com, the promotion includes Freddie Freeman, Randy Arozarena, Jacob Misiorowski, Bryce Harper, and Junior Caminero. These players are integrated into the Earth-828 baseball environment, which serves as a narrative bridge to the world established in the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The promo reached its climax with the appearance of Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, whose massive visage appeared in the sky directly above the ballpark, signaling the character’s looming threat to the multiverse.
Production and Release Schedule
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Avengers: Doomsday is currently scheduled for theatrical release on December 18, 2026. The film will occupy a competitive holiday corridor, opening the same day as Dune: Part 3. In addition to the primary cast, Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller is reportedly making a cameo appearance in the film.
The use of Earth-828 in the World Series promo highlights the film’s focus on diverse realities. This specific Earth is characterized by its alternative history and advanced technology, providing a backdrop where the modern stars of the Rays and Brewers find themselves reflected in a different branch of the Marvel timeline.
