Marvel releases new 'Avengers: Endgame' poster after getting slammed for not including Danai Gurira's name
The Avengers assembled one last time earlier this morning when Marvel Studios released an all-new trailer and poster for their resident super-group’s fourth — and maybe final — movie, Avengers: Endgame. But one hero was noticeably absent from the above-the-title roll call: Black Panther breakout star, Danai Gurira. Unlike the titular Wakandan champion, Gurira’s ace warrior Okoye survived the Snapture that brought the preceding Infinity War to a decisive end.
Even though Okoye’s face was prominently displayed alongside the other still-standing Avengers — including Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor and Captains America and Marvel — Gurira’s name wasn’t listed alongside their real-world alter egos, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Brie Larson. Instead, viewers had to look at the bottom of the poster to find The Walking Dead star’s credit, a discrepancy that Twitter noticed right away.
Odd to not see Danai Guirira’s name on this poster. Made room for every actor but her. #AvengersEndgame pic.twitter.com/9Th7JWoLh6
— Black Girl Nerds (@BlackGirlNerds) March 14, 2019
Bradley Coopers name on the poster for the new avengers movie but not Danai. Ok
— mal. [finally saw fury road] (@morosers) March 14,
2019
Me looking for Danai Gurira’s name on the poster pic.twitter.com/jRkgU6L94J
— ESainte (@ESainte) March 14, 2019
As some on social media pointed out, contractual obligations were the most likely culprit behind Gurira’s poster placement. MCU veterans and established movie stars like Downey, Johansson and Evans are able to make top billing a stipulation if their likeness is also on the poster.
(Names on posters and credits are parts of deals negotiated by actors and not the purview of poster designers) https://t.co/37zksR20r9
— Pablo Hidalgo (@pablohidalgo) March 14, 2019
At the same time, excluding Gurira from their company sends the exact wrong message at a time when Marvel is working to be more inclusive in front of and behind the camera. Even though the actress herself didn’t publicly comment in the wake of the poster’s release, Marvel zombies all over the world spoke up on her behalf. And by the late afternoon, the studio responded by releasing a new version of the poster, with Gurira’s name alongside the rest of the Avengers. “She should have been up there this whole time,” Marvel wrote in a Tweet.
She should have been up there all this time. Check out the official Marvel Studios’ #AvengersEndgame poster. @DanaiGurira #WakandaForever pic.twitter.com/5V1veWMxlz
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) March 14, 2019
Many online applauded Marvel’s swift correction… while also reminding the studio who was responsible for calling their attention to the omission in the first place.
That’s what’s up, @MarvelStudios!
Thanks for putting some RESPECK (with the K!) on our girl @DanaiGurira’s name! #BlackTwitterFTW! ???🏾😉 https://t.co/WImmTsVbO3
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) March 14, 2019
Shout out to #blacktwitter for making sure our girl @DanaiGurira got her recognition! #iloveusforreal #marvelgotittogether pic.twitter.com/NEQAlApw4V
— Okoye’s Side Eye (@aawbaby0129) March 14, 2019
It’s what our General Queen deserves. ?? pic.twitter.com/okAHXnlGho
— Natty (@Natty_Danai) March 14, 2019
Fans won this battle; now we can’t wait to see Okoye help win Round 2 of the Infinity War.
Avengers: Endgame opens in theaters on April 26.
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