A new trailer for Avengers: Endgame debuted this morning, along with a poster showcasing the surviving heroes.
Fans noticed, however, that Black Panther’s Danai Gurira, the actress who plays Dora Milaje general Okoye, was absent from the credits at the top of the poster. Though Gurira’s name was on the bottom credit block — along with Gwyneth Paltrow and Benedict Wong — she was the only person featured on the poster who did not receive above-the-title billing. The omission prompted outcry, exacerbated by the fact that Gurira was the only actress of color to appear on the poster.
You got to have a meeting with your photoshop team. Danai Gurira isn't credited on top lol https://t.co/UbFU3pJQGc
— Von Don (@VonKnight) March 14, 2019
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
Credit billing is a complex process that involves loads of negotiation by agents, fees, and a whole mess of things to decide who earns a “with,” an “and,” and even how big or small names appear on a poster. Likely, the omission of Gurira in the top billing was less of a conscious decision than the ramifications of dealing with agents, fees, and movie star demands. The coincidence speaks more so to the fact that the MCU has a predominantly white male presence — something they are attempting to rectify in the next slate of movies.
Fans rallied, however, and across social media they insisted that Gurira should receive her place in the top of the poster.
The reaction prompted Marvel to release a new poster, with Gurira’s name coming just before Bradley Cooper and Josh Brolin.
“She should have been up there all this time,” reads the accompanying 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
The process was likely as simple as digitally adding Gurira’s name to the graphic, but enabled by quick action by the studio and a fleet of agents. Polygon reached out to Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures for clarification over whether Gurira’s addition would appear on in-theater posters, but the studios were not immediately available for comment. Whatever the case, adding Guira’s name to the billing seems a small change, but it speaks volumes to many hopeful fans.
Avengers: Endgame hits theaters on April 26.