Marvel stars from Avengers: Endgame have reunited in a new campaign ad endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, but the response online was far from heroic. Actors Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Danai Gurira, Don Cheadle, and Paul Bettany appeared in the video, which Ruffalo posted to X (formerly Twitter), urging fans to “Assemble for Democracy” in the upcoming election. The ad playfully referenced their Marvel catchphrases, attempting to bring a dose of superhero nostalgia to the campaign trail—but it appears to have missed the mark with some viewers.
We’re back. Let’s #AssembleForDemocracy. In the #ElectionEndgame, every vote counts 🗳️ #VoteBlue! Vote @KamalaHarris @Tim_Walz pic.twitter.com/Xp7YdUEqxa
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) October 31, 2024
In the video, the actors jokingly discuss possible catchphrases for Harris. Evans, known for his role as Captain America, suggested “I can do this all day,” a line from his Marvel character. Downey and Cheadle chimed in with other quotes from their respective characters, while Gurira added “Kamala forever” in a nod to Black Panther’s iconic “Wakanda forever.” Bettany, who plays Vision, suggested “I’m down with democracy,” which led to Cheadle riffing on the phrase, jokingly adding, “Yeah, together we got to tear down democracy.”
New cringe just dropped 🥴 https://t.co/Ak4eDwHWzf
— Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) October 31, 2024
While intended as lighthearted, the ad was swiftly criticized on social media, with users calling it out for being out of touch with voters outside of Hollywood’s sphere. Some saw the playful quips about “tearing down democracy” as tone-deaf, particularly in a polarized political climate. “New cringe just dropped,” commented Kimberly Ross from the Washington Examiner, while conservative commentator Carmine Sabia quipped, “I believe we can safely say Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the Hollywood douchenozzle vote.”
That’s awesome
Now I never have to watch another Avengers flick ever https://t.co/vPExTtbjTV— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) October 31, 2024
This is not the first time Marvel stars have ventured into politics. In 2016, Downey, Johansson, Ruffalo, and Cheadle appeared in an ad taking aim at then-candidate Donald Trump, with Cheadle asking viewers if they wanted to support a “racist, abusive coward who could permanently damage the fabric of our society.” Now, as these stars rally once more—this time for Harris—the backlash suggests the public’s appetite for celebrity political endorsements may have waned, particularly when they come across as contrived or insular.
With just days remaining before the election, Harris and her campaign have leaned heavily on celebrity support, with Beyoncé introducing Harris at a rally in Houston earlier this week. Yet, the reaction to the Avengers video highlights the potential pitfalls of aligning too closely with Hollywood.
While celebrity endorsements can energize base supporters, they risk alienating voters who see them as disconnected from the everyday issues that resonate with the general public.
