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Fact check: After the Avengers Doomsday cast was announced, within hours the usual suspects among media outlets were bitching about the lack of women in the film.

Checked on March 31, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The core claim about media outlets quickly criticizing the gender representation in Avengers: Doomsday is factually accurate. Multiple sources confirm that out of approximately 26-27 cast members announced, only five women were included [1] [2] [3]. The female cast members specifically named are Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, Letitia Wright, Rebecca Romijn, and Hannah John-Kamen [4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements are missing from the original statement:

  • The exact ratio is important: 5 women out of 26-27 total cast members, representing roughly 19% of the cast [2]
  • Additional cast announcements may still be forthcoming [2]
  • The criticism came not just from media outlets but also from fans and audiences [5] [4]
  • The cast announcement was made through a dramatic livestream event, suggesting this was a major production announcement rather than a casual reveal [6]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement contains several elements of bias:

  • The phrase "usual suspects" and "bitching" uses dismissive and inflammatory language to delegitimize legitimate concerns about representation
  • The statement oversimplifies the reaction by focusing only on media outlets, when sources indicate the concern was shared by both media and fans alike [5]
  • The statement fails to provide the actual numbers, which would give readers context about whether the criticism was warranted
  • While the gender imbalance is confirmed by multiple sources, the statement's tone suggests this criticism is unwarranted without addressing why such representation matters

Beneficiaries of different narratives:

  • Movie studios benefit from dismissing representation criticism as it reduces pressure to change casting practices
  • Media outlets benefit from highlighting controversy as it drives engagement
  • Advocacy groups and critics benefit from highlighting representation issues as it supports their broader goals of industry reform
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