Here’s Why The ‘Civil War’ Trailer Premiered Before ‘Star Wars’ Hit Theaters

The trailer for Captain America: The Civil War debuted last week on Jimmy Kimmel Live with stars of the film, Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, dropping by the talk show to help introduce the trailer. Despite the fact that the trailer will play before the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Disney decided to debut it three weeks before the new Star Wars film premieres for one important reason: Jimmy Kimmel Live has been an excellent vehicle in promoting upcoming projects. In 2014, the first trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy debuted on the talk show, so it makes sense from a marketing standpoint.

Additionally, there will be intense market saturation with trailers for a variety of films. During the same week of the release of The Force Awakens, Fox has plans to premiere the trailer for X-Men: Apocalypse, while Paramount has lined up to debut the trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 as well. With the trailer of Civil War premiering now, there is no worry about the film being lost among the other debuting trailers. Plus, word of mouth and anticipation started early for the upcoming film.

Most importantly, Disney decided to release the trailer now because they are absolutely firing on all cylinders. With Marvel being the source of discussion last week with Jessica Jones being a critical darling and fans binge-watching the series, Marvel can seemingly do no wrong and has the clout to do whatever they would like. With Jessica Jones star Krysten Ritter being a Kimmel guest that night, Marvel was able to promote one of their series and an upcoming film in one combined move.

(Via Forbes)

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