North Carolina - In a last-minute show of support for the Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, Marvel’s Avengers cast reunited to endorse her campaign ahead of the November 5 U.S. presidential election. The video, first revealed on Robert Downey Jr’s Instagram and shared widely across social media platforms, features Hollywood heavyweights Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle, Chris Evans, Danai Gurira, Paul Bettany, and Downey himself, as they rally to encourage Americans to cast their vote.
The short clip opens with Scarlett Johansson initiating a video call with her Marvel co-stars. The actors exchange witty banter, reminiscing about their iconic characters, before diving into a light-hearted debate on finding the perfect campaign slogan for Harris. In a humorous twist, the group jokingly settles on the phrase “Down with Democracy” — only for Ruffalo, known for his passionate activism, to intervene and guide them back on track. With a dramatic Marvel-inspired score playing in the background, the clip ends on a serious note, urging Americans to exercise their right to vote in what Ruffalo terms “the most consequential election of our lives.”
Ruffalo, a vocal supporter of progressive causes, reposted the video on X (formerly Twitter) with a stark message for voters. “Don’t sit this one out,” he wrote. “This election is crucial for reproductive rights, climate change action, LGBTQIA+ protections, public education, student debt relief, healthcare, Social Security, and life-saving vaccines. These issues impact us all.”
The Avengers cast has not been alone in its public support for Harris. In recent days, celebrities from across the entertainment spectrum, including Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé, have voiced their support for the Democratic candidate. Political commentators have noted the significance of such endorsements, as Harris squares off against her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, in a race CNN has called “near even.”
Celebrity influence: Will It make a difference?
This wave of endorsements raises the question of whether celebrity support can meaningfully sway voters. While public figures often endorse candidates, the impact of these endorsements has varied historically. A Northwestern University study in 2008 found that Oprah Winfrey’s backing added over a million votes to Barack Obama’s campaign, giving it a notable boost. In contrast, a 2010 North Carolina State University report suggested that endorsements from celebrities like George Clooney and Angelina Jolie did little to change voter decisions.
In a recent Harvard study, researcher Ashley Spillane found that “higher rates of online voter registration or poll worker sign-ups” occurred when celebrities promoted these calls to action. Spillane noted that while many claim not to be influenced by celebrity endorsements, evidence suggests these endorsements can effectively mobilize certain voter segments, particularly on social media platforms where younger voters are highly engaged.
The video’s strategic timing appears calculated to reach this demographic, reminding them of the stakes at hand. Mark Ruffalo’s pointed commentary in the video and his accompanying social media posts further underscore the message that, to the Avengers cast, the real-life “Endgame” is now.
A familiar face, A powerful message
Hollywood figures have often played key roles in U.S. presidential campaigns, but the Avengers endorsement holds a unique resonance given the franchise’s association with themes of justice and heroism. With over a decade of Marvel films that celebrated the triumph of good over evil, the Avengers cast’s endorsement adds a layer of narrative significance to their support for Harris. The clip itself employs the iconic “assemble” rallying cry from the Avengers franchise, connecting the superheroes’ fictional unity with the real-world coalition backing Harris’s campaign.
Though some voters may question the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements, the Avengers cast appears undeterred, offering a fresh angle on traditional endorsements by blending humor with a serious call to action.
The video ends with a bold, text overlay urging: “Vote on November 5,” tying the endorsement to the final countdown to Election Day.
A Tipping point in campaign?
As Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, prepare for the final phase of their campaign, endorsements like these could serve as a crucial means of energizing undecided voters. Harris, who has steadily gained traction with key demographics, has also received endorsements from former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, pop sensation Madonna, and sports legend LeBron James in recent weeks. Each endorsement underscores the Democratic campaign’s commitment to coalition-building, drawing together supporters from various fields to address the wide-reaching issues at stake.
While celebrity endorsements have often been met with a mixed response, experts suggest that, in close races, even minor boosts in turnout can tip the scales. With the Avengers assembling once more — this time not to save the world, but to mobilize it — the Harris campaign has gained yet another significant boost as the clock counts down to November 5.
