A promotional partnership between Dunkin’ and Marvel Studios for the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday has ignited intense controversy among fans online due to the color scheme of a featured beverage. Social media users quickly targeted the Optic Blast Lemonade, a new Doomsday-themed drink that displays a bright blue color, leading to widespread confusion and debate across platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Comic book enthusiasts and movie buffs were quick to point out a glaring inconsistency: the drink’s namesake, the X-Men hero Cyclops, historically fires red optic energy blasts in Marvel source material. Promotional footage and trailers for Avengers: Doomsday depict the mutant hero-portrayed by James Marsden-using his powers with their traditional red hue. This mismatch between the character’s signature color and the beverage choice left many fans baffled.
Fans Voice Confusion Over the Optic Blast Lemonade
The tie-in promotion, slated to arrive in Dunkin’ stores nationwide on November 4, features a full lineup of limited-edition collectibles, donuts, and themed drinks. However, the Optic Blast Lemonade captured the majority of the early online spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Reacting to the promotional rollout, user @filemyrph posted on X asking, "Why is the Optic Blast blue??" while sharing a scene from the movie trailer featuring the mutant hero. Another user, @Shockussy, wrote, "Optic blast lemonade being blue instead of red is certainly a choice." Fan @tmbg13 added, "Yeah, that’s the color I think of when I hear optic blast," highlighting the widespread sentiment among purists. As of now, neither Marvel Studios nor Dunkin’ has publicly commented on the color choice for the beverage.
Inside the Full Dunkin’ Avengers: Doomsday Lineup
Despite the debate surrounding the Cyclops-inspired drink, the comprehensive Dunkin’ and Marvel collaboration brings a massive assortment of character-inspired items to the menu. The nationwide rollout bridges characters from the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four ahead of the film’s theatrical release.
The limited-time beverage lineup includes:
- Iced Captain’ccino: Espresso, caramel flavor, and coffee milk, lightly blended and served over ice.
- Clobbered Cloud Latte: Espresso, whole milk, and toasted white chocolate flavor topped with Cookie Butter Cold Foam and crumbles inspired by The Thing.
- Wakandan Daydream Refresher: Berry Clementine Refresher, raspberry flavor, and oatmilk topped with Purple Marshmallow Cold Foam inspired by Black Panther.
- Optic Blast Lemonade: Sweet-tart lemonade charged with blue raspberry flavor, inspired by Cyclops.
- Doom’s Orders Energy: Green Apple Dunkin’ Zero, sparkling water, and Purple Marshmallow Cold Foam inspired by Doctor Doom.
- Doom Cloud Latte: Espresso, whole milk, mocha swirl, and vanilla flavors topped with Sweet Cold Foam and cocoa powder.
In addition to the drinks, the bakery case is getting a cinematic makeover with the return of the fan-favorite Brownie Batter Donut rebranded as the Doomsday Donut, complete with green and chocolate sprinkles for Doctor Doom. The Avenging Donut features a cotton candy filling with red, yellow, and blue sprinkles representing multiple hero factions.
Collectibles and MCU Timeline Context
The partnership also introduces major collector items, most notably the Doctor Doom 25-Count MUNCHKINS® Tin, shaped like Doom’s iconic mask and green hood, available for $14.99 with any 25-count MUNCHKINS purchase. Other merchandise includes themed tumblers, a color-changing mug, and collectible glove and character cup sleeves.
The promotional push serves as an early runway for Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. Directed as a massive multiverse crossover event, the film features Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and bridges together the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and various generations of Avengers as a direct lead-in to Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Dunkin’ Avengers: Doomsday menu launch?
The limited-time menu and collectibles launch at participating Dunkin’ locations nationwide on November 4.
Why are fans debating the Cyclops drink?
Fans are confused because the Optic Blast Lemonade is bright blue, whereas Cyclops historically fires red optic energy blasts in the comics and in the upcoming movie footage.
What is included in the Doctor Doom MUNCHKINS collectible?
Fans can purchase a Doctor Doom 25-Count MUNCHKINS Tin, styled after his mask and green hood, for $14.99 with any 25-count MUNCHKINS order while supplies last.
When will Avengers: Doomsday be released in theaters?
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to premiere in theaters on December 18, 2026.
Who plays Cyclops in Avengers: Doomsday?
James Marsden reprises his role as the mutant hero Cyclops in the upcoming Marvel Studios film.
