Summary
Marvel Studios recently caused quite a stir by announcing that the Russo Brothers are making a comeback to the MCU to direct two upcoming Marvel’sThe Avengersfilms,Avengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Wars. With their return now confirmed, Zack Snyder, a director known for his work in the superhero genre, has shared his thoughts on the Russos taking on these upcoming Avengers projects.
Marvel Studios made headlines at San Diego Comic-Con this week by announcing thatRobert Downey Jr. is set to portray Doctor Doomin the newly namedAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Wars. Furthermore, it was revealed that Joe and Anthony Russo will also make their return to the MCU to direct these Marvel films. Like Downey, the Russo brothers departed the MCU in 2019 after the release ofAvengers: Endgame. Since then, they’ve leveraged their industry influence to create groundbreaking action franchises for streaming platforms. Now, the Russos are back to take on the Marvel directorial roles, and Zack Snyder has something to say about this.
Considering Joe and Anthony Russo’ssignificant contributions to the MCU with films likeAvengers: Infinity War,Avengers: Endgame, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, andCaptain America: Civil War, describing the situation as “shaking things up” is intriguing. Their return could actually bring a sense of familiarity, which isn’t necessarily negative, especially given their track record of success. Moreover, having directedThe Gray Man, Cherry, andThe Electric StateafterEndgame, the Russos may be reinvigorated and ready to guide the MCU through another major transformation. Regardless, Zack Snyder appreciates their work and seems genuinely enthusiastic about the creative direction and the potential impact these final Avengers installments might have on the overarching narrative.
Though no director was officially announced forAvengers: Secret Warsbefore San Diego Comic-Con, the initial plan was for Destin Daniel Cretton, who had a firm grasp on the Kang storyline, to direct the fifth Avengers film, previously namedAvengers: The Kang Dynasty. However, Cretton left the project in November 2023, and Marvel subsequentlyparted ways with Kang the Conqueror actor Jonathan Majorsthe following month after his guilty verdict on assault and harassment charges. Now, with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom stepping in as the primary antagonist, the upcoming films, includingDoomsdayandSecret Wars, will feature a revamped roster of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including The Fantastic Four, who will make their appearance following their MCU introduction in the newly retitledThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
We’ll find out how the Russo brothers handleAvengers: Doomsday, which hits theaters on July 31, 2025, andAvengers: Secret Wars, which arrives on June 24, 2025.
