How Marvel Pulled AVENGERS Directors, Mega Star into Another Project
By Movieguide® Contributor
The Russo Brothers and Robert Downey Jr. were already discussing a new project together when Marvel approached the trio about AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY.
“Joe Russo revealed to GamesRadar+ at MCM Comic Con 2024 that Marvel approached the Russo Brothers and Robert Downey Jr. to return for another AVENGERS movie of their record-breaking AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR when the trio was already in discussions with each other for another project,” Variety reported. “It was announced at Comic-Con in July that Anthony and Joe Russo are directing two new Marvel movies, AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY and AVENGERS: SECRET WARS, the former of which will introduce Downey as the MCU’s Doctor Doom.”
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He added, “Why would we come back if we didn’t feel like we had a story that had that possibility of being on an equal footing with INFINITY WAR and ENDGAME unless there’s a kernel there for an idea that’s really explosive?”
Along with INFINITY WAR and ENDGAME —the second-highest-grossing movie of all time — the Russos helmed CAPTAIN AMERICA: WINTER SOLIDER and CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR.
According to Marvel, “AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY will be released on May 1, 2026.”
The cast includes Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange) and more.
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