Acclaimed filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo have opened up about the immense challenge of directing the upcoming Marvel films, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027. The duo, known for their work on Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, will be filming both projects back-to-back in London, making this one of their most demanding undertakings to date.
Speaking at the world premiere of The Electric State at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, Joe Russo acknowledged the complexity of the films. “We’re shooting them almost consecutively in London—it’s a massive workload, and we’re pushing ourselves to new limits. Whether we’ll make it through, who knows?” he joked in an interview with Deadline.
He went on to explain that the films present unique storytelling challenges. “We’ve discovered an approach to the story that will truly test audiences. It’s difficult for us as creators, but that’s what excites us—it’s what keeps us motivated,” he added.
Speculation continues to swirl regarding potential cameos from X-Men characters and Deadpool. When asked about their involvement, Joe Russo remained cryptic: “Who knows? I have no idea. Honestly, I still don’t know who we’ll see. The Marvel universe is vast—anyone could appear in these films.”
The Russo brothers’ return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was driven by a compelling vision for Secret Wars, a narrative inspired by Jonathan Hickman’s 2015 comic series. The storyline centers on the merging of multiple universes, leading to an intense battle among Marvel’s most powerful characters.
In a groundbreaking casting move, Robert Downey Jr. is set to rejoin the MCU, but not as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Instead, he will portray the formidable antagonist Doctor Doom. This casting decision has sparked widespread discussion, as it marks a stark departure from Downey’s beloved role as Iron Man. Marvel’s strategy appears to involve revitalizing the franchise by repurposing familiar actors in unexpected ways, offering fresh perspectives within its ever-expanding cinematic universe.
With anticipation reaching new heights, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars promise to be monumental entries in the MCU, delivering high-stakes action, unexpected twists, and a bold new direction for the franchise.
