AVENGERS: Russo Brothers To Restore "Focused Narrative" With DOOMSDAY & SECRET WARS; Tease Doctor Doom’s Debut

AVENGERS: Russo Brothers To Restore "Focused Narrative" With DOOMSDAY & SECRET WARS; Tease Doctor Doom’s Debut

Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars directors Joe and Anthony Russo explain what they're hoping to achieve with their MCU return and confirm there's a story reason for Robert Downey Jr. playing Doctor Doom.

By JoshWilding - Mar 16, 2025 02:03 PM EST
Filed Under: Avengers: Doomsday
Source: The Sunday Times

Joe and Anthony Russo will return to the MCU this year to shoot Avengers: Doomsday and, when production on that wraps, they’ll get straight on with Avengers: Secret Wars. Fans, and presumably Kevin Feige as well, are relying on them to "save" a franchise that’s struggled to reach the same heights as 2019’s Avengers: Endgame (also helmed by the Russo Brothers).

Talking to The Sunday Times about their new Netflix movie, The Electric State, the filmmakers opened up on what’s drawn them back to a world that put them on the map in 2014 with Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

"Well, we love the genre," Anthony explained. "Some people wrote it off as a less comprehensive form of storytelling that’s more for children. But we think of it as relevant for adults, if it is treated with maturity and complexity. That’s really all it is — a commitment to storytelling."

When it was put to them that the MCU has rapidly expanded since they helmed Endgame (with mixed fortunes), the director responded, "Yes, the MCU has got quite large, that’s for sure. I mean, frankly, we struggle with that same issue. But part of the reason Joe and I decided to go back is exactly what you’re talking about. There needs to be more of a central narrative."

"That was something we were very specific about when we worked with Marvel [before]. We would like to bring the focused narrative back," Anthony added.

Part of their master plan is bringing Robert Downey Jr. back, not as Iron Man, but the villainous Doctor Doom. "We can’t explain that as it’s part of the story," Anthony teased when the interviewer wondered how and why the Tony Stark actor is playing another character. "But there’s nobody else in the world who could play this character the way he’s about to."

The Russos may have Downey, fresh off an Oscar win for his work in Oppenheimer, but many of the MCU’s heaviest hitters have moved on since 2019. That leaves the duo with lesser-known heroes to work with - a Captain America who just starred in a movie that will struggle to reach $400 million worldwide, for example - but they aren’t sweating it.

"Look, every movie is hard," Anthony acknowledged. "But we’re excited. We’ve got something to say."

With that, Joe chimed in to offer an impassioned defence of the much-maligned superhero genre. "This trend was started by Harvey Weinstein," he said. "He vilified mainstream movies to champion the art films he pushed for Oscar campaigns. Popular films were winning Oscars before the mid-Nineties, then Weinstein started mudslinging campaigns. It affected how audiences view the Oscars, because they’ve not seen most of the movies. We’re in a complicated place. Things we should all enjoying collectively we instead punch each other in the face over."

"Like this argument that Marvel movies were killing cinema," Joe continued. "Well, Marvel movies seemed to be keeping cinemas open for quite a long time."

So, can the Russos save the MCU? Star-Lord actor Chris Pratt certainly seems to think so. "They know that it’s the mundane, human brokenness of characters that drives stories and makes the Avengers great. They have this ability to find the humanity."

Avengers: Doomsday is set to be released in May 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars scheduled to arrive in May 2027. 

We're [Telling] A Beginning Story: Russos Reveal How AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY, SECRET WARS Differ From ENDGAME
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Lisa89
Lisa89 - 3/16/2025, 2:16 PM
More realistic headline:
Russo Brothers WANT To Restore "Focused Narrative" With DOOMSDAY & SECRET WARS
McMurdo
McMurdo - 3/16/2025, 5:35 PM
@Lisa89 - should be: "Russos confirm that Tony Stark actor is playing Dr. Doom because IT IS PART OF THE STORY".



Doom is 1000% a Stark variant.
FrankenDad
FrankenDad - 3/16/2025, 5:40 PM
@McMurdo - yeah, it was hard to read that any other way.
lvcl
lvcl - 3/16/2025, 5:42 PM
@Lisa89 -

The cartoon combinatoon with actors is gonna be the end of all this bullshit
MGSSnake1988
MGSSnake1988 - 3/16/2025, 2:24 PM
The MCU became another James Bond. Even if these two Avengers films will create new glimpses of hope in a new MCU, it can't erase all the post-Endgame entries that never really stick like Eternals and Cap 4.

Falcon defeating a Hulk instead of the actual Hulk will forever be one of those moments that define the MCU.
Urubrodi
Urubrodi - 3/16/2025, 2:26 PM
@MGSSnake1988 - "Defeating" is a strong word. If you actually watched the movie he definitely didn't defeat him. He was about to die and talked Red Hulk down.
MGSSnake1988
MGSSnake1988 - 3/16/2025, 2:30 PM
@Urubrodi - He did. Falcon lured Ross from the White House into an island with flowers, stabbed him multiple times, and convinced him to change for Betty.

He could've rallied the Avengers at that monemnt, didn't do it. Rogers had Black Widow, Falcon, and Nick Fury to help him out.
MGSSnake1988
MGSSnake1988 - 3/16/2025, 2:31 PM
@MGSSnake1988 - *instead of the actual Hulk fighting him
MGSSnake1988
MGSSnake1988 - 3/16/2025, 2:33 PM
@MGSSnake1988 - *at that moment, and didn't do it.
Urubrodi
Urubrodi - 3/16/2025, 2:35 PM
@MGSSnake1988 - The stabs didn't do shit, Falcon couldn't physically fight him anymore, just one flick from Red Hulk and he would have died. I wouldn't call that defeating him. He put all his hopes in trying to reason with him and trying to bring up his memories with Betty. I think that was an acceptable resolution to it.

There were no Avengers to rally, throughout the entire film they make it a point to say that The Avengers no longer exist.
MGSSnake1988
MGSSnake1988 - 3/16/2025, 3:15 PM
@Urubrodi - He already encountered Bucky. Since Brave New World is a Winter Solider rehash, Falcon could've done what Steve did in that film: recruit some Avengers to help him. He didn't and solved the problem himself.

If there's no Avenger needed to foil a Hulk tearing down the White House, there shouldn't be more Avengers films or teams to be formed.
MyCoolYoung
MyCoolYoung - 3/16/2025, 3:24 PM
@MGSSnake1988 – So, as the Hulk was rampaging in Washington, you wanted him to rally an inactive team that has no members who are presumably not in the same state as him? Was he supposed to wait for Red Hulk to kill everybody in Washington?

Instead of leaping into action, you wanted him to call Ant-Man, the Wakandans, Rhodey, Hulk, and Bucky because that’s probably all he knows, and say, 'Hey guys, I know you can't move at the speed of light and yes, I know you don’t have Tony Stark money to get on a plane, or we don’t have Fury to get on a helicarrier, BUT I have a potential problem here in Washington. This guy Samuel Sterns just gave me a very ominous warning about some potential danger involving the president. No, I don’t know what the danger is. No, I don’t know if it’s a real threat, but can you all get here quick? Ross might be a hulk.. how do I know? Oh I don't. The guy I had looking into it got killed but I have a feeling that this is an avengers level threat...OK, byyeeee.'
Urubrodi
Urubrodi - 3/16/2025, 4:06 PM
@MyCoolYoung - Was about to reply to him but you covered the point perfectly well XD
ObserverIO
ObserverIO - 3/16/2025, 4:14 PM
@MGSSnake1988 - "It can't erase all the post-Endgame entries that never really stick like Eternals and Cap 4."

It can actually. It can reboot everything by the end of Secret Wars. And maybe The Russos can stay onboard to guide the next Saga, whatever they end up calling it.
KennKathleen
KennKathleen - 3/16/2025, 4:21 PM
@MGSSnake1988 - They actually CAN erase post-Endgame entries.

The question: Will they be able to write cohesive tales that regain the interests? I sure hope so.

My greatest desire for the MCU:

ORIGINAL STORIES POST SECRET WARS.

We've seen great stories formatted from many classic moments, but it's time to be surprised by something fresh, instead of being impressed by accurate renditions of what's already been...



🪙🪙



MyCoolYoung
MyCoolYoung - 3/16/2025, 4:34 PM
@Urubrodi - thanks. People can not like the movie but you can’t write bad fiction to replace it either
gambgel
gambgel - 3/16/2025, 4:55 PM
@MGSSnake1988 - Eternals is a better film than 50% of the MCU, being nice.

but Marvel fans arent ready for that conversation, and most of them wont ever be.
Vigor
Vigor - 3/16/2025, 4:55 PM
@MyCoolYoung - he had a really bad take. Thanks for chiming in with logic!!
Vigor
Vigor - 3/16/2025, 4:57 PM
@gambgel - I agree with you. People convinced themselves that eternals was terrible and while some critics have great points, there's NO WAY it was as bad as they make it out to be
MyCoolYoung
MyCoolYoung - 3/16/2025, 5:06 PM
@Vigor - logic doesn’t prevail here much but I try. People been using that call the avengers stuff for so long but they aren’t the flash or Dr strange. They don’t move through portals
HeavyMetal4Life
HeavyMetal4Life - 3/16/2025, 2:25 PM
A focused narrative would be nice. We largely havent had that since No Way Home, except for a handful of multiversal projects.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 3/16/2025, 2:29 PM
Well , there was a central narrative being told with Kang but some people have the patience of a gnat fruit fly while also being loud enough that made Marvel be stupidly reactionary (alongside the Majors issue) to do away with that completely it seems which was stupid…

The Infinity Saga itself wasn’t that focused either until IW & EG tied it all together but people have such rose tinted glasses now about that they think it was pretty much perfect.

“𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫.“

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MCUKnight11
MCUKnight11 - 3/16/2025, 2:34 PM
@TheVisionary25 - It's like people forgot how to have fun and now everything is a cutthroat argument.
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TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 3/16/2025, 2:38 PM
@MCUKnight11 - people take this shit way too seriously now.

Like I get it , we love these characters and stories but at the end day it’s [frick]ing entertainment and not life & death.

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LukeCage2155
LukeCage2155 - 3/16/2025, 3:27 PM
@TheVisionary25 - User Comment Image
RolandD
RolandD - 3/16/2025, 3:48 PM
@MCUKnight11 @TheVisionary25 - Yes to both of you. There used to be a lot more positive discussion here. I for one and tremendously enjoying Daredevil: Born Again and I’m eagerly looking forward to Superman and Fantastic Four. And as I said below, I am cautiously optimistic about the next two Avengers films. I am not thrilled with the casting of RDJ, but I am willing to be surprised by this and how it works out if it works out well.
Vigor
Vigor - 3/16/2025, 4:47 PM
@TheVisionary25 - "Well , there was a central narrative being told with Kang but some people have the patience of a gnat fruit fly while also being loud enough that made Marvel be stupidly reactionary (alongside the Majors issue) to do away with that completely it seems which was stupid…"

SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE ONES IN THE BACK!
bobevanz
bobevanz - 3/16/2025, 2:31 PM
I wish they'd go back to their comedic roots. I'm not hyped for this movie at all. I've put my time into this franchise since day one. The hype is gone
Jackraow21
Jackraow21 - 3/16/2025, 2:38 PM
Very hyped for these films. Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.
Huskers
Huskers - 3/16/2025, 2:38 PM
So they admit there’s a story reason why RDJ had to play Doom. That’s about as close as you’re going to come to them admitting he’s a variant of some sort, which sucks!
NonPlayerC
NonPlayerC - 3/16/2025, 4:44 PM
@Huskers - yeah that's my take away. Im not very excited about that. I feel if he's a stark variant it will just take away from both stark and doom. Im sure the general audience will be just fine with it but it will be a subtle annoyance for some people. Im sure the movie will be good if they manage to bring everyone else back. Maybe we are wrong and Doom will start with a scarred face. I feel like downey has made enough money that he'd be fine not showing his face but I doubt marvel execs would want to keep his face out of the movie. Who knows maybe they'll be fine just plastering his name all over the promotional material. Thanos didn't look like Brolin
BruceWayng
BruceWayng - 3/16/2025, 2:45 PM
If-and that’s a BIG IF-The Russos can pull this off and actually restore Marvels reputation by making two compelling movies that are on par with their previous MCU work, THEN it will be abundantly clear that Feige is NOT the main reason for Marvels massive success. The MCU that we all love was really the result of the combined efforts of people like the Russo’s, James Gunn, Coogler, Whedon and dare I even say Taika.
Scarilian
Scarilian - 3/16/2025, 3:04 PM
@BruceWayng -
I attribute the success of the MCU primarily to Jon Favreau's Iron Man. It really was Iron Man that held the torch up until Josh Whedon managed to capitalize on the hype with the Avengers. Though an obvious shoutout to most of Phase 1 and Avengers. It was pretty much that which kept people latched on through the good and bad of what followed. It's still odd after all this time that the best MCU movie was before Disney got involved.

Then you have James Gunn bringing in Guardians which really started the notion that they could do anything at a time when most the films were afraid of being anything other than grounded (Iron Man 3 being afraid of doing the Real Mandarin for example)
RolandD
RolandD - 3/16/2025, 3:41 PM
@BruceWayng - I doubt Feige would have argued against that at the height of success, let alone now. He doesn’t actually make movies although he’s a very important part of the picture, pun intended.
kg8817
kg8817 - 3/16/2025, 5:21 PM
@BruceWayng - Well yeah, I mean look at it. The infinity saga had Favreau, then the director of the Rocketeer, then Kenneth freaking Branaugh directing the lead up movies to Avengers. Then you had Joss Whedon, then you had Gunn as you said (who had a vision), and same for the Russo’s. And let’s not forget Coogler coming off of Fruitvale Station and Creed.

Phase 4 and 5 had….Daniel Cretton, whomever directed black widow, etc. Yeah they had Chloe Zhao, but she didn’t “say” anything with Eternals.

There’s no individual vision, they were all cogs in a wheel and studio yes men and women.
incredibleTalk
incredibleTalk - 3/16/2025, 2:57 PM
Just want to pay for awesome entertainment without adult children on this making a fuss about petty crap and politics.

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ModHaterSLADE
ModHaterSLADE - 3/16/2025, 3:04 PM
Keywords "focused narrative" gives me hope this one will be remotely as interesting as the Infinity Gem Saga because after Endgame the MCU really has felt like a warmup for the next big crossover event 🤷🏾‍♂️ Yeah, there's been some entertaining projects, but it's just not as good with the narrative like the first few phases were overall.
RolandD
RolandD - 3/16/2025, 3:44 PM
I am getting more and more optimistic the more I hear from them, cautiously, optimistic, but optimistic
S8R8M
S8R8M - 3/16/2025, 4:06 PM
Let's do a multiple choice poll on who is going to die.
FrankenDad
FrankenDad - 3/16/2025, 5:45 PM
@S8R8M - Tom Cruise’s Iron Man for sure.
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