The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to make waves once again with the highly anticipated films Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, directed by the Russo Brothers, Joe and Anthony. After their remarkable work on Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, the beloved directing duo is gearing up for what they promise will be two thrilling and challenging additions to the franchise.
Set for release on May 1, 2026, and May 7, 2027, respectively, the films mark the first Avengers projects since the monumental success of Avengers: Endgame. Filming for both movies is scheduled to begin this April in London, with the Russo Brothers confirming they will shoot them back-to-back. “It’s all in London, we’re shooting them fairly back-to-back. It’s a lot of work again; we may or may not survive, we’ll see,” Joe Russo shared during an interview with Deadline.
The ambitious production schedule has sparked excitement among fans, but it also raises questions about how the filmmakers intend to manage the shooting of two massive blockbuster films simultaneously. The process is expected to be arduous, yet the Russo Brothers are invigorated by the creative challenges they face. “We found a way to the story we think is gonna be challenging for audiences, it’s challenging for us to execute. And it’s really exciting for us; it gets us out of bed to do it,” Joe added.
Anticipation is high not only for the films' release but also for their potential storylines which are rumored to heavily feature multiverse elements. With previous Marvel films introducing new dynamics and characters, fans are eagerly speculating about which beloved heroes might return or make their debut. The Russo Brothers have hinted at the inclusion of iconic figures from the Marvel lore, though specific details remain under wraps.
Among the returning cast, Robert Downey Jr. screens back to the MCU not as Iron Man, but as the formidable villain Doctor Doom. This casting decision is seen as particularly noteworthy, as it allows for fresh storytelling dynamics within the established universe. Not just Downey Jr., but Chris Evans is also rumored to play another key role, following his appearance as Johnny Storm in last year’s Deadpool & Wolverine. The stakes are high as it leads many to wonder who else might show up. When asked about incorporating known characters from the X-Men universe or fan-favorites like Deadpool, Joe Russo coyly replied, “Who knows? I don’t know. I don’t know who we’re gonna see. I still don’t know.”
During the San Diego Comic-Con event, Joe Russo described their upcoming films as having turned to “a way of storytelling” he believes could surprise audiences with its creativity, stating, “I think these movies are going to be a surprise to people. We found a way to the story that's very exciting to us, but we think is very radical. I think it’s going to challenge audiences.”
With Avengers: Doomsday focusing on interdimensional battles and the introduction of long-awaited characters, the film promises to be filled with the action, humor, and intrigue fans expect from the Marvel franchise. Subsequent release Avengers: Secret Wars is anticipated to build off the events of Doomsday, potentially ushering the X-Men and other properties officially inducted from the multiverse.
While exact plot details are scarce, the filmmakers’ commitment to creating immersive narratives and heartfelt character development has been consistent. The previous films set the bar exceptionally high, and now with both pressure and opportunity, the Russo Brothers aim to carve out new paths for these Avengers adventures.
Fans are especially curious about how these films will tie back to the on-going narrative threads from existing MCU characters, from Tom Holland’s Spider-Man to Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, as they weave the stories together involving the multiverse.
Another careful consideration is the scheduling for the cast. Reportedly, Tom Holland may have to film some scenes with stunt doubles due to previously committed schedules, emphasizing the logistical challenges filmmakers are up against. The time-ceiling window for having all these stars available and portraying their roles adds to the complexity of filming.
At the end of the day, fans are left waiting eagerly for the first glimpses of what the Russo Brothers have created through their unique lenses for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. With these projects, the anticipation grows for another chapter of Marvel storytelling, driving hope for yet another successful venture.