The Russo Brothers, Joe and Anthony, have become synonymous with some of the most ambitious and successful films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Their work on Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, and the monumental Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame solidified their reputation as masterful storytellers capable of handling complex narratives and large ensemble casts. However, their journey to directing Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars—two of the most highly anticipated projects in the MCU—was not as straightforward as one might expect. In fact, the brothers initially turned down Robert Downey Jr. when he approached them to helm these films, admitting they were “resistant for a while.”
The story of how the Russo Brothers came to direct these upcoming Marvel projects is a fascinating one, filled with hesitation, reflection, and ultimately, a renewed sense of purpose. It all began when Robert Downey Jr., who played the iconic Tony Stark/Iron Man in the MCU, approached the duo with the idea of directing Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. At the time, the Russo Brothers were at a crossroads in their careers. After the overwhelming success of Avengers: Endgame, which became the highest-grossing film of all time (until Avatar reclaimed the title), the brothers had stepped away from the superhero genre to explore other creative ventures. They had directed Cherry, a gritty drama starring Tom Holland, and were deeply involved in producing various projects through their production company, AGBO.
When Downey approached them with the opportunity to return to the MCU, the Russos were hesitant. In interviews, they revealed that they initially “said no” to the idea. Their reluctance stemmed from a desire to avoid being pigeonholed as solely Marvel directors. “We were resistant for a while,” Joe Russo admitted. “We had just come off of Endgame, and we were exhausted. We wanted to explore other genres and tell different kinds of stories. Going back to Marvel felt like stepping into familiar territory, and we weren’t sure if that was the right move for us creatively.”
Anthony Russo echoed his brother’s sentiments, explaining that they were wary of repeating themselves. “We’ve always been driven by the challenge of doing something new and different,” he said. “After Endgame, we felt like we had reached a pinnacle with Marvel. The idea of returning to that world was daunting because we didn’t want to just rehash what we had already done. We wanted to make sure that if we came back, it would be for the right reasons and with a fresh perspective.”
Despite their initial resistance, the Russo Brothers couldn’t completely shake the idea of directing Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. Both films are based on some of the most iconic and sprawling storylines in Marvel Comics, and the potential to bring those narratives to life on the big screen was undeniably enticing. Secret Wars, in particular, is a massive crossover event that involves multiple universes and characters, offering a canvas for storytelling on an unprecedented scale. The Russos began to reconsider their decision, realizing that these projects could provide the creative challenge they were seeking.
Another factor that influenced their change of heart was their relationship with Robert Downey Jr. The actor, who had become a close friend and collaborator during their time working on the Avengers films, played a significant role in convincing them to return. Downey’s passion for the projects and his belief in their ability to deliver something extraordinary resonated with the brothers. “Robert has a way of inspiring people,” Joe Russo said. “He’s incredibly persuasive, and his enthusiasm for these stories was infectious. He reminded us of why we fell in love with Marvel in the first place.”
The Russo Brothers also began to see Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars as an opportunity to push the boundaries of what superhero films could achieve. They were intrigued by the possibility of exploring deeper themes and more complex character dynamics, something they had always strived for in their previous Marvel projects. “These stories are so rich and layered,” Anthony Russo explained. “They’re not just about superheroes fighting villains; they’re about identity, sacrifice, and the human condition. That’s what drew us to Marvel in the beginning, and that’s what ultimately convinced us to come back.”
Once they committed to the projects, the Russos threw themselves into the creative process with their trademark intensity. They began collaborating with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and a team of writers to develop the scripts for Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. The brothers emphasized the importance of staying true to the source material while also finding ways to innovate and surprise audiences. “We want to honor the comics, but we also want to make these films feel fresh and relevant,” Joe Russo said. “It’s a delicate balance, but it’s one we’re excited to tackle.”
The announcement that the Russo Brothers would be directing Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars was met with widespread excitement from fans and industry insiders alike. Their track record with Marvel speaks for itself, and their ability to handle large-scale storytelling has made them the perfect choice for these ambitious projects. However, the brothers are quick to point out that they are approaching these films with a sense of humility and respect for the material. “We know how much these stories mean to people,” Anthony Russo said. “We feel a tremendous responsibility to get it right.”
As they prepare to dive back into the Marvel universe, the Russo Brothers are also mindful of the legacy they are building. Their work on Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame has already cemented their place in cinematic history, but they see Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars as an opportunity to take their storytelling to new heights. “We’re not just making movies; we’re creating experiences,” Joe Russo said. “We want these films to resonate with people on a deep emotional level and leave a lasting impact.”
In the end, the Russo Brothers’ journey to directing Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars is a testament to their passion for storytelling and their willingness to embrace new challenges. While they initially hesitated to return to the MCU, their love for the characters and the world of Marvel ultimately won out. With Robert Downey Jr.’s encouragement and their own creative vision, they are poised to deliver two of the most epic and unforgettable films in the superhero genre. As fans eagerly await the release of these projects, one thing is certain: the Russo Brothers are ready to make history once again.