Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars 'A New Beginning' for the MCU, Russo Brothers Say

The future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is taking shape, with directors Anthony and Joe Russo hinting at a significant departure from their Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame work for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. In an interview with Omelete, the Russo brothers described Avengers 5 and 6 as a "new beginning," laying the groundwork for Phase 7 and beyond. Joe Russo emphasized the shift from concluding a narrative arc to initiating a new one, stating, "We told an ending story [with Infinity War and Endgame], and now we're going to tell a beginning story."

The Russos also discussed their return to the MCU, explaining that a compelling creative idea spurred their involvement. Anthony Russo highlighted the fresh approach and importance of the story, emphasizing the strong collaborative team assembled for these projects. He acknowledged the pressure surrounding Doomsday, given the expectation it will revitalize theatrical viewership post-pandemic. Interestingly, the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man was revealed to be Kevin Feige's idea, initially met with resistance from the Russos due to a lack of a suitable narrative fit. However, a compelling idea from Endgame writer Steve McFeely ultimately changed their minds.

The Next Generation of Avengers

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Joe Russo offered a cryptic clue about the films' direction: "The only thing I’ll say about the movie is this: we love villains who think they’re the heroes of their own stories… When you have an actor like Robert Downey, you have to create a three-dimensional, well-shaped character for the audience. That’s where a lot of our focus is going.”

Avengers: Doomsday is slated for release on May 1, 2026, with Secret Wars following in May 2027.

Kevin Feige's comments regarding the X-Men's integration into the MCU further illuminate Phase 7's trajectory. He teased the appearance of familiar X-Men characters in upcoming films, emphasizing the pivotal role of the X-Men in the MCU's future, particularly post-Secret Wars. Feige highlighted the significance of the X-Men in the MCU's long-term narrative, stating that their inclusion was a long-held dream. Storm's appearance in What If...? Season 3 serves as a precursor to this broader integration. With three untitled Marvel films scheduled for 2028, speculation mounts that at least one will feature the X-Men.