The Russo Bros. Want to Bring a "Focused Narrative" Back to the MCU With Next Two AVENGERS Films
After the high of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Studios has struggled to find the same level of cinematic dominance. Now, Joe and Anthony Russo, who played a major role in shaping the MCU’s peak are stepping back in to direct Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
One of the big goals that they have for their return is a course correction for the franchise. In a recent interview with The Sunday Times while promoting their new Netflix film The Electric State, the Russos shared insight into why they’re coming back and what they hope to achieve.
The Russos acknowledged how big the MCU has become, with Anthony Russo saying: "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’s a problem they tackled successfully in Infinity War and Endgame, weaving together years of storytelling into a satisfying climax.
Now, they’re aiming to restore that sense of cohesion. Anthony added: "That was something we were very specific about when we worked with Marvel [before]. We would like to bring the focused narrative back.”
I hope they can pull that off because they dropped the ball on any kind of focused narrative or good storytelling in their recent film The Electric State.
We’ll just have to wait and see how Downey Jr. will play Doom. The Russos are confident, though, and Anthony said: "Look, every movie is hard, but we’re excited. We’ve got something to say."
Chris Pratt, who played Star-Lord in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, also believes in them. "They know that it’s the mundane, human brokenness of characters that drives stories and makes the Avengers great," Pratt said. "They have this ability to find the humanity."
The MCU needs that now more than ever. Avengers: Doomsday is set for release in May 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars following in May 2027. Whether the Russos can truly recapture the magic remains to be seen, but if nothing else, they’re determined to make something that fans will love.