Marvel fans have long associated the Avengers franchise with high-stakes action, emotional storytelling, and universe-altering events. Now, filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo, the masterminds behind Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, are promising a radical shift in the saga’s next chapter.
During the premiere of their latest Netflix project, The Electric State, the Russo Brothers shared intriguing insights into their upcoming Marvel projects—Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Their message was clear: the next phase of Avengers will push boundaries like never before. But what exactly does that mean?
A New Vision for Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars
Joe Russo hinted that these upcoming films will challenge audiences. “We found a way into the story that’s very exciting to us but we think very radical,” he said. “It’s going to challenge audiences.”
The Russos are no strangers to ambitious filmmaking. Their work on Infinity War and Endgame set new standards for blockbuster storytelling. But with Doomsday and Secret Wars, they seem intent on breaking away from past templates.
One of the biggest surprises is Robert Downey Jr.’s return—not as Tony Stark, but as the infamous villain Doctor Doom. This unexpected casting choice has ignited speculation about how Marvel will reinvent the character while honoring Downey’s legacy in the franchise.
A Story That Will Redefine the MCU
Marvel has faced increasing pressure to reinvigorate its universe amid a growing sentiment that superhero fatigue is settling in among audiences. The promise of a “radical” new direction suggests a deliberate shift aimed at keeping fans engaged.
With Avengers: Secret Wars widely expected to serve as the MCU’s next Endgame-level crossover event, many are speculating that it will introduce:
- Multiple universes
- Beloved heroes from past Marvel films
- Shocking betrayals
Some rumors even suggest that characters from Fox’s X-Men films or Sony’s Spider-Man universe could make appearances.
What This Means for Marvel’s Future
Kevin Feige and the Marvel Studios team have been navigating a franchise transition after the departures of core Avengers members such as Iron Man, Captain America, and Black Widow. Their replacements—new heroes like Shang-Chi, Ms. Marvel, and Moon Knight—are still being established in the wider MCU.
If the Russo Brothers are seeking to “challenge audiences,” it could mean the next Avengers films won’t be straightforward hero-versus-villain stories. Instead, we might see:
- Deeper moral dilemmas
- Unconventional narrative structures
- A reinvention of what a Marvel film can be
Joe Russo’s statement aligns with recent comments from Marvel executives about leaning into bold new directions, even if it means disrupting fan expectations. But will this gamble pay off, or will the risk alienate longtime fans?
The Electric State: A Glimpse into the Russos’ Current Work
Before diving back into Marvel’s universe, the Russos are focusing on their Netflix feature, The Electric State. Starring Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, and Stanley Tucci, the film tells the story of a young woman traversing a dystopian America with a robotic companion.
Joe Russo said that the film explores “profound themes around technology, kindness, and staying connected.” With its unique world and emotional depth, The Electric State could serve as proof that the Russos are ready to deliver fresh, thought-provoking storytelling—something the Avengers sequels could greatly benefit from.
Millie Bobby Brown in the MCU?
Interestingly, Brown, who leads The Electric State, hasn’t ruled out joining the MCU. When asked about the possibility, she said, “I never say no until I read a script.”
Could she be a future Marvel hero? Some fans have speculated that she could portray:
- A younger version of an established character
- A major role in Secret Wars
Can Marvel Pull Off Another Endgame-Level Event?
The last Avengers films directed by the Russos shattered box office records and brought an emotional conclusion to the Infinity Saga. But since then, the MCU has struggled to regain that same level of audience excitement.
With Doomsday and Secret Wars now in the works, the big question remains: Can Marvel recreate the magic of Endgame while delivering the “radical” change that the Russos are promising?
Only time will tell, but if anyone can shake up the superhero genre, it’s Joe and Anthony Russo.
Marvel fans, buckle up—the next era of Avengers is about to begin.
Source: Hollywood Reporter