Russo Brothers Explain Why 'Avengers: Doomsday' Meant Starting the MCU 'Back to Zero'

Joe and Anthony Russo helped make "Avengers: Endgame" one of the biggest movies ever. Now they're back with "Avengers: Doomsday," and they say this one isn't a sequel. It's a reset.

Joe and Anthony Russo are back in the Marvel universe for “Avengers: Doomsday,” and this won’t be just another sequel, according to the directing duo.

In a recent interview with AP News , the brothers described it as a “back to zero” moment, a fresh start for the whole Marvel universe instead of a continuation from where “Avengers: Endgame,” the last film from the franchise the brothers directed, left off. It promises a “profound shift” in the MCU.

Anthony Russo and Joe Russo promote "Avengers: Doomsday" during the Walt Disney Studios presentation at CinemaCon on April 16, 2026 in Las Vegas | Source: Getty Images

The timing couldn’t be better after the rough patch Marvel went through following the success of “Avengers: Endgame.” Marvel boss Kevin Feige has said the studio released too many movies too fast. Some of them, like “The Marvels” and “Captain America: Brave New World,” didn't do as well as older Marvel films used to.

“Avengers: Doomsday” brings together a huge ensemble to include The Avengers, the Wakandans, the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the original X-Men.

Anthony said this is the biggest group of characters they've ever tried to juggle in one movie, but says they’re up for the challenge. "Joe and I have always really been drawn to ensemble storytelling," he said. Joe has traced that instinct back to their upbringing, growing up in a large Italian family full of colorful personalities.

The cast of "Avengers: Doomsday" on stage during the Marvel Studios Panel at 2026 San Diego Comic-Con on July 25, 2026 | Source: Getty Images

“The MCU is this massive experiment in how vast, how much scope can an ensemble really have?” Anthony says. “If we have a taste and talent for ensemble storytelling, we’re certainly pushing ourselves further than we ever have before.”

Making the movie wasn't easy behind the scenes either. It was originally supposed to be called “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.” But after actor Jonathan Majors was dropped from the franchise, the whole plan changed. That meant the Russos had to start filming before the script was even finished. They said they're used to changing things on the spot, so they made it work.

“We’re improvisation-based, rehearsal-based directors,” Joe said. “We like to see what the actors bring to the characters, and sometimes you don’t get the actors until a few days or few weeks before you shoot them. And a lot of the time, that’s when the magic happens.”

Joe Russo, Robert Downey Jr. and Anthony Russo at the "Marvel Studios" Panel at the 2024 San Diego International Comic-Con on July 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

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Robert Downey Jr. is also back for this movie, but not as Iron Man. This time, he's playing the villain, Doctor Doom. The brothers confirmed that they’re filming two movies back to back: “Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” set for release in 2027. “Avengers: Doomsday” comes out in theaters on December 18.