Russo Brothers are making a comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the superhero brand’s veteran Robert Downey Jr who played and popularized Iron Man with his charismatic performance across movies in the studio. Following his end of Iron Man tenure, the actor created a shockwave when his return was announced at Comic-Con in July alongside the director duo. In a recent interview, the Russo Brothers have teased that they have been working on an explosive idea for the upcoming movie Avengers: Doomsday.
Russo Brothers Teased Grand Plan For Avengers: Doomsday
Avengers: Doomsday title card. Image Credit: Marvel Studios
While fans are divided over Robert Downey Jr’s return to the MCU playing another character, the hype for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday is far from falling short. Adding to the excitement, in a recent chat with GamesRadar+ at MCM Comic Con 2024, the directors of the movie, the Russo Brothers have recently teased that they are working on an explosive idea while revealing their relationship with RDJ.
“We’re all very close,” Joe said of their relationship with the Iron Man star. “We had been working on another project before Marvel approached all of us – so we’re working on another project with Robert – and there was a story that evolved through conversations [with Marvel] that we got very excited about. Because it’s always got to be the story,” he added.
Joe went on to add, “Why would we come back if we didn’t feel like we had a story that had that possibility of being on an equal footing with ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’ unless there’s a kernel there for an idea that’s really explosive?”
Marvel pulled off big with Infinity War and Endgame— both the movies were directed by Russo Brothers which went on to earn $2.05 billion and $2.79 billion respectively. Avengers: Doomsday is expected to have a similar effect on fans potentially racing the box office goal of the previous blockbusters.
Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU Return as Doctor Doom Shocked Fans
Robert Downey Jr at SDCC. Image Credit: Marvel Entertainment/YT
In a surprising twist, Robert Downey Jr. is making his MCU return, not as Iron Man, but as Doctor Doom. Downey’s re-entry into the Marvel world created even more buzz than the recent return of the Russo Brothers. Prior to Comic-Con, Downey hinted at a possible Marvel comeback, which led many fans to assume he’d reprise his role as the iconic Tony Stark. After all, despite Iron Man’s tragic death in Avengers: Endgame, the MCU’s exploration of the multiverse left fans hopeful for his return in some form of alternate reality. However, it has been confirmed that Downey’s new role will be far from the billionaire genius; he will embody the infamous villain Doctor Doom.
Downey’s portrayal of Tony Stark began in 2008 with the debut of Iron Man, the film that laid the foundation of the MCU. Over the next decade, he would bring Tony Stark to life across ten Marvel films, including notable titles such as Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3, The Avengers, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Endgame. This journey culminated in Stark’s heroic death, a moment Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has committed to preserving. “We are going to keep that moment and not touch that moment again,” Feige stated, emphasizing the significant work that went into Stark’s farewell.
Fans are now eagerly awaiting what Downey’s Doctor Doom will bring to upcoming Marvel projects, with expectations set high by Joe Russo, who anticipates an impact on par with Infinity War and Endgame. Avengers fans will closely watch Downey’s new role in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, where Doom’s character is expected to be central. As filming for Avengers: Doomsday begins in 2025, more details will likely come on how Doctor Doom’s storyline will unfold.
Avengers: Doomsday currently has a release date of May 1, 2026.
