The Russo brothers are risking a lot by returning to the MCU after helming two of the most successful movies of all-time, Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. However, the pair were driven back to the insanely popular franchise by the drive to tell a story that could rival their previous MCU outings. Joe and Anthony Russo took to the stage at San Diego Comic Con to unveil the surprise return of Robert Downey Jr., who will portray Victor Von Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. The reveal divided the fan base, but the Russos assure everyone that their next two Avengers movies will more than live up to the hype.

Speaking to GamesRadar+ at MGM London Comic Con, Joe and Anthony Russo revealed their true motive for returning to the MCU. After Avengers: Endgame, fans assumed the directorial duo were leaving the franchise on an all-time high. But, the pair said a story idea that could blow Endgame out of the water enticed them to return for another go-around. Joe Russo said:

“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?”

Plot details about Doomsday and Secret Wars are being kept under lock and key by Marvel Studios and Disney. Doomsday is fast approaching, as the Russos recently revealed that the first of their two planned Avengers movies will begin shooting next spring. It might not be long until Marvel Studios announces which beloved heroes will be featuring in the fifth Avengers film, and how much it will involve the multiverse.

The Russo Brothers Explain Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU Return

The panel’s audience were surprised to see Joe and Anthony Russo take to the stage at SDCC earlier this year. But, the entire fan base lost their collective minds when a cloaked and masked Dr. Doom cosplayer took to the stage during the presentation, lifted his mask, and unveiled the actor who would play the beloved villain. In the iconic words of Tom Holland, “Oh my god, it’s Robert Downey Jr!”

During the conversation, the Russos explained how they managed to get now Academy Award winner Robert Downey Jr. to return to the MCU, as another character, no less. “We’re all very close,” Joe Russo began. According to the brothers, they are both working with Downey Jr. on a separate project. So, when the idea for Avengers: Doomsday came to them, they had to try and get him involved. Joe continued:

“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 that we got very excited about. Because it’s always got to be the story.”

Related Spider-Man 4 Is Hitting Theaters Just Two Months After Avengers: Doomsday Spider-Man 4 will swing into theaters in July 2026, two months after Avengers: Doomsday and one week after Tom Holland’s Christopher Nolan film.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to release on May 1, 2026. Little is known about the movie, but an overwhelming number of Marvel heroes are expected to be appearing in the film, including the new members of The Fantastic Four.

Release Date May 1, 2026 Studio Marvel Studios