Avengers: Secret Wars Directors Signal a Turning Point for Marvel, But It’s Not All Good News

Right, so the Russo brothers – Anthony and Joe, the directors who pretty much shaped the last lot of Avengers films – have once again been dragged into the big Marvel question: are they sticking around after 'Avengers: Secret Wars'? The answer, well, it’s complicated – and, honestly, kind of mixed.

'This is it': The Russos Deflate Hopes… Sort Of

At a panel during SXSW London, Deadline pinned the brothers down about their MCU future. Anthony Russo didn’t mince his words: 'This is it.' As in, no more Marvel movies after 'Secret Wars.' That’s as clear a statement as you’re likely to get in superhero-land.

He went on to say that, for them, 'Endgame' (the fourth Marvel film they directed) was already meant as their conclusion, tying up the story arc that started all the way back with 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' in 2014. In Anthony’s words: 'For us, it was very much intended to be an ending.'

Now, here’s where things get a bit less black and white: talking about 'Avengers: Doomsday' and 'Secret Wars,' he described them as a matched pair. 'They speak with one another as two films, and they form a complete expression.' So, in their minds, that’s the story done and dusted.

Maybe Room for a Comeback?

But – and it’s a noteworthy but – Anthony did say that working with Marvel after 'Secret Wars' isn’t off the table entirely. He called it a 'possibility,' though added that their attention is entirely on the big finale right now. Take from that what you will.

Joe Russo, meanwhile, took the mick a bit, telling everyone they’ll let us know about any future Marvel projects after they’ve glimpsed photos of themselves in 2028. Classic evasive sibling banter.

Production Update: Where Are They Now?

• Pre-production: Joe Russo said they’re head-down in pre-production on 'Secret Wars.' Apparently, they prefer to juggle loads at once – not exactly breaking news if you’ve tracked their schedule.
• Avengers: Doomsday: Not finished yet. Joe made it clear there’s still work being wrapped up on 'Doomsday' until November. Small detail: they’re handing some of it off for a few weeks so others can finish the last bits. So while it’s nearly done, they’re still tinkering.
• Filming Dates: 'Secret Wars' shoots this summer. Last year, before the inevitable shuffling of release dates, Joe told Collider they’d be filming for six months straight. We’ll see if that still holds.

Release Dates and Other Bits

'Avengers: Doomsday' lands 18 December this year (assuming nothing slides, which, in Marvel-world, is never guaranteed). 'Avengers: Secret Wars' comes out 17 December, 2027. Along with directing, the Russos and their AGBO production company are also producing both films, because clearly nobody needs a break round here.

For those following along at home, nothing’s been made final for any MCU rewinds after 'Secret Wars,' but the Russos are keeping the door ajar (just barely), even if one of them’s joking about checking 2028 press clippings first.