Joe Russo explains why Doomsday breaks the Avengers formula

Let’s be honest: the word on Avengers films lately hasn’t exactly been 'fresh and exciting,' but it sounds like Joe Russo wants to throw that rulebook in the bin for Avengers: Doomsday. With the film landing in cinemas towards the end of this year, Russo’s been chatting about how this next instalment is set to break away from the superhero movie formula we’ve all come to expect from the MCU.

'Most mature of all of them'

In an interview with CBR, Joe Russo – who’s co-directing yet again with his brother, Anthony – didn’t exactly shy away from talking up Doomsday. Rather than just packing it with CGI spectacle, he reckons this one steps things up even further. According to Russo, it's not just bigger – it's, in his words, the 'most emotionally complex' and 'most mature' Avengers film to date. He promised the usual basket of surprises, but he's particularly keen on the idea that this story will hit harder on the feelings front than anything they’ve done before. And, yes, apparently it was a much bigger headache to put together as a result.

Here’s what Russo had to say that really stands out:

"There are a lot of surprises in this. And I think (Doomsday is) the most emotionally complex of all of them. And in a lot of ways, the most mature of all of them."

For Russo, that's not just fluff– he genuinely thinks 'emotional complexity is always the answer,' and that taking risks on the emotional front makes for a story that sticks with the audience far longer than standard blockbuster noise. Can’t argue with that, really – if the MCU needs one thing after Endgame, it’s a proper shake-up.

The State of the MCU (and a familiar face back in the fold)

You don’t need me to tell you Marvel’s been struggling to keep the hype going since Endgame in 2019. The Russo brothers, of course, were behind some of the most celebrated entries – Winter Soldier, Civil War, Infinity War, and Endgame weren't just comic book punch-ups; they actually packed a wallop emotionally as well. So if anyone’s earned the right to experiment, it’s probably these two.

The other surprise? Robert Downey Jr. – yes, him – is back, but not as the wisecracking Tony Stark. He’s now Doctor Doom. Make of that what you will. RDJ’s also in the full Oscar-winner-philosopher mode, saying that what’s on deck now is 'likely the only way to avoid disappointing fans.' To hear him tell it, the creative team have 'laboured long and hard to bring that down,' and he’s very aware how much work goes into getting this kind of project right (with plenty of criticism for when they miss the mark, naturally).

• Joe and Anthony Russo: Directing duo returning for Doomsday. Their track record? Winter Soldier, Civil War, Infinity War, Endgame.
• Robert Downey Jr.: Back in the MCU, now as Doctor Doom. Also filming Secret Wars next year.
• Plot promises: More mature, emotionally complicated, and filled with surprises – and apparently more difficult to make than the last ones.
• Release date: Avengers: Doomsday hits cinemas 18 December 2026. Quite the wait, but at least you know what you’re in for.

Downey Jr. also dropped a bit about how much 'gratitude' he has for being able to play a role in both Doomsday and the follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars, which is already lined up for next year. He said it’s 'one epic at a time,' and pointed out that as difficult as these films are, the people who criticise them do at least appreciate when the filmmakers actually get it right.