
Big news has just emerged about the forthcoming Avengers movies, directed once again by the celebrated Russo brothers, promising a cinematic experience that could measure up to Marvel’s past record-breaking hits.
During San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige delighted fans with the announcement that Anthony and Joe Russo, the dynamic directing duo behind Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, would helm the upcoming Avengers films. Alongside them, the return of Robert Downey Jr., famed for playing Tony Stark/Iron Man for over a decade, has reignited excitement among fans, marking a major turning point for the MCU.
Only a few months ago, Avengers: Doomsday wasn’t even in the picture. Formerly, the fifth Avengers movie carried the working title Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, but following actor Jonathan Majors’ high-profile legal issues, plans shifted. With Majors’ departure from his role as Kang, Marvel set its sights on a different storyline – and what could be more fitting for Doomsday than introducing Doom himself?
To many fans’ surprise, Downey Jr. will take on the role of Victor Von Doom, bringing fresh intrigue to this classic villain. Some fans have expressed concerns over the casting, noting Doom’s Romani background, but there’s no denying Downey Jr.’s widespread appeal.
This major shake-up comes as Marvel navigates a challenging phase. The release of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) shattered R-rated box office records, yet Phase Five has seen mixed results. Peyton Reed’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) struggled to captivate audiences, and The Marvels (2023) faced disappointing box-office results. On Disney+, Secret Invasion didn’t hit the mark, though the introduction of Agatha All Along, starring fan-favorite Agatha Harkness, has injected new energy into Marvel’s streaming lineup.
With four films—Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and an untitled project set for February 2026—set to premiere before Avengers: Doomsday, fan anticipation is already high.

“We’ve all stayed close,” Joe Russo shared in an interview with GamesRadar, referring to his collaboration with Robert Downey Jr. “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.”
Russo also teased a thrilling experience with the two new Avengers films, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, which will conclude Phase Six.
“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?” he said in the MCM Comic Con interview.

Even before the Jonathan Majors controversy, Avengers 5 faced an unconventional path. Initially, Jeff Loveness, who wrote Ant-Man 3, was tapped to write the script, and Destin Daniel Cretton was set to direct. Both eventually exited the project, with Loveness being replaced by Loki’s head writer, Michael Waldron, who was also working on Secret Wars. With the Russo brothers now on the project, the film is essentially being rebuilt from the ground up.
Though Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for a May 2027 release, may seem like the MCU’s grand finale, it actually serves as a bridge to the broader Phase Seven. Marvel has already slated films for November 2027 and for February, May, and November 2028, offering plenty of room for new stories to unfold post-Secret Wars.
Meanwhile, Phase Six continues to be retooled. Blade has been pulled from the schedule, leaving a gap next November. Marvel could keep that slot open, though recent statements by CEO Bob Iger indicate a more selective approach to production. However, a previous date in July 2026 has been revived and will showcase Spider-Man 4, marking Tom Holland’s return to the big screen.
With Downey Jr.’s comeback as Doom and a new Spider-Man movie on the horizon, Marvel’s Phase Six promises to keep fans engaged as the MCU gears up for its next era.
Do you think Avengers: Doomsday will live up to Endgame?