Avengers: Doomsday – Pros and Cons of Russo Brothers’ Return

The Russos have a deep connection with the Marvel universe and have often expressed that “Secret Wars” could entice them back after their intensive seven-year period crafting four Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films. They have helmed more MCU movies than any other directors, demonstrating an adept understanding of the canon, history, and the nuanced storytelling required to navigate the complexities of these characters, story arcs, and tones effectively.

Nevertheless, the MCU they left behind five years ago has undergone significant changes. Previously, the main characters were intertwined by a singular overarching mission, each narrative pivoting towards a greater purpose, with character arcs intricately woven into the storyline. However, with the advent of Phase Four in 2021, the cohesive, unifying narrative structure seems to have frayed. New characters have made fleeting appearances, storylines have begun with no conclusion, and the original grand threat—Kang the Conqueror’s multiverse menace—has been replaced, with Doctor Doom stepping into the void left by Kang. The once smoothly running machine of the MCU appears a bit more disjointed now.

On the upside, certain elements remain unchanged for the Russos’ potential return. Kevin Feige continues steering the creative direction as the chief architect, alongside co-president Louis D’Esposito, who has consistently overseen every Marvel film since 2008. Long-standing creative figures such as Trinh Tran and Brad Winderbaum also persist within the Marvel framework. Despite Christopher Markus opting out of the upcoming projects, the reliable Stephen McFeely, co-writer of the Russos’ previous MCU films, has been enlisted to handle the scripting for “Doomsday” and “Secret Wars.”

Conversely, not all familiar faces remain. Key personnel like Victoria Alonso, the former president of visual effects and post-production, were dismissed amid criticism of Marvel’s visual effects and VFX worker conditions in 2023. Additionally, the Russos will be working with newer actors such as Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Hailee Steinfeld (Kate Bishop), and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) for the first time, while the involvement of their previous stars like Chris Evans, Tom Holland, and Mark Ruffalo is still unconfirmed.

Nonetheless, the Russos have proven their expertise in blockbuster filmmaking. Their impressive work on “The Winter Soldier” earned them the mantle to direct “Civil War,” which many fans dub “Avengers 2.5.” This launched them to the helm of “Infinity War” and “Endgame” after Joss Whedon stepped down. Despite differing opinions on these films, they stand as monumental blockbusters with elaborate storytelling, complex narratives, and massive scales. The Russos adeptly navigated the climax of a decade-long saga, ensuring the legacy characters remained pivotal and crafting iconic moments that captivated audiences worldwide.

Source: Den of Geek