In a thrilling turn of events, the Russo Brothers, Joe and Anthony Russo, are rumoured to be in early discussions to direct the upcoming Avengers 5 and Avengers 6, marking a potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Known for their pivotal roles in shaping some of the MCU’s most significant chapters, including Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, their comeback could herald a new era for the franchise.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, this development emerges as Marvel seeks to stabilise its cinematic universe following a series of less-than-stellar releases and behind-the-scenes changes. With the MCU appearing to be on the brink of what some might call a ‘flop era’, marked by the mixed receptions of Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels, the Russos’ return could not be more timely.
The potential reappointment of the Russo brothers is a move by Marvel to regain the cinematic foothold it once held, especially during the Infinity Saga, where the duo’s directorial prowess led to Endgame becoming the second-highest-grossing film of all time. Since their last Marvel project, the Russos have explored various genres and platforms, from the action-packed The Gray Man on Netflix to producing the award-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Avengers 5 is notably pivoting away from its original plot centred around Kang, due to the recent departure of actor Jonathan Majors following legal issues. This shift necessitates a fresh creative vision, which the Russos are well equipped to provide, having navigated major narrative arcs successfully in the past. Michael Waldron, known for his work on Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, is currently crafting the screenplay for what will now be a revamped Avengers 5, and the subsequent Avengers: Secret Wars.
San Diego Comic-Con, happening next week, is anticipated to be the venue where Marvel will officially announce the Russo Brothers’ involvement, alongside other future project details. This event marks Marvel’s first major Comic-Con appearance since 2022, adding to the significance of the announcement.
As Marvel Studios looks to recalibrate and launch into the next phase of the MCU, the return of the Russo Brothers could be the catalyst needed to revive the franchise’s former glory and lead it through the upcoming Multiversal narratives with the same finesse they brought to the Infinity Saga.
Avengers 5 is scheduled for release on 1 May 2026, with Avengers 6 following on 7 May 2027, promising a couple of cinematic milestones that could once again reshape superhero cinema.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
Edwin Teo
