Russo brothers rejected Avengers: Doomsday due to lack of story
- Joe Russo explained that the initial refusal to direct Avengers: Doomsday was due to a lack of a compelling story.
- Robert Downey Jr. advocated for his return to the franchise as Doctor Doom, which was initially met with resistance.
- The Russo brothers ultimately found a powerful story idea that made them reconsider and become involved in the project.
In a recent interview, Joe Russo revealed Marvell CEO Kevin Feige's role in bringing Robert Downey Jr. back as Doctor Doom following his character's death in 'Avengers: Endgame.' This decision stemmed from a conversation held some time ago, where Downey proposed the idea to the Russo brothers, ultimately leading to their refusal due to the absence of a viable story. Their stance changed when Steve McFeely, a writer from 'Endgame,' presented a compelling idea that the brothers couldn't ignore. This notion transformed the direction of the potential film, making the idea of a three-dimensional villain more intriguing, especially with Downey's involvement. In addition, Joe and Anthony Russo's previous direction of popular Marvel films, including 'Avengers: Endgame,' 'Infinity War,' and others, adds weight to their decision-making process. The evolving narrative surrounding Avengers: Doomsday indicates a strategic choice aiming to create depth in the portrayal of villains, rather than a rush to direct without a solid storyline. Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release in 2026 as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand its multiverse narrative, offering limitless possibilities for character portrayals, as seen in the upcoming reboot of the Fantastic Four, slated to hit theaters shortly. The excitement around the casting of Downey as a new character signals a bold direction for future films within the franchise, demonstrating the potential for integrating classic heroes and villains in unexpected ways.