The Russo Brothers (Who Directed Infinity War/Endgame) Are In Talks To Direct Avengers 5/Secret Wars
Well, well, well - what do we have here?
A few years ago, when the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Infinity Saga concluded perfectly and satisfied millions of die hard fans, Infinity War/Endgame directors Anthony and Joe Russo were asked countless times if/when they would ever return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe - and their answer was always the same: maybe, just maaaybe, for a 'Secret Wars' movie. They told Deadline as much in 2022....
“Our love for Marvel is based on the books that we read as kids, the books that we fell in love with,” Joe told Deadline. “The one series that we adored growing up was Secret Wars. It’s incredibly ambitious. It would be bigger than Infinity War and Endgame. But it’s a massive undertaking. Those two movies were very hard to make. So trying to imagine making another two movies even bigger than those two? We’re going to have to sleep on that.”
Here we are, in the Summer of 2024 - and it appears the wheels are in motion to make that happen! It makes a whole ton of sense, too!
Many feel that the Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn't quite been the same since Infinity War/Endgame - and while obviously not all credit for that era goes to the Russo Brothers, they were a STRONG 4/4 in Marvel movies they directed (those two Avengers movies plus The Winter Soldier and Civil War). They clearly understand how to direct elite movies in this universe and play with a big ensemble cast, giving everyone their due screentime. I'd argue they are more experienced in this specific job than anyone on the planet, AND they already have pre-established relationships with much of the MCU! I'd imagine a Robert Downey Jr or a Chris Evans or a Chris Hemsworth or a Scarlett Johansson would be even more likely to return with a couple of familiar faces at the helm.
On the flip side - and I say this with the utmost respect - the Russos haven't exactly been crushing it as directors since they left Marvel. They did 'Cherry' for Apple+ with Tom Holland, and 'The Gray Man' for Netflix with Ryan Gosling, neither of which were particularly well received - and have mostly just been producing things otherwise. Some of that stuff has done well, some of it hasn't, but I just can't imagine their careers have taken off like they'd imagined after directing the biggest movie of all time.
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I'm not ready to go full Thanos and say they couldn't live with their own failure, so it brought them back to Marvel, but I am ready to say: welcome home. It's time to get this ship back on course.
TL;DR - this seems like a brilliant move for all parties. Marvel's getting the most trusted/reliable/consistent options possible for their next couple Avengers movies, and the Russo Brothers are getting back to what they know best/are beloved for.
In the words of Bruce Banner, "I see this as an absolute win."