Filming for the next chapters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is officially underway. The Russo Brothers, known for their work on Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, have confirmed that production for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars will begin in London in April 2025. The highly anticipated films, set to release in 2026 and 2027 respectively, will be shot back-to-back and are poised to deliver a fresh and radical direction for the MCU.
At a recent premiere for their upcoming Netflix project The Electric State, Joe and Anthony Russo opened up about their plans for the two films. In an interview with Deadline, Joe Russo admitted, “It’s all in London, we’re shooting them fairly back-to-back, it’s a lot of work again, we may or may not survive, we’ll see.”
While the brothers expressed excitement for the challenge, they hinted that these films would diverge from previous Avengers storylines. “We found a way into the story that’s going to be challenging for audiences, it’s challenging for us to execute. And it’s really exciting for us,” Joe added.
The Russo Brothers also teased fans with the promise of unexpected twists and new directions for the series. “These movies are going to surprise people,” Joe said. “We think it’s going to challenge audiences in a way they haven’t been challenged before.” Anthony Russo echoed his brother’s sentiment, suggesting that the films will bring something fresh to the MCU. “We’re really excited about it. It gets us out of bed to do it.”
As the MCU moves into its next phase with the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga, Avengers: Doomsday will serve as a pivotal moment. The film will introduce Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, marking a major shift in the character’s arc. Downey’s Doctor Doom won’t be the traditional villain fans might expect; instead, he will be portrayed as a tragic figure who believes unifying the multiverse under his rule is the only way to ensure its survival. The film will culminate in the epic conclusion of the Multiverse Saga.
The cast for Avengers: Doomsday is star-studded, with several beloved MCU characters returning alongside new faces. Along with Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth will reprise his role as Thor, while Tom Holland returns as Spider-Man. Pedro Pascal will take on the role of Reed Richards, and Joseph Quinn will play Johnny Storm.
Other notable cast members include Wyatt Russell as US Agent, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, and Channing Tatum as Gambit. The film will also feature appearances by Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff and Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, among many others.
The Russo Brothers have also confirmed that the upcoming films will tap into the multiverse, with Avengers: Doomsday being a key player in the storyline’s overarching theme.
The brothers have promised that the movie will build on the events set in motion by Avengers: Endgame, though they’re keeping many plot details under wraps for now. “Anybody in the Marvel bag could show up in this movie,” Joe Russo teased during an interview with Deadline, leaving the door open for even more surprises.
Aside from their upcoming Avengers projects, the Russo Brothers are keeping busy with The Electric State, which premieres on Netflix in March 2025. The film, based on Simon Stålenhag’s sci-fi graphic novel, stars Millie Bobby Brown and features a retro-futuristic adventure through 1990s America.
The Russo Brothers are continuing their collaboration with screenwriter Steven McFeely, who has worked with them on several previous Marvel films, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Endgame.
