Russo Brothers Back to MCU Phase Zero with Dr. Doom

Filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo recently spoke at SXSW London about their return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. They revealed that the project represents a complete reset, akin to "phase zero," aiming to avoid leaning on past narratives.

Robert Downey Jr. is confirmed to play the antagonist Dr. Doom, a casting choice that excites the directors. Joe Russo mentioned they are starting "from scratch" with this installment, promising significant shifts and reinvention.

The directors also praised the success of young indie horror filmmakers like Curry Barker and Kane Parsons, citing their low-budget productions as a disruptive force in the industry. They believe Gen Z audiences are crucial to the evolving film business.

Discussing ensemble casts, Joe Russo explained their method involves understanding each character's importance to fans and employing subtle point-of-view shifts. He also advocated for embracing diverse storytelling mediums, from theatrical releases to digital platforms.

The Russo brothers emphasized that storytelling is a unifying force, and diversifying how these narratives are told is essential for cultural cohesion in a conflict-driven world. The SXSW London festival is scheduled to run from June 1-6, 2026.