The Russo brothers are returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Avengers: Doomsday, and the upcoming movie will feature one of the biggest casts in Marvel history.
The film is expected to bring together several major groups, including the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and original X-Men. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, directors Anthony and Joe Russo explained why they enjoy working with such large groups of characters.
According to Joe Russo, their experience growing up in a large Italian family in Ohio helped shape the way they tell stories. Being surrounded by different personalities and family dynamics gave them an early understanding of large ensembles.
“For whatever reason, Joe and I have always really been drawn to ensemble storytelling. Maybe it speaks to the fact that we work as a team,” Anthony said.
Before directing major Marvel movies, the Russo brothers also worked on television shows with large casts, including Arrested Development and Community. They later brought that experience to the MCU with Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
“We grew up in a very large Italian family full of colorful personalities,” added Joe. “It was complex family dynamics. We all grew up on the same street; people lived in different houses… spent dinners together on Sundays.”
“We were always interacting with a large amount of personality and interpersonal dynamics. I think that’s how we see the world and see stories.”
The Russo brothers explain the sprawling Avengers: Doomsday cast
The director brothers said Avengers: Doomsday will take their experience with large ensembles to another level.
Anthony Russo described the MCU as an experiment in how far filmmakers can take a story with such a large number of characters. He said the upcoming movie pushes the brothers further than they have ever gone before.
Instead of seeing the large cast as a problem, the Russos focus on finding ways to bring different characters and storylines together naturally.
Avengers: Doomsday will also see Robert Downey Jr. return to the MCU, however, this time as Doctor Doom. The movie will feature several familiar faces from across Marvel’s cinematic universe.
Despite the large number of returning characters, the Russo brothers want Avengers: Doomsday to feel like something new rather than simply relying on nostalgia.
Avengers: Doomsday is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026.
