Avengers Endgame: Encore is heading to theaters, offering fans more than just a nostalgic experience. The Russo Brothers have explained why the rerelease matters for fans before Doomsday hits screens later this year.
In an interview with Fandango, the Russo Brothers were asked what fans can expect from the upcoming theatrical rerelease. Joe Russo explained that Encore connects to the next major chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Doomsday. “It’s gonna connect the story of the two movies,” the 55-year-old said. “There’s a natural progression from Endgame into Doomsday, which is also inclusive of all the other stories that have been playing out.”
He later added that returning to Endgame serves two purposes for fans. “One, if you want to have a lot of fun cheering and screaming and reliving all the emotions you had the first time you saw it. Number two, I think it’s required viewing for following the story in Doomsday.”
Anthony Russo, co-director of previous Avengers films, has also teased that the Encore will have huge surprises for fans. “If you saw Endgame when it originally was released, you couldn’t see this coming,” he said.
Marvel’s recent projects feed into Avengers: Doomsday
Several recent Marvel projects have introduced characters and storylines that connect to Doomsday. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings introduced a new hero who is now confirmed to appear in the upcoming film, while Black Panther: Wakanda Forever established Shuri as Black Panther and introduced Namor.
Deadpool & Wolverine also introduced Channing Tatum’s Gambit, who has been confirmed to appear in Doomsday. Captain America: Brave New World further develops Sam Wilson as the titular hero, while Thunderbolts* brings together the team that ultimately adopts the New Avengers name. Its post-credits scene, directed by the Russo Brothers, connects the New Avengers to the Fantastic Four. Most importantly, it directly leads into The Fantastic Four: First Steps, whose mid-credits scene features Doctor Doom approaching Franklin Richards, Reed and Sue’s son.
Doomsday builds on multiple other stories that also introduce X-Men, the old Avengers team from Infinity War and Endgame.
Avengers: Doomsday will arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026.
