The Russo Brothers Originally ‘Said No’ to Robert Downey Jr. When He Asked Them to Direct ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’: ‘We Were Resistant For a While’

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Despite being known for some of Marvel’s most successful films, Joe and Anthony Russo originally declined the chance to collaborate with the studio again, this time to direct Robert Downey Jr. in “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Secret Wars.

During a conversation with Omelete, Joe Russo shared that the concept of bringing back Downey as Doctor Doom in the MCU originated from Marvel CEO Kevin Feige. This idea came about after Downey, who had been the face of the franchise for over a decade by winning an Oscar playing Tony Stark/Iron Man, was suggested for this role.

As a film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “It was actually Kevin Feige who said that. Intriguingly, the discussion we had on that topic happened quite some time back.

Following Feige’s proposal, Downey stepped up to finalize the agreement with the Russo Brothers. Yet, as Joe Russo admitted, neither Iron Man nor they themselves could secure their involvement without the pair having a preconceived narrative for the subsequent two films already in place.

Later, Robert suggested ‘Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’, but we declined because we didn’t have a suitable plot or a method to approach it,” Joe Russo explained. “We were hesitant for some time.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but share an intriguing behind-the-scenes tidbit about the making of the “Avengers” sequels. It was only when my close collaborator and screenwriter Stephen McFeely came forward with his own captivating story ideas that the Russo Brothers found the confidence to re-enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe, handing over the reigns for a bit before returning to steer the ship once more.

One time, Stephen McFeely, one of our key partners, proposed an idea. Joe Russo chimed in, “That’s the tale we need!” The story was compelling and needed to be shared; it carried a truly powerful message!

Previously, Joe and Anthony Russo have steered some of the most cherished Marvel movies that the studio has ever produced. They jointly directed “Avengers: Endgame,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” and “Captain America: Civil War.

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2025-03-22 20:46