Following the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con announcement of The Russo Brothers and Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU, Marvel Studios is reportedly paying $80 million to the Russo Brothers (Anthony Russo and Joe Russo) to direct ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars.’ Downey Jr. will be paid “significantly more” — this does not include back-end compensation for the eventual box office.
Variety reported that Marvel called back the previous two Avengers movie directors, Anthony and Joe Russo, to direct ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ for $80 million. The brothers will also produce the two films via their AGBO banner, which is clearly outside the norm for Marvel, as they typically don’t work with outside producers, preferring to keep the team in-house.
On stage at SDCC Hall H, Joe Russo said, “When we directed ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ we really believed it was the end for us in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.” He added, “That four-movie run was incredible, and it left us creatively spent.” However, since then, the duo found a “very special story” that convinced them to come back. Joe emphasized, “It’s the biggest story that Marvel Comics ever told. It’s the reason that Anthony and I are standing up here.” And that film is “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
Downey Jr. is by far the highest-paid member of the MCU, having earned between $500 million and $600 million over the course of four ‘Avengers’ movies, three ‘Iron Man’ outings, and cameos in ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ ‘Captain America: Civil War,’ and ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming.’ His new deal includes numerous perks — such as private jet travel, dedicated security, and an entire “trailer encampment” — for the newly minted Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor in Oppenheimer.
In a recent interview with Esquire magazine, Downey Jr. was asked if he would ever return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he responded affirmatively. “Happily. It’s too integral a part of my DNA,” Downey said. “That role chose me. And look, I always say, ‘Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige.’ It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.”
When and where will filming for the two ‘Avengers’ movies begin?
Filming for the two ‘Avengers’ movies will begin in London in the second quarter of 2025. Stephen McFeely will pen the script.
“Avengers: Doomsday” is set to be released on May 1, 2026, and “Avengers: Secret Wars” will be released on May 7, 2027.
