Russo Brothers Explain Why Avengers: Doomsday Is MCU’s ‘Phase Zero’

Anthony Russo and Joe Russo have shed new light on the creative direction of Avengers: Doomsday. They have described the upcoming chapter as a fresh starting point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During a recent appearance at SXSW London, the filmmakers explained why they view the project as “phase zero” of the MCU. 

Anthony and Joe Russo talk about how Avengers: Doomsday will reset the MCU

The Russo brothers believe that Avengers: Doomsday will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Speaking during a panel at SXSW London, Joe Russo and Anthony Russo explained that the upcoming film is being approached as a fresh starting point. Explaining the team’s outlook on the project, Joe said, “That serial shifting and changing and surprising you and then reinventing itself and then shifting and changing and then surprising you — that’s exciting and I think you’re going to see some shifting and changing [with Doomsday]. So, get ready for it.” 

The director went on to reveal that he and Robert Downey Jr., who is set to portray Doctor Doom, recently discussed the idea of using the film as a complete reset for the MCU. He explained, “Look, we were with Rob [Downey Jr.] earlier today. We were both talking about this concept that we are back to phase zero. This is starting over from scratch. We want to make sure everybody feels like this isn’t leaning on anything from the past.”

The panel also touched upon the filmmakers’ return to Marvel following their work on Avengers: Endgame. Anthony Russo acknowledged that there was a sense of completion after finishing Endgame.

However, he explained that an idea from longtime Marvel writer Stephen McFeely ultimately convinced them to come back. “That [idea] all of a sudden broke the skies open for us, and we saw all new kinds of possibilities with that idea,” he said. 

Avengers: Doomsday is slated for theatrical release on December 18, 2026.

Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on SuperHeroHype.

Source: Comingsoon.net