Credit: Marvel StudiosMarvel Studios is reportedly rethinking the future of the Avengers franchise.
This December marks the first Avengers film – and arguably the most hyped Marvel Cinematic Universe film – since Avengers: Endgame (2019). Avengers: Doomsday (2026) brings back franchise veterans Anthony and Joe Russo, who previously ‘exited’ after Endgame. It also sees the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers and Robert Downey Jr., who will play Doctor Doom instead of Tony Stark/Iron Man.
In recent years, the MCU has seen its cultural currency dip. While a Marvel release was previously a surefire box office hit, several efforts have bombed – such as The Marvels (2023) and Thunderbolts* (2025) – while some of its cinematic and Disney+ efforts have failed to impress critics (the less said about Secret Invasion, the better).
With Avengers: Doomsday theoretically replicating the same event status as Endgame – plus an even bigger cast list – hopes are high that it will send the franchise soaring back to billion-dollar-plus heights.
And according to a recent report, it might just be the beginning.
Marvel Hopes to Drag Out Russo Brothers’ Stint in MCU
According to scooper Alex Perez, Anthony and Joe Russo are reportedly working on another Avengers project.
While the duo is already confirmed to direct Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), which apparently starts filming in August, Perez suggests that they may either split Secret Wars into two projects or take a different approach.
“Based on their statements, there’s a chance it’ll involve splitting ‘Secret Wars’ into two,” Perez says. “However, it could also be the next ‘Avengers’ installment.”
Since leaving Marvel after Avengers: Endgame, the Russo brothers have struggled to replicate the critical and commercial success that made them two of Hollywood’s most sought-after directors. Netflix’s The Gray Man drew strong viewership but received mixed reviews, while The Electric State underperformed with critics despite its reported $320 million budget.
Other AGBO-produced projects have also failed to make a comparable cultural impact, prompting renewed interest in the brothers’ return to Marvel for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Will ‘Secret Wars’ Be Split Into Two Films?
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of Secret Wars being split into two separate films.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige previously described Secret Wars as “as ambitious a project as we’ve ever embarked on.” He has also confirmed that Secret Wars will “reset” the MCU with a new “singular timeline” and a recast X-Men team would be introduced.
A second film would give Marvel more room to tell such a major story. Secret Wars is expected to feature dozens of characters from across the multiverse, while also wrapping up the Multiverse Saga before launching the franchise’s next chapter. Trying to do all of that in a single movie – even with the setup of Avengers: Doomsday – is a huge task.
However, earlier this year, fellow scooper Jeff Sneider claimed that the film would not be split into two parts.
“That may have been mentioned by someone, somewhere along the chain of power, but it’s not being seriously discussed in Burbank,” he said.
This comes down to several factors – namely, the challenges of scheduling the project’s enormous cast again, and shelling out another salary for Downey Jr. The Marvel icon is apparently taking home about $100 million for his return.
Would you like to see the Russo Brothers make another Avengers film after Avengers: Secret Wars?
