The Russos have pretty much made their mark in pop-culture history with the last two Avengers movies (and more), and they’ve since moved on from Marvel to work on other original projects.
According to The Hollywood Reporter though, Joe and Anthony Russo are said to be currently in talks with Marvel to direct the next Avengers movie for them after a falling out with several creatives.
Originally Avengers 5 was announced as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty with Shang Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton attached to helm the project. Things fell out though when Cretton left the movie a month before star Jonathan Majors was convicted for assault and harassment.
Now rumors have been swirling about the film changing its title and shifting the focus from Kang to someone else—possibly Doctor Doom.
Besides the Russos, it was said that Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy was considered for the part. Some fans have also been calling for other veteran Marvel directors like Sam Raimi to take a stab at the project.
With the past few years being used to set-up Kang the Conqueror as a character, a lot of fans think it’s best to just keep the focus on him and just go ahead with a recast. With so many series and movies just teasing how dangerous Kang is, it feels anticlimactic that he would be dropped and the focus would then go to another character who fans have barely seen.
Going back to the Russos though, it does feel like they’ve already did what they could with Endgame, and it feels like a step backwards for them creatively if they just decide to do another Avengers again. Plus, what does it say about Marvel that they’re too chicken to have someone else take on the helm for Avengers this time?
Avengers 5 is expected to release in May 1, 2026.
