- Multiple outlets have reported that the Russo brothers are in talks to return to Marvel.
- So-called “superhero movie fatigue” is causing a crisis in the film industry.
- The Russo brothers might be just what the superhero industry needs to revive itself.
The Russo Brothers, the directorial duo behind the $4 billion movie The blockbusters “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame” may come back to save Marvel.
On Wednesday, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline and Variety, citing anonymous sources, reported that Joe and Anthony Russo are in talks to direct the next two “Avengers” films.
Ever since Destin Daniel Cretton stepped down as director of Avengers 5 in November 2023, Marvel has struggled to choose a new director to helm its most profitable film franchise.
If the Russo brothers decide to return, it could be a major win for Marvel Studios, which has struggled to retain audiences around the world in recent years as fans have turned away from superhero movies.
Fans have been increasingly critical of the Marvel franchise, ranging from the quality of the CGI to superhero fatigue caused by the speed at which movies and Disney+ shows are being churned out.
Deadline estimates that the company's most recent slate, 2023's Marvels, has seen its box office take drop by $237 million, signaling waning interest. Warner Bros.' superhero movies have also struggled to do well at the theater.
Additionally, Jonathan Majors, who was set to play the Thanos-level villain Khan in the upcoming films, was convicted of assaulting a former girlfriend in 2023, forcing Marvel to rethink its plans for the franchise.
Marvel Studios is attempting to get back on track by slowing down the release schedule and appearing to be changing Kang out of his role as the main villain in future films.
Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, originally scheduled for a 2026 release, has been renamed Avengers 5, while the 2027 sequel will still be titled Avengers: Secret Wars.
The Russo Brothers may be able to take this once-beloved franchise back to the top, with their first Marvel movie, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, widely regarded as one of the best superhero movies in the franchise.
They also directed Marvel's most recent two-part “Avengers” movies, which are currently the second and sixth highest-grossing films of all time.
Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at analytics firm ComScore, told Business Insider in an email that the Russo brothers could be “the cure for superhero fatigue.”
“Sit at the intersection of art and commerce are the Russo Brothers, who are planning two $2 billion global theatrical releases with 'Endgame' still (and forever) holding the record for the biggest opening weekend of all time with $1.2 billion,” Dergarabedian said.
“Given the uneven box office, critical and audience response of the MCU in the post-pandemic era, an Avengers film directed by the Russo brothers would essentially provide a reversal of Thanos' revenge by reuniting the MCU and kickstarting a new and exciting Marvel renaissance,” he added.
The Russo Brothers' partnership with Marvel Studios could be just what the superhero industry needs to revive itself.
Representatives for Marvel Studios and the Russo brothers did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.
