The Russo Brothers say Marvel Studios is effectively starting over as Avengers: Doomsday ushers in a new era for the MCU.

The MCU Is Returning to “Phase Zero”

June 03, 2026 – Marvel Studios is preparing for a major reset. According to Avengers: Doomsday co-director Joe Russo, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is effectively “back to Phase Zero,” signaling a fresh beginning for the franchise as it heads into its next chapter.

Speaking during an appearance at SXSW London, Russo explained that Marvel’s approach to Doomsday is centered on creating a jumping-on point for both longtime fans and newcomers. Rather than requiring audiences to keep track of dozens of interconnected stories, the filmmakers want the upcoming Avengers movie to feel like the start of something entirely new.

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“Starting Over From Scratch”

Joe Russo described the philosophy behind the project as “starting over from scratch.” According to the filmmaker, the creative team wants viewers to feel that Avengers: Doomsday is laying the foundation for the future rather than simply continuing an increasingly complicated storyline.

The comments suggest Marvel is aware that the sprawling Multiverse Saga has become difficult for some viewers to follow. By treating Doomsday as a new beginning, the studio hopes to recapture some of the excitement and accessibility that defined the early days of the MCU.

A Response to Recent Marvel Struggles

Marvel Studios has experienced mixed results since the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame in 2019. While films such as Spider-Man: No Way Home and Deadpool & Wolverine proved successful, several projects received lukewarm responses from critics and audiences.

The franchise has also faced criticism over its increasingly interconnected storytelling and the sheer volume of movies and Disney+ series released in recent years. Many fans have argued that keeping up with the MCU has become more overwhelming than exciting. Russo’s comments suggest Marvel is actively trying to address those concerns.

Doctor Doom Is Leading the Next Chapter

One of the biggest changes involves the introduction of Doctor Doom as the saga’s central villain. In one of the most surprising casting decisions in Marvel history, Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU—not as Iron Man, but as Victor Von Doom.

The casting announcement shocked fans when it was revealed at San Diego Comic-Con in 2024. Downey’s return immediately elevated anticipation for Doomsday and indicated that Marvel was willing to take bold creative risks to redefine the franchise’s future.

Credit: Jesse Grant/Disney

The Russo Brothers Return to Marvel

Anthony and Joe Russo are no strangers to the Marvel universe. The directing duo previously helmed Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

Those four films are widely regarded as some of the strongest entries in the MCU, making their return particularly significant. Fans and industry observers alike see their involvement as a sign that Marvel is serious about restoring momentum after several uneven years.

A Massive Crossover Event Awaits

Avengers: Doomsday will bring together heroes from multiple universes. In addition to the Avengers and New Avengers from Earth-616, the film will feature the Fantastic Four and characters from Fox’s original X-Men universe.

Actors including Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, James Marsden, Alan Cumming, and Rebecca Romijn are expected to reprise their iconic roles, creating one of the largest crossover events in superhero movie history. The scale of the project has drawn comparisons to Infinity War and Endgame.

Marvel Wants New Fans to Feel Welcome

A key reason behind the “Phase Zero” approach is accessibility. Russo emphasized that viewers should not feel obligated to watch every previous MCU project in order to understand Doomsday.

That philosophy mirrors the strategy Marvel used during Phase One, when audiences could enjoy Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America individually before they eventually converged in The Avengers. By simplifying the experience, Marvel hopes to rebuild enthusiasm among casual moviegoers.

Credit: Marvel

Secret Wars Will Follow

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars following one year later in December 2027. Together, the two films are expected to conclude the Multiverse Saga while simultaneously setting the stage for whatever comes next.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has already confirmed that development on the franchise’s next saga is underway, meaning Doomsday may represent both an ending and a beginning.

Final Thoughts

Marvel’s declaration that it is returning to “Phase Zero” with Avengers: Doomsday reflects an acknowledgment that the MCU needs a fresh start. By simplifying the narrative, reuniting with the Russo Brothers, and introducing Doctor Doom as its next major villain, Marvel appears determined to recreate the sense of excitement that made the franchise a global phenomenon.

Whether the strategy succeeds remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Avengers: Doomsday is being positioned not just as another sequel, but as the beginning of a completely new era for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

FAQs

Q1. What does “Phase Zero” mean for Marvel?
According to Joe Russo, it means Marvel is essentially starting over and creating a fresh foundation for future stories.

Q2. Who is directing Avengers: Doomsday?
Anthony and Joe Russo are directing the film.

Q3. Who will play Doctor Doom?
Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom.

Q4. When will Avengers: Doomsday be released?
The film is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.

Q5. Will viewers need to watch every MCU project beforehand?
The Russo Brothers have indicated that the film is designed to be accessible to newcomers.