IN 2019, the Russo Brothers seemed to be unstoppable. After directing Avengers: Endgame, Joe and Anthony Russo established their own production company and parted ways with Marvel. Did they, or didn’t they?
It didn’t take long for fans and media to start asking the Russos what project would entice them to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They told Inverse in 2019 that they wouldn’t mind directing an episode of Moon Knight, but in other interviews, they indicated interest in one of the most famous comic book crossovers of all time: Secret Wars.
“It would be the greatest movie you could possible conceive,” Anthony Russo remarked at the time. “That’s what really thrills us about the plot – the ambition of it is even larger than the ambition of the Infinity Saga.”
Were they merely guessing, or did they have knowledge that the rest of us didn’t?
SECRET WARS IN AVENGERS 5?
Of course, Marvel’s timetable has moved somewhat, but Murphy revealed on May 25, 2022, that the mysterious picture in question was, in fact, Secret Wars. But, before you get too excited, he adds that, owing to many delays in recent years, the next Avengers film will not be released in May 2024.
Murphy is certain that Secret Wars will take place at some point, and Marvel definitely looks to be headed in that route following Doctor Strange 2 and all of its mention of “incursions.” However, much has changed in the previous several years. The MCU is now tying together a few loose ends that might lead to the next Avengers film, including the prospect of a Young Avengers team-up. Could that plotline take the place of Secret Wars?
Whatever Marvel has in store, it’s interesting to note that the company originally looked sure it could pull off its next major crossover by May 2024. That seems exceedingly improbable today, but maybe we shouldn’t rule it out just yet. After all, we’re due for a major MCU announcement, and San Diego Comic-Con is rapidly approaching.
One thing is certain: if Secret Wars gets made into a film, the Russo Brothers will be the first in line to helm it.
