OFFICIAL: The Russo brothers have shared the estimated movie length of the 2 upcoming AVENGERS movies. They also shared the role and power of Dr Doom
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is gearing up for its next monumental chapter, and fans are buzzing with anticipation following recent updates from directors Joe and Anthony Russo. The filmmaking duo, celebrated for their work on Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, have returned to helm two highly anticipated films: Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. In a revealing interview with Collider on March 5, 2025, the Russo brothers provided fresh insights into the runtime of these cinematic behemoths and shed light on the pivotal role of Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., in the unfolding Multiverse Saga. As of March 7, 2025, these updates have sent shockwaves through the fandom, promising an epic conclusion to years of storytelling.
The Russo brothers confirmed that Avengers: Doomsday, set to release on May 1, 2026, will clock in at approximately three hours, mirroring the runtime of their record-breaking Endgame, which sits at 181 minutes. Meanwhile, Avengers: Secret Wars, slated for May 7, 2027, is poised to push the boundaries even further with an estimated runtime of three and a half hours. If these projections hold, Secret Wars would eclipse Endgame to become the longest film in MCU history, a fitting choice given its role as the capstone of Phase Six and the Multiverse Saga. The brothers hinted that these extended lengths are necessary to accommodate the sprawling narratives and massive casts, drawing parallels to their previous Avengers outings—Infinity War at 149 minutes and Endgame at just over three hours—which balanced spectacle with emotional depth.
The decision to craft such lengthy films reflects the ambitious scope of the projects. Avengers: Doomsday will serve as the narrative bridge to Secret Wars, introducing Doctor Doom as the central antagonist following the sidelining of Kang the Conqueror after Jonathan Majors’ departure from the franchise. The Russo brothers described Doom’s role as both complex and radical, emphasizing that Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal will differ sharply from his iconic Tony Stark. Doom, they revealed, is not a straightforward villain but a figure driven by a twisted conviction that he alone can save the multiverse from collapse. His plan involves consolidating all realities into a single domain—Battleworld—under his iron rule, a concept rooted in Marvel Comics lore that promises a visually and thematically rich cinematic experience.
Doom’s power, as outlined by the Russos, is formidable yet nuanced. Unlike Thanos, whose strength lay in raw physical might and the Infinity Gauntlet, Doom’s dominance stems from his intellect, sorcery, and technological prowess. The brothers teased that his abilities will rival those of the MCU’s heaviest hitters, including Doctor Strange and the Scarlet Witch, positioning him as a threat capable of reshaping reality itself. This depiction aligns with comic book depictions of Victor von Doom as a genius dictator whose arrogance is matched only by his skill, making him a worthy adversary for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. The casting of Downey Jr., an Oscar winner fresh off Oppenheimer, adds an extra layer of intrigue, with the Russos praising his ability to bring depth to a character who could easily veer into caricature.
Filming for Avengers: Doomsday is set to begin in April 2025 in London, a shift from the Atlanta-based shoots of their earlier MCU films, with Secret Wars following in 2026. The extended runtimes suggest a packed roster, with confirmed appearances from the Fantastic Four—Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm—alongside Anthony Mackie’s Captain America and potentially Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange. Rumors also swirl about Chris Evans returning in some capacity, though he’s denied involvement. The Russos are keeping details under wraps, with Joe jokingly telling Collider that casting news will remain secret “until you go to the theater,” a nod to their strategy of filming largely on soundstages to thwart leaks.
The return of the Russo brothers, who delivered over $4.8 billion in box office earnings with Infinity War and Endgame, signals Marvel’s intent to recapture its past glory after a rocky few years. Their comments suggest a bold reinvention, with Doomsday poised to challenge audiences and Secret Wars aiming to unite the MCU’s sprawling threads into a climactic showdown. As production nears, the promise of three-hour-plus epics led by a reimagined Doctor Doom has fans counting the days until May 2026, when the next chapter of Marvel’s saga begins.
