The Russo brothers have accumulated an unthinkable amount of income for Marvel Studios and Disney after directing Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War —second and fifth highest-grossing films in history, respectively—. Now with the increasing rumors about Avengers 5, both have stated that they would be open to returning to the controls of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

They explained it during an interview with the Associated Press. When asked about the possibility of returning to Marvel, they replied: “We are always open to returning. We are very fond of all the people who work there. Kevin [Feige], Louis [D’Esposito], Victoria [Alonso], the actors. Although we are now focused on AGBO, and our plate is full, never say never. With the right stories, the right arcs, and the right timing, we would work with them again.”

Then, when asked if they would be interested in directing a new version of the X-Men, Joe Russo replies: “Wolverine is one of my favorite superheroes, I read his comics when I was little and I still have them as some of my most prized possessions […] ] Of course it would be a super fun project to tackle and find a new way to tell stories. But we understand that it is something that Kevin has put on hold for now to have the opportunity to introduce new characters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”

"We're always open to it." The Russo brothers discuss whether they'd make another Marvel movie — and the possibility of creating a new adventure for the X-Men. pic.twitter.com/5sSFoYEEj7
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) July 1, 2022

Avengers 5 and the future after Avengers: Endgame

The fourth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has the titanic task of finding ways to introduce new stories, new characters, and new conflicts that will overshadow the long battle against Thanos and the Infinity Saga. It is a great challenge of making Avengers 5. After the introduction of elements such as the multiverse, alternative versions of superheroes that we already know. The first appearance of Khan, the Conqueror, and the Skrull, an alien race capable of transforming other people, everything indicates that we are heading to an audiovisual version of the Secret Wars or Secret Wars. In the comics, it was a very successful 12-issue limited series from 1984-1985.

For the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the multiverse will play a big part in very powerful villains. Including Doctor Doom, as well as Khan, who we already saw in the last episode of the first season of Loki. Avengers 5 could very well develop the biggest point of confrontation between the Avengers and these new characters.

In the past, the communications of entrances and exits of actors or directors to the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been done in a very subtle way. With little clues about a not entirely certain future. That was how, for example, Chris Evans began to suggest that he would leave the role of Steve Rogers. And as he has said again that perhaps in the future he will interpret it again – aligned with rumors of his return -. It is not clear, nor are there rumors about possible participation in Avengers 5.

Similarly, the Russo brothers could begin a subtle but clear communication of their imminent return. On some other occasions, they have expressed their desire to direct a film version of the Secret Wars. This could be the perfect opportunity if Avengers 5 becomes a reality. Above all, if the plot arc is related to what we have already seen in the comics. Whether or not it happens, there are still a few years to go before the Avengers 5 project is announced. It will most likely be during the fifth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and around 2025. By that time the new X-Men and Fantastic Four will have been introduced.