Ever since Jon Favreau's Iron Man, Marvel Studios has always recruited top-tier talent both in front and behind the camera of all of its projects. The consistently high bar of quality across the entire MCU has proven to be a key factor in its ongoing success, and a big part of that comes down to the directors.
Marvel Studios and Disney have taken many risks over the years, but one of their most profitable has proven to be recruiting the directors of NBC sitcom Community to direct Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
After releasing the political thriller sequel to critical acclaim and box office success, the Russo Brothers quickly became one of Marvel's biggest assets. The duo has since gone on to direct Civil War, as well as the Infinity Saga's climactic chapters, Infinity War and Endgame.
With the MCU's first saga of storytelling now at an end, many had speculated the Russos were ready to part ways with Marvel in favor of other projects. However, it seems Joe and Anthony Russo aren't quite ready to close the doors yet as they seem to be in negotiations for another MCU outing.
Joe Russo Discusses Possible Marvel Return
In a recent interview with Variety, Avengers: Endgame co-director Joe Russo offered a brief comment on reports he and his directing partner Anthony Russo are in talks for another Marvel Studios project.
When asked about the potential of making a Marvel return, Russo played coy on the topic as “it would be inappropriate for [him] to comment on a deal if we were in the middle of it.”
Following Scarlett Johansson's lawsuit against Disney over her Black Widow payment, The Wall Street Journal reported the Russo Brothers' negotiations with the House of Mouse had hit a standstill. But with the lawsuit now settled, perhaps the door may be open to resuming talks.
Russo went on to offer his own thoughts on the resolution between Johansson and Disney, saying that it “speaks volumes about the respect for artists moving forward” as the industry continues to shift.
“I’m glad that the lawsuit’s resolved. I do think it was indicative of the significant change that’s been happening. The resolution speaks volumes about the respect for artists moving forward in this changing landscape.”
What's Next for the Russos at Marvel?
As of now, it remains unclear what project Marvel Studios is negotiating with the Russo Brothers to take on. After Infinity War and Endgame proved to be global phenomenons and broke many box office records, it wouldn't be surprising if the studio wanted them back for the inevitable Avengers 5.
The directing duo has clearly showcased their ability to handle massive ensemble casts of characters in a way that every hero has a memorable role to play. Given this experience, the Russos could be an excellent choice for the MCU's X-Men reboot which is rumored to be in the works under the title of The Mutants.
Since this project has been confirmed with no cast or crew yet attached, Marvel and Disney are likely in the process of recruiting talent for the reboot.
While the Russo Brothers eventually ended up directing the Infinity Saga's two climactic blockbusters, it's important to remember they first got started at Marvel with Captain America: The Winter Soldier. With the political thriller generally regarded as one of the best solo flicks in the MCU, perhaps the directors may be looking to take a stab at another hero.
Joe Russo has spoken before about the impact Wolverine has had on him and even offered his input on how the MCU's adamantium mutant should differ from past iterations. Perhaps a Wolverine solo film, if Marvel Studios was looking to separate him from the rest of the mutants this time around, could be a fitting project for the brothers.
Whatever the case, it sounds as if the Russo Brothers' return to Marvel is far from a done deal that could still fall through. However, it's exciting news to hear they are interested in coming back for more projects. Fans will likely be waiting some time for any specific announcements on what project they are circling with 2022's San Diego Comic-Con or D23 being two possible candidates for any insane news.
For now, all the Russo Brothers' past Marvel outings are streaming now on Disney+.
