Russo Brothers Claim Avengers: Doomsday Starts From Scratch

The Russo brothers are doubling down on a bold promise for the next Avengers movie. Despite the film being the 39th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and boasting more than a dozen familiar faces from past chapters, Anthony and Joe Russo insist the project is not simply continuing the story. Instead, they say it is a complete reset.

In a new interview, the directors who previously guided Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame described their approach in clear terms. "Avengers: Doomsday is starting over from scratch," they stated. The brothers explained that the creative team is treating the movie as a fresh launch rather than the next installment in an ongoing saga. They want audiences to feel like they are stepping into something brand new, even as the broader MCU timeline stretches into its second decade.

Fan Reactions and the Scale of the MCU

That stance has raised eyebrows among fans. By the time Avengers: Doomsday reaches theaters, Marvel will have released dozens of films and series featuring interconnected characters, story arcs, and post-credit teases. The upcoming movie already lines up appearances from several established heroes, including Sam Wilson as Captain America, Thor, the Hulk, and members of the Fantastic Four and X-Men who have crossed over in recent projects. Insiders confirm at least fourteen actors from earlier MCU entries are expected to return in some capacity.

New Villain and Self-Contained Story

Yet the Russos argue the large cast does not mean business as usual. They point to a new central villain in Robert Downey Jr.'s Victor von Doom and a narrative that deliberately steps away from the multiverse-heavy plots of recent phases. The focus, they say, shifts toward a more grounded team-up story built around conflict, alliances, and consequences that stand on their own.

Production sources describe the script as intentionally self-contained. While it acknowledges past events where necessary, the filmmakers reportedly trimmed references to earlier films to avoid requiring viewers to have watched everything that came before. The goal is to deliver a blockbuster that works for both longtime fans and newcomers who might be jumping in for the first time.

Can the MCU Truly Start Over?

Whether this "from scratch" vision can actually deliver a clean break remains to be seen. Marvel's interconnected model has been its greatest strength and occasional burden, with each new release carrying the weight of decades of lore. The Russo brothers, however, sound confident they have found the right balance.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release in 2026. If the directors succeed, it could mark more than just another Avengers chapter. It might prove that even after 39 films, the MCU can still feel like a brand-new beginning.