"Just didn’t have a story”: When the Russo brothers initially said no to Robert Downey Jr. on directing the upcoming Avengers films

What's new in the world of the Avengers? For years, Anthony Russo and Joe Russo were key players at Marvel Studios, steering some of the most defining moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). More than delivering box office smashes and critical darlings, they crafted the emotional backbone of the "Infinity Saga". That’s why fans were stunned to learn that the duo had initially rejected a pitch involving Robert Downey Jr., a linchpin of the MCU, despite their deep ties with the franchise.

Their hesitation had nothing to do with money or missed chances. Instead, it boiled down to something Hollywood rarely pauses for: a story that truly mattered.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

The “No” that Resounded through the Multiverse

The bombshell dropped during a recent chat with The Playlist published on March 21, 2025. Joe Russo stated that shortly after Avengers: Endgame (2019) was wrapped up, Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, came up with an ambitious plan: helm two new Avengers films (Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars) with Downey Jr. returning, not as Iron Man, but as Victor Von Doom, Marvel’s legendary villain. While intrigued by the twist, the brothers dug in their heels. “We just didn’t have a story,” Joe admitted. “Without a rock-solid concept, why bother?”

Caution is not new for them. Even as Marvel stalwarts, the Russos are known for taking up projects that push boundaries. Take The Gray Man (2022), a Netflix spy thriller, or their upcoming sci-fi passion project The Electric State (backed by their studio, AGBO). Both prove they’d rather risk being original than coast on the franchise's fumes.

From Underdogs to Architects

The Marvel journey of the Russo brothers kicked off with Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), a genre-bending mix of political thriller and superhero action that defied expectations. Then came Civil War (2016), Infinity War (2018), and Endgame (2019), the last one raking in $2.7 billion and cementing their legacy as filmmakers.

What set them apart from the staple Hollywood superhero films wasn’t just spectacle, but soul. The Russos, alongside writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, would weave emotional stakes into these universe-altering plots. It’s why McFeely’s late-night “aha moment” months after their initial refusal became the turning point.

“Stephen blindsided us with this radical spin on Doom and the multiverse,” Anthony recalled. “It felt urgent, like catching lightning in a bottle.”

Downey’s Dark Turn: a Stroke of Genius or Madness for the Avengers Franchise?

The notion of Downey Jr. as Doom wasn’t some boardroom stunt. Insiders say the actor himself pitched the idea, itching to swap Stark’s snark for Doom’s moral grayness. After spending a decade as Marvel’s golden boy, Downey is set to play a role where redemption isn’t guaranteed.

For many Avengers fans, Stark’s Endgame sacrifice felt like a closure, but Doom seems to offer a twisted second act. For the Russos, the appeal was not nostalgia but complexity. “Great villains see themselves as heroes,” Joe stressed. “Downey gets how to make tyranny almost… sympathetic.”

Marvel’s Midlife Crisis

Post-Endgame, the MCU struggled to recapture its magic. Disney+ shows, new heroes, and timeline tangles have left its audiences overwhelmed. Even hits like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Loki have not been able to replicate the Infinity Saga’s tight-knit urgency.

Enter the multiverse, Marvel’s Hail Mary. Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars aim to tie these threads into a reportedly cohesive (and chaotic) climax. The Russos’ return isn’t just about fixing plot holes; it’s a bid to reignite the particular emotional investment that Marvel films have seen in their viewers over the years. “Secret Wars needs to hurt like Endgame did,” an insider noted. “No stakes, no payoff.”

Why Doom Matters Now

Doom’s arrival isn’t just a fan service. As Marvel integrates Fox’s X-Men and Fantastic Four, the tyrant could bridge old and new eras. Imagine Downey’s face masking Doom’s Machiavellian mind, a literal and metaphorical shift from Stark’s altruism to darker, divisive ideals.

“This isn’t about recycling Tony,” Anthony clarified. “It’s about asking, ‘What if the guy who saved the world becomes the one tearing it apart?’”

The Art of Refusal

Walking away from Marvel might sound like career suicide, but the Russos call it “creative hygiene.” “You can’t yes-man your way to good storytelling,” Joe argued. “Saying ‘no’ forced us, and Marvel to dig deeper.”

It’s a gamble that mirrors Hollywood’s wider superhero fatigue. More than Easter eggs, audiences now look for substance in movies The Russos have bet that Doom’s layered conflict, not just flashy CGI battles, would anchor the Multiverse Saga.

What’s Next in Avengers?

While details are under wraps, Avengers: Doomsday is eyeing a 2025 shoot for a 2027 release, with Secret Wars closing the arc in 2028. Between Marvel duties, the Russos continue nurturing indie projects via AGBO, proving they’re not just franchise-hired guns.

The Final Cut

The Russos’ initial “no” wasn’t a rejection - it was a call for better storytelling. Their return, fueled by Downey’s risky reinvention and a multiverse on the brink, could redefine the MCU’s next decade. As Joe put it: “Legacies aren’t built on safe choices. They’re built on stories that demand to exist.”