As the wise, purple-faced Titan once kind of said, in a trailer at least, “Fun isn’t something one considers when balancing the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this does put a smile on our faces.” In the news, we can guarantee that absolutely none of us saw it coming. It looks like the MCU’s prodigal directorial sons, Anthony and Joe Russo, are finally priming for a spectacular return. A report in The Hollywood Reporter indicates that the team behind *Captain America: The Winter Soldier*, *Captain America: Civil War*, and the epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga with *Avengers: Infinity War* and *Avengers: Endgame* has begun preliminary talks to direct future Marvel projects.
The brothers Anthony and Joe Russo have made some of the most definitive and successful entries into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Having built their reputation by providing the REALLY intense character-driven narratives and really complicated plots of *The Winter Soldier* and *Civil War*, they cemented their position with the huge milestones that were *Infinity War* and *Endgame*, which together brought over ten years’ worth of interlocking narrative to a close with worldwide box office success unprecedented by any other film.
This must be welcome news to fans who have been keeping a keen eye on what could be the next step in the superhero franchise. The Russo brothers are not only well adapted to large-scale narratives and character arcs, but they have equally excelled at them. Their characteristic tight pace and emotionally resonating, action-packed storytelling set their mark across the Marvel Universe.
While the details of the new projects are yet to be disclosed, the fact that the Russos are going to be back in the MCU is, per se, very promising for the future of Marvel cinematic films. Optimism is thus high, given their record, that whatever they are working on will at least match the previous successes they pulled off with Marvel. That could mean new storylines or fresh characters, and even the continuation of some classic arcs from previous films.
The Russos have been pretty mum about what’s next for them since leaving Marvel, and in that time, they have dipped into numerous other projects. Among those were other genres and styles, from action thrillers to producing high-profile television series. This time off from the MCU will perhaps have refreshed them with new perspectives and creative ideas to return with.