The Avengers: Endgame Strategy Returns? How Star Contracts May Be Shaping the MCU’s Future
The internet buzzes with every casting decision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fan theories proliferating faster than Infinity Stones after Thanos’s initial snap. But according to a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the reality behind assembling the next generation of Avengers might be less about narrative inspiration and more about contractual obligations and strategic talent management.
The Russo Brothers, the directorial duo behind some of the MCU’s most impactful entries like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, are slated to return to helm the next two Avengers tentpoles: Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. The anticipation is palpable, especially given the rumored plot twists and character arcs these films promise.
One of the most eyebrow-raising rumors circulating is the potential casting of Robert Downey Jr., the beloved Iron Man, as Doctor Doom. According to the original article, it’s being said that the Russo Brothers plan to bring him back. The idea of such a dramatic shift for an actor so deeply associated with a heroic role has fans in an uproar, contemplating the potential implications for the wider MCU narrative.
The article sheds light on the Russos’ history of taking creative risks, notably with Captain America: Civil War. Joe Russo recalled pitching Downey Jr., then the face of the MCU as Iron Man, the concept of playing the antagonist in a film that wasn’t even centered around his character. Downey Jr.’s willingness to embrace the "risk" was seen as a pivotal decision, one that ultimately paved the way for the dramatic events of Infinity War and Endgame.
However, it seems the way the team is managing characters is not always based on story ideas alone. To manage the massive ensemble casts of their MCU films, the Russos famously employed a rather unconventional method: baseball-style cards featuring each superhero. These cards, complete with information about the actors’ contracts and the number of films they were obligated to appear in, served as a visual aid for keeping track of the ever-growing roster of characters.
The Hollywood Reporter asked the Russos if they still used this system. Anthony Russo confirmed their continued reliance on the baseball cards. Joe Russo elaborated, stating that the cards now have magnets, allowing them to be placed on a board for easy viewing and strategic planning. He even joked that it’s "the only way to keep track of the amount of characters that we’re working with."
While Anthony Russo downplayed the financial aspect of this system, emphasizing the creative process of exploring story possibilities and identifying characters that best serve those narratives, the continued use of the baseball cards suggests that contracts and financial considerations still play a significant role in shaping the MCU’s direction.
The article raises an important question: is the MCU prioritizing character integration based on narrative needs, or is it driven by contractual obligations and financial incentives? The baseball card system, with its emphasis on tracking the number of appearances and presumably, the costs associated with each actor, suggests the latter.
The upcoming release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps this summer introduces a whole new set of characters into the MCU, further expanding the pool of potential players for future Avengers films. This begs the question: will the Russos continue to stack their films with as many star players as possible, or will they prioritize a more focused narrative with a smaller, more strategically chosen cast?
The potential pitfalls of overloading films with characters are evident. A bloated cast can dilute the narrative, hindering character development and sacrificing meaningful storytelling for spectacle. The question is whether the Russos and Marvel Studios will heed these lessons as they approach Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
The return of the Russo Brothers and the potential casting choices, particularly the rumored heel-turn for Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, indicate a willingness to take risks and challenge audience expectations. However, the article’s emphasis on the baseball card system and the role of contracts in shaping the MCU’s direction raises concerns about the creative integrity of the franchise.
Ultimately, the success of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars will depend on the Russos’ ability to strike a balance between fulfilling contractual obligations and crafting a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative. Whether they can successfully pull off this "card trick" on a grander scale remains to be seen, but fans will be watching closely when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters in 2026.
