The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is gearing up for its next colossal chapter with Avengers: Doomsday, and the latest updates from directors Joe and Anthony Russo have fans buzzing with anticipation. Known for helming some of the MCU’s most celebrated films—including Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame—the Russo Brothers are once again set to deliver a sprawling superhero epic. As of March 3, 2025, reports circulating on platforms like X indicate that Avengers: Doomsday will clock in at over three hours, mirroring the runtime of Endgame, which captivated audiences for 181 minutes in 2019. Alongside this ambitious scope, the Russos have also begun to peel back the curtain on the pivotal role of Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., offering a glimpse into what could be one of Marvel’s most ambitious films yet.

The news of a three-hour-plus runtime first emerged from posts on X, with fans and insiders alike speculating about the scale of Doomsday. This aligns with the Russo Brothers’ track record of crafting expansive narratives that weave together dozens of characters and intricate plotlines. Endgame, with its three-hour duration, managed to balance action, emotion, and a satisfying conclusion to the Infinity Saga, grossing over $2.79 billion worldwide. The decision to aim for a similar length with Doomsday suggests that the filmmakers are unafraid to go big, likely packing the film with multiversal mayhem, returning heroes, and the introduction of Doctor Doom as a towering threat. Given the complexity of the Multiverse Saga and the need to tie up loose ends from Phase 5 while setting the stage for Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, a lengthy runtime feels almost necessary to do justice to the story.

Speaking of Doctor Doom, the Russo Brothers have recently shed light on how Robert Downey Jr.’s iteration of the character will fit into the MCU. Announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2024, Downey’s casting as Victor Von Doom—following his iconic tenure as Tony Stark—marked a seismic shift for the franchise. During a recent interview tied to their Netflix film The Electric State, the Russos hinted that Doom will be more than just a one-dimensional villain. Joe Russo described Doom as “a multifaceted force,” suggesting that his role will blend intellectual prowess, mystical power, and a deeply personal vendetta. This aligns with the character’s comic book roots, where Doom is a genius inventor, sorcerer, and ruler of Latveria, often driven by a twisted sense of nobility rather than pure malice.

The Russos’ comments indicate that Doom will serve as the linchpin of Avengers: Doomsday, potentially orchestrating a multiversal crisis that forces the Avengers to confront their greatest challenge yet. Unlike Thanos, whose motivations in Infinity War and Endgame were rooted in a warped utilitarian philosophy, Doom’s agenda could be more self-serving yet equally catastrophic. Concept art leaked earlier this month—shared across fan sites and credited to Marvel artist Mushk Rizvi—depicts Downey’s Doom in a sleek, menacing suit, hinting at a design that merges his comic-accurate aesthetic with a modern MCU twist. Reports also suggest that Doom hails from an alternate universe, possibly tying into the Fantastic Four’s introduction in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (set for July 2025), which could establish his origins before Doomsday ramps up the stakes.

A runtime exceeding three hours provides the Russo Brothers ample space to flesh out Doom’s character while juggling a massive ensemble. Benedict Cumberbatch has confirmed Doctor Strange’s return, and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man is widely expected to appear, alongside newer heroes like Anthony Mackie’s Captain America and the Young Avengers hinted at in recent leaks. The film’s scope may even allow for surprise cameos—perhaps Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord or Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine—given Joe Russo’s coy remark to Deadline that “anybody in the Marvel bag could show up.” This multiversal free-for-all could mirror the chaotic, crowd-pleasing energy of Endgame’s final battle, but with the added twist of facing a villain who once wore the face of a hero.

Production for Avengers: Doomsday is set to begin in London in April 2025, with the Russo Brothers shooting it back-to-back with Avengers: Secret Wars. This ambitious schedule underscores their commitment to delivering a cohesive two-part saga, much like they did with Infinity War and Endgame. Joe Russo has teased that the films will “challenge audiences,” promising a “radical” approach that pushes the MCU into uncharted territory. A three-hour runtime could mean extended action sequences—imagine Doom unleashing his sorcery-enhanced tech against a multiversal Avengers lineup—or deeper emotional beats, perhaps exploring the psychological weight of Downey’s heroic past clashing with his villainous present.

As Avengers: Doomsday approaches its May 1, 2026 release, the Russo Brothers seem poised to replicate the magic of Endgame while reinventing the MCU’s formula. A runtime over three hours signals confidence in their vision, offering room to honor the franchise’s past, introduce Doctor Doom as a game-changing force, and set up the Multiverse Saga’s climax. If they pull it off, Doomsday could be another cultural milestone—one where the shadow of Doom looms large, and the Avengers’ battle feels bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever before.