The Russo Brothers’ New Empire: 7 Blockbuster Projects And Their Shocking MCU Future (2025 Update)

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The Russo Brothers, Anthony and Joe Russo, are not just directors; they are the architects of the modern cinematic event, having helmed four of the most critical and commercially successful films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As of late 2025, their creative output is shifting into an entirely new gear, moving beyond the immediate shadow of *Avengers: Endgame* to build a massive, multi-platform media empire through their production company, AGBO.

The duo has recently delivered a massive sci-fi spectacle to Netflix, while simultaneously confirming their highly anticipated return to direct the cornerstone films of the MCU’s Phase Six. This deep dive into their current slate, updated for late 2025, reveals a strategic focus on interconnected universes, massive global franchises, and nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.

Anthony and Joe Russo: A Comprehensive Profile

The Russo Brothers, Anthony J. Russo and Joseph Vincent Russo, are American filmmakers whose collaborative partnership has defined a generation of blockbuster cinema and critically acclaimed television.

  • Anthony J. Russo: Born February 3, 1970 (Age 55 as of late 2025).
  • Joseph Vincent Russo: Born July 18, 1971 (Age 54 as of late 2025).
  • Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio.
  • Education: Both attended Case Western Reserve University, where they began their directing careers.
  • Early Career Breakthrough: Their independent film *Pieces* was seen by director Steven Soderbergh, who subsequently produced their next film, *Welcome to Collinwood* (2002).
  • Television Success: They became revered for their work on groundbreaking comedy series, including directing the pilot episode and several key installments of *Arrested Development* (winning an Emmy for the pilot) and the cult favorite *Community*.
  • MCU Legacy: They directed four films for Marvel Studios: *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* (2014), *Captain America: Civil War* (2016), *Avengers: Infinity War* (2018), and *Avengers: Endgame* (2019), with the latter becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
  • Current Company: Co-founders of AGBO (Anthony, Joe, and Mike Larocca).

The AGBO Universe: New Releases and Confirmed Blockbusters

Since stepping away from the MCU after *Endgame*, the Russo Brothers have focused on building AGBO, a studio dedicated to creating new intellectual property (IP) and interconnected stories. This strategy has already paid massive dividends with the *Extraction* and *The Gray Man* franchises, and 2025 marks a major milestone with the release of their long-anticipated sci-fi epic.

1. The Electric State (Netflix, March 2025)

One of their biggest non-Marvel directorial efforts, *The Electric State*, premiered on Netflix on March 14, 2025. This ambitious science fiction adventure film is based on the graphic novel by Simon Stålenhag and stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt. The film follows a teenage girl and her robotic companion as they travel across a retro-futuristic American West. Early interviews from late 2025 suggest the brothers have designed the world in a way that could "further explore" its setting, hinting at a potential franchise.

2. The Extraction Franchise: Mercenary & Extraction 3

The *Extraction* series, produced by AGBO and starring Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake, has become one of Netflix's most successful action franchises. While *Extraction 3* is highly anticipated, the focus in 2025 has been on the expansion of the universe. AGBO is reportedly in production on a related film titled *Mercenary: An Extraction*, suggesting a broader, interconnected world of black-ops agents. Director Sam Hargrave, who helmed the first two films, has provided updates regarding the filming plan for *Extraction 3*, with production rumored to have been scheduled for early 2025, though a 2026 release is now more likely.

3. The Gray Man Sequel and Spin-offs

Following the success of *The Gray Man* (2022), which starred Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, AGBO has confirmed plans for a sequel and a potential spin-off universe. The brothers view this as another key piece of their IP strategy, focusing on high-stakes, globe-trotting espionage thrillers that can sustain multiple interconnected stories across film and television.

The Shocking MCU Return: Directing Phase Six’s Cornerstones

After a five-year hiatus following *Endgame*, the Russo Brothers have been "re-activated" by Marvel Studios to direct the two films that will conclude the Multiverse Saga and define the future of the MCU. This is arguably the most significant news of their career since their original Marvel debut, confirming their status as the go-to directors for the franchise's biggest events.

4. Avengers: Doomsday (2026)

Slated for release on December 18, 2026, *Avengers: Doomsday* marks a crucial turning point in the MCU, pivoting away from the Multiverse concept and dealing with the fallout of previous events. AGBO is producing this film, and the brothers have already provided brief comments and teaser material, generating immense fan speculation.

5. Avengers: Secret Wars (2027)

The final film of the Multiverse Saga, *Avengers: Secret Wars*, is set to open in 2027 and will be directed by the Russo Brothers. This film is expected to be an even larger, more complex culmination event than *Endgame*, uniting characters from across the entire Marvel cinematic and television history. The brothers have stated in recent interviews that their break after *Endgame* was necessary to gain perspective on where to take the franchise next, indicating they have a fresh vision for this massive project.

Nurturing New Talent and Future IP

Beyond their tentpole franchises, the Russo Brothers are deeply committed to fostering new talent and diverse voices through AGBO’s initiatives, ensuring a continuous pipeline of fresh intellectual property.

6. The Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum (RBIAFF)

In 2025, AGBO announced the winner of the annual Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum, a key initiative that supports emerging Italian American filmmakers. This forum underscores their commitment to their heritage and to giving back to the community that shaped their early careers in Cleveland, Ohio.

7. AGBO's Creative Partnership Slate

AGBO is constantly developing new projects, often referred to as "building a new universe" by Hollywood insiders. Their slate includes numerous projects with Mike Larocca and Todd Makurath, focusing on innovative storytelling across different genres. This includes the development of projects based on various video game and comic book properties, ensuring that the AGBO brand remains synonymous with high-concept, high-budget global entertainment.

the russo brothers
the russo brothers

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