Russo Brothers Say Avengers: Endgame Is Essential Viewing Before Doomsday

Los Angeles, August 27, 2026: Marvel fans may need to revisit one of the biggest films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe before watching the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo have indicated that watching Avengers: Endgame again will be important for audiences hoping to fully understand the story of the upcoming film. Joe Russo said the newly announced Endgame Encore re-release will help connect the events of the two Avengers movies.

The special theatrical release of Endgame will reportedly feature around four minutes of additional footage and a preview of Avengers: Doomsday. It is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on September 25, while Doomsday is set for release on December 18.

Joe Russo explained that the story will naturally continue from Endgame into Doomsday, while also incorporating developments from other Marvel projects released since 2019. Anthony Russo added that viewers who watched Endgame during its original theatrical run may not have expected the direction the new story is taking.

The re-release could also give Endgame another opportunity to challenge the box-office record. The 2019 blockbuster has earned approximately $2.79 billion worldwide, putting it within reach of Avatar, which remains ahead with around $2.9 billion in global earnings.

Meanwhile, Avengers: Doomsday is expected to bring together a huge ensemble of Marvel characters. Robert Downey Jr. will return to the MCU in a new role as Doctor Doom, alongside stars including Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd, Pedro Pascal, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh and several other major Marvel actors.

With Doomsday shaping up as one of Marvel’s biggest crossover events, the Russo brothers’ comments suggest that Endgame could once again become an important chapter for fans preparing for the next Avengers story.