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Avengers Infinity War news
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The gist
Robert Downey Jr. and Joe Russo discussed Infinity War's formula and Doomsday's challenges.
The crux: can Marvel recapture the Infinity War magic after years of mixed reception?
Background
Avengers: Infinity War (2018) was a blockbuster that ended with the heroes losing and Thanos erasing half of all life. Since then, Marvel Studios has struggled to match its success, with some projects like WandaVision well-received but others falling flat. As Avengers: Doomsday approaches, directed by the Russo brothers and starring Downey Jr., fans and creators are reflecting on what made Infinity War work and whether Doomsday can replicate it.
How it unfolded
- 2018Avengers: Infinity War released, shocking fans with a downbeat ending where Thanos succeeds.
- 2019Avengers: Endgame followed, with Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff sacrificing themselves; Marvel has since struggled to match these highs.
- Aug 21, 2026Disney+ released an official watchlist for Avengers: Doomsday, skipping Captain America: Civil War, which critics say is pivotal.
- Aug 24, 2026Robert Downey Jr. and Joe Russo discussed Infinity War's formula and Doomsday's challenges in interviews; Russo revealed Spider-Man's death scene was changed on the day of filming.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Marvel Studios is promoting Doomsday with a podcast and Infinity Vision theater re-releases, signaling confidence.
- Analysts
- Polygon argues the official watchlist's omission of Civil War will leave new viewers confused about the Avengers' fractured state.
- Expert
- Downey Jr. and Russo believe the 'only antidote' to Doomsday falling short is focusing on character and emotional stakes, as in Infinity War.