The Russo brothers do not view "Avengers: Doctor Doom" as an attempt to fix all the problems of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with one film. During an interview with the Associated Press, Anthony Russo was asked if the new crossover should clean up the franchise after several ambiguously received projects.
"That's part of the unique challenge. In collaborating with Marvel, we've always appreciated that our job is not to be responsible for the entire cinematic universe. We intersect with it at a specific point, and there we can sort everything out."
At the same time, the directors have repeatedly made it clear that the events of "Doctor Doom" will seriously change the MCU. In May, Joe Russo called the film a "complete reimagining" and stated that viewers do not expect its events, tone, or themes:
"I think audiences completely don't expect what will happen in the film. I hope it will be another profound shift in this ongoing story."
At the SXSW London festival, the brothers also called "Doctor Doom" a return to "phase zero" and a fresh start. The film premieres on December 18, 2026.