Since the release of Avengers: Endgame in 2019, Joe and Anthony Russo have fielded countless questions about whether they would return to Marvel Studios. The sibling directors, known for their work on some of the highest-grossing films of all time, have remained noncommittal, often saying they were “always talking” with Marvel. But now, Joe Russo has given a definitive answer: They won’t be ready to return until the end of the decade.
Instead of diving back into the MCU, the Russos have focused on their own production company, AGBO, an independent studio they founded in 2017 with producer Mike Larocca. AGBO’s mission is ambitious—to help shape the future of entertainment by embracing new technology, global storytelling, and unconventional partnerships.
Their innovative approach has earned them Variety’s Showmen of the Year honor.
Building a New Entertainment Ecosystem with AGBO
Since its inception, AGBO has sought to redefine Hollywood’s traditional studio model. One of its key moves was partnering with South Korean gaming giant Nexon, which acquired a minority stake in AGBO in 2022, valuing the company at $1.1 billion.
The Russos have also made bold moves in the film industry, backing groundbreaking projects like “Everything Everywhere All at Once”, which became A24’s highest-grossing film with $101 million worldwide.
On the streaming front, AGBO has established itself as a force in franchise filmmaking. They developed Netflix’s The Gray Man, which has both a sequel and a prequel in the works. They’re also behind Amazon’s $185 million spy series Citadel, which is launching spin-offs in India and Italy.
Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke praised AGBO’s ability to execute large-scale ideas:
“Their ability to build a global franchise, and to put their arms around big, ambitious ideas that might be overwhelming to others, creatively or logistically, is really their sweet spot.”
Hollywood’s Evolution and the Decline of Theatrical Dominance
While Avengers: Endgame shattered records with a $1.2 billion opening weekend, Joe Russo believes such box office success will never happen again. He sees it as the peak of a certain era of theatrical filmmaking.
“We already felt the winds shifting when we started AGBO,” Joe explains.
Instead, the Russos are preparing for a digital-first future, where traditional movie theaters play a smaller role. They predict advancements in AI, virtual reality, and interactive storytelling will reshape how audiences engage with content.
Joe gives a hypothetical example:
“Imagine sitting at home, watching a movie, and being able to ask an AI-powered Tom Cruise to explain how a scene was filmed. At that point, everything changes.”
This perspective has sparked controversy, especially among film purists. But the Russos stand by their belief that entertainment must evolve to meet audience habits.
“Don’t let a very vocal minority tell you what kind of stories you can tell,” Joe says. “You can have success telling any story you want.”
What’s Next for the Russo Brothers?
Currently, the Russos are deep into production on “The Electric State”, a sci-fi film for Netflix starring Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown. The film is based on Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated novel and expands AGBO’s strategy of building multi-layered storytelling universes.
With Hollywood undergoing rapid change, the Russos believe staying adaptable is the key to survival. AGBO remains independent, allowing them to pivot between films, TV series, gaming, and other emerging mediums.
“All possibilities are always available to us,” says Anthony. “There’s nothing that’s off the table.”
While they have no immediate plans to return to Marvel, the Russos haven’t ruled it out. When the time is right—and when they feel creatively inspired—they might once again step into the world of superheroes.
Until then, they remain focused on shaping the future of entertainment on their own terms.
Be sure to follow E-Man’s Movie Reviews on Facebook, Subscribe on YouTube, or follow me on Twitter/IG @EmansReviews for even more movie news and reviews!
