Joe and Anthony Russo may return to direct Captain America 3

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Aside from Jon Favreau directing the first two IRON MAN movies, there has been a revolving door of filmmakers brought in to helm each subsequent film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In fact, the only repeat filmmaker is Joss Whedon with THE AVENGERS and the upcoming sequel. That pattern may change after the release of CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER.

Variety is reporting from sources that CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER directors Joe and Anthony Russo are currently developing an outline for the third film in the franchise and could potentially return to direct it. Test screenings have apparently done well enough that Disney and producer Kevin Feige are confident that the already assumed third film needs to be developed quickly. The other major Marvel franchise, THOR, is likely to have three different directors for each installment with Kenneth Branagh leaving after the first and Alan Taylor moving on to direct TERMINATOR: GENESIS.

Everything we have seen so far from CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER looks positive and presents a Marvel film unlike what we have seen so far. The conspiracy thriller vibe the Russos have touted since day one looks like a nice fit for the character and plot and a step in the right direction from the fun, pulp adventure of the Joe Johnston-directed first film by giving us something unique and not more of the same.  THE FIRST AVENGER was my favorite Phase One movie and I am glad that the sequel isn’t looking like a carbon copy. This is somewhat surprising as the Russos are best known for directing episodes of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT and COMMUNITY aside from their big screen efforts WELCOME TO COLLINWOOD and YOU, ME, AND DUPREE. Action didn’t seem to be their strong suit, but CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER looks to deliver.

While Marvel has no comment on the return of the siblings to the director’s seat, expect an announcement after CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER opens on April 4, 2014.