Russo Brothers Won't Direct Phase 6 Avengers Movies, Kevin Feige Confirms

Feige added, "We love [the Russo Brothers], they love us. We want to find something to do together, that's not it." This suggests that the Russos could return to the MCU, but not for this specific project.

There's no denying that Joe and Anthony Russo played a significant role in shaping the MCU as we know it. The Russo Brothers directed the highest-grossing MCU film of all time, 'Avengers: Endgame', as well as 'Avengers: Infinity War', 'Captain America: Civil War' and 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' ​​- which were huge money generators.

Given their background, it may come as a surprise that they didn't return for 'The Kang Dynasty' and 'Secret Wars', but it seems to have been their choice. As Deadline previously reported, the Russos are reluctant to take on the daunting task of not only adapting an iconic comic book storyline they love, but following their record-breaking "Avengers" films. Said Joe Russo, speaking on behalf of himself and his brother:

"The only show we loved growing up was 'Secret Wars.' It's incredibly ambitious. It would be bigger than 'Infinity War' and 'Endgame.' were very difficult to make. So, try to imagine making two more movies even bigger than those two?"

That's a lot of pressure, even for industry veterans like the Russos. There are very few filmmakers who have managed to follow up a massive pop culture-defining film with an equally acclaimed (let alone superior) follow-up - there's a reason Steven Spielberg doesn't make sequels (a few rare exceptions, of course). Add to that the pressure that comes with adapting a story you're living through, and it's no wonder they aren't committed to the project.