The Russo Brothers’ Love for James Bond: Will They Ever Direct the Next 007 Movie?

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter on March 14, 2025, directors Joe and Anthony Russo—known for their work on the Avengers series—addressed speculation about their potential involvement in directing the next James Bond film, tentatively titled Bond 26. The discussion comes at a pivotal moment in the Bond franchise, which has seen a shift in creative control to Amazon MGM Studios, following the departure of long-standing producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. The Russos, with their impressive track record in the action and superhero genre, have been frequently mentioned as potential candidates to helm the next chapter in the iconic spy franchise.

A Background in Blockbusters

The Russo brothers are no strangers to large-scale action films. With hits like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, their success in the superhero genre is unparalleled. Their directorial style, which blends intricate storytelling with high-octane action, has earned them a loyal following and made them key figures in Hollywood’s action film landscape.

Beyond the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Russos have ventured into other action-packed projects, including Amazon’s Citadel, a spy thriller series that premiered in 2023. The series shares thematic similarities with James Bond, further fueling speculation that the Russos could bring their unique expertise to the spy genre. Given their relationship with Amazon, which now controls the Bond franchise, the idea of them taking the reins for Bond 26 makes sense, especially as the studio embarks on a new era for 007.

Their Statement on Bond

When asked about their interest in directing a James Bond movie, Joe Russo was quick to clarify their current priorities. “We’re focused on the next two Avengers movies,” he explained, referring to Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), which are their top priorities in the immediate future. However, the Russos did leave the door open for future involvement with Bond. “We love Bond. We love working with Amazon,” Russo continued, hinting at the possibility of future collaboration. “We’ve got a number of projects at AGBO that we’re developing for us to direct right after the Avengers films.”

Their comment reflects a commitment to their current projects while acknowledging their affection for the Bond franchise. While the Russos are not in contention for Bond 26 at this time, their experience in action filmmaking and their strong connection to Amazon make them plausible candidates for the future.

The Current Focus: Avengers and Beyond

The Russo brothers’ attention is firmly set on concluding the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga. With Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027, respectively, the directors are fully immersed in these monumental projects. Their work on these films, which will feature the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, is expected to be one of the most significant cinematic events in recent years. Joe Russo recently expressed the importance of Downey’s preparation for the role, further underlining the scale of the Avengers films.

In addition to their Marvel commitments, the Russos have “several other projects” lined up at AGBO, their production company. This busy schedule means that the James Bond franchise is not a priority for them in the immediate future. However, their ongoing work with Amazon and their passion for the spy genre could open doors for future involvement in the Bond franchise.

A Bond-Inspired Connection

Despite their packed schedule, the Russos’ connection to Bond runs deep. Their work on Citadel—described as “very Bond-like” in some reports—reflects their clear admiration for the franchise. In an interview from April 2023, the directors revealed that Bond served as an inspiration for Citadel, a spy thriller filled with high stakes and intense action sequences. Their successful collaboration with Amazon on Citadel strengthens the possibility of them working on Bond in the future, given Amazon’s control over the franchise.

Implications for Bond 26

As of March 18, 2025, Bond 26 remains in early development, with no confirmed cast or storyline. Speculation about potential Bond actors, such as Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, continues to circulate, but the directorial seat is still up for grabs. While the Russos’ comments suggest they are not currently in contention for Bond 26, their impressive portfolio of action films and experience with large-scale narratives makes them an ideal fit for the franchise moving forward.

Their strong background in creating visually spectacular action sequences, combined with their expertise in balancing complex character arcs with explosive action, could be exactly what the Bond franchise needs to thrive in its next iteration. For now, fans will have to wait until after the Avengers saga concludes to see if the Russo brothers might take on the challenge of directing the world’s most famous secret agent.

In the meantime, the speculation surrounding Bond 26 continues, with many wondering who will step into the role of 007 and who will direct the next chapter of the iconic spy franchise.