Joe Russo Says ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Rerelease Is Essential Before ‘Doomsday’

Marvel fans may want to revisit Avengers: Endgame in theaters before watching Avengers: Doomsday, according to director Joe Russo.

In a recent Fandango interview, Russo said the upcoming rerelease, Avengers: Endgame – Encore, is “required viewing” because it will help connect the story of Endgame with Doomsday.

“There’s a natural progression from Endgame into Doomsday,” Russo said, adding that the rerelease will provide a direct link between the two films.

Endgame: Encore returns to theaters on Sept. 25 with new material, including a special introduction, additional footage and an end tag. Joe Russo previously confirmed that some of the new footage is set within the story of Doomsday.

The rerelease is also expected to give Endgame another chance to challenge Avatar for the title of highest-grossing movie of all time.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to arrive in theaters on Dec. 18. The film will feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, marking his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Tony Stark’s death in Endgame. Chris Evans is also returning after previously appearing to conclude Steve Rogers’ story.

Evans said he only became interested in returning after learning that Downey Jr. would be part of the film. He said Joe Russo’s pitch then convinced him that the project was the right opportunity to return.