Revolutionizing Entertainment: AGBO's Visionary Approach to Storytelling

In a captivating display of creative prowess, the artist-led independent studio AGBO, founded by the Russo brothers, took center stage in London. Executives from the company, including Chief Creative Officer Angela Russo-Otstot and Chief Marketing Officer Marian Koltai-Levine, shared insights into their upcoming series, film projects, and the expansion of the Citadel franchise. The discussion highlighted AGBO's commitment to developing immersive entertainment universes that transcend traditional boundaries, leveraging film, TV, games, and virtual experiences to captivate global audiences.

Blending Artistry, Technology, and Collaboration for Groundbreaking Storytelling

Returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe: A Homecoming with Lessons Learned

The Russo brothers, known for their acclaimed work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, have recently agreed to return and direct the next two Avengers movies, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. AGBO, serving as the producer on both projects, has evolved and expanded its team of executives and creatives over the years, making this return to the Marvel universe a natural progression. Angela Russo-Otstot emphasized that the Russos' founding of AGBO was driven by the valuable lessons they had learned during their decade-long tenure at Marvel, which they have now infused into the company's creative process and collaborative approach.

Expanding the Citadel Franchise: A Global Tapestry of Interconnected Stories

AGBO's focus extends beyond the Marvel realm, as the company is actively developing the Citadel franchise, which includes upcoming spin-offs set in Italy and India. The executives discussed the production of Season 2 of the original Citadel series, with Joe Russo directing, and the upcoming premieres of Citadel: Diana in Italy and Citadel: Honey Bunny in India. These international expansions showcase AGBO's commitment to creating a globally interconnected narrative that resonates with diverse audiences.

Blending Genres and Perspectives: The Bluff and the Russo Brothers' Directorial Vision

AGBO's creative vision extends beyond the realm of superheroes and franchises, as evidenced by their upcoming film, The Bluff. Starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Karl Urban, and a talented ensemble, The Bluff is a gritty period piece set in the 19th-century Caribbean, following a former female pirate who must protect her family from the sins of her past. Angela Russo-Otstot praised the project as an example of AGBO's collaboration with diverse creatives, highlighting Chopra's dual role as both a lead actor and a producer.

Exploring the Intersection of Humanity and Technology: The Electric State

AGBO's upcoming Netflix release, The Electric State, directed by the Russo brothers, delves into an imaginative alternate history set in the 1990s. The film, based on an illustrated novel by Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag, explores a world where service robots coexist with humans, leading to a conflict as the robots begin to question their purpose. Russo-Otstot praised the film's "incredible cast," which includes Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, and a host of renowned actors, and highlighted the nostalgic and brand-inspired elements woven into the robot characters.

Embracing Innovation: AGBO's Foray into Gaming and Virtual Production

AGBO's ambitions extend beyond traditional filmmaking, as the company has been actively developing a gaming slate, led by former Epic Games Chief Creative Officer Donald Mustard, who is now an AGBO partner. Additionally, the company has showcased its technological capabilities in innovative ways, such as collaborating with Robert Downey Jr. on his upcoming play, McNeal, where AGBO's virtual production team created a digital double of the actor to appear on stage.

Powering the Future of Entertainment: AGBO's Strategic Investments and Collaborations

AGBO's growth and expansion have been bolstered by a $400 million investment from Japanese video game maker Nexon Co., which valued the company at $1.1 billion and gave Nexon a 38% stake. This investment has enabled AGBO to explore new frontiers, including the development of its gaming slate and the integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance its storytelling capabilities.In a testament to AGBO's collaborative spirit and visionary approach, the company has forged strong partnerships with renowned creatives, such as Robert Downey Jr., who have entrusted AGBO with innovative projects that push the boundaries of traditional entertainment. As AGBO continues to evolve and expand its reach, the future of storytelling looks brighter than ever, with the Russo brothers and their talented team leading the charge.