SXSW London got a little more Latverian this year.

The 2nd annual SXSW London became a showcase for storytelling both on and off the screen. Across the week, AGBO brought together filmmakers, creators, and fans through conversations about the future of world-building, a special Avengers: Infinity War screening with surprise appearances from cast members, exclusive interviews, and even a temporary Latverian takeover of a local London café. From coffee cups to packed theaters, the week offered a look at how stories can travel across mediums, communities, and experiences.

A TASTE OF LATVERIA

Before the panels, screenings, and surprise appearances, AGBO kicked off the week by taking over the Flying Horse Café and transforming it into a temporary outpost of Doctor Doom's kingdom. Festival-goers walking in for their morning coffee were greeted by custom menus, themed drinks, Latverian messaging, and special edition coffee bags from Happy Coffee. It was equal parts coffee shop and world-building exercise—a playful way to bring the mythology of Avengers: Doomsday into the real world. For a few days, London belonged to Latveria.

THE CONVERSATION STARTS

The week also included a sit-down interview with CBR featuring Joe Russo and Robert Downey Jr., which will be released soon.

BUILDING WORLDS WITH VARIETY

That conversation continued on stage as Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, and Donald Mustard joined Variety for a featured SXSW London panel.

The discussion explored what it takes to build worlds that audiences don't just watch, but participate in. Drawing from experiences across film, gaming, and technology, the trio discussed how storytelling is evolving beyond a single medium and becoming something more connected, interactive, and expansive.

It was a fitting conversation for a festival centered around creativity, innovation, and what's next.

AN INFINITY WAR EVENT NOBODY EXPECTED

Then came the moment fans had been waiting for.

Anthony and Joe Russo took the stage ahead of a special screening of Avengers: Infinity War, reflecting on the film's legacy, its place within the MCU, and the experience of bringing one of the most ambitious crossover events ever attempted to life.

But the evening wasn't over.

As the extended introduction opened up to audience questions, Joe Russo spotted someone in the crowd.

"This guy has had his hand up for a question the whole time."

The room turned. It was Robert Downey Jr. The audience erupted.

What followed was an impromptu appearance that transformed an already special screening into one of the defining moments of the festival. Downey joined Anthony and Joe onstage, sharing memories, stories, and reflections on the films that helped define an era of blockbuster filmmaking.

And he wasn't alone. Anthony Mackie and Winston Duke also joined the event, turning the evening into an unexpected reunion for both fans and filmmakers.

Following the introductions and surprises, audiences settled in for a screening of Avengers: Infinity War itself.

Years after its release, the film still lands exactly where it's supposed to. The scale. The emotion. The impossible balancing act of bringing together dozens of characters and making every story matter.

Watching it in a packed theater with the filmmakers and cast in attendance only reinforced what made the film such a cultural moment in the first place.

A WEEK TO REMEMBER

From coffee shops and conversations to surprise reunions and packed theaters, SXSW London became a celebration of storytelling in all its forms.

A little bit of Latveria. A little bit of Titan.

And a reminder that some stories are still just as powerful when experienced together.

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