Russo Brothers Defend Filming Avengers: Doomsday Without A Finished Script
Marvel Studios is at it again, filming another mega-blockbuster without a locked screenplay. According to reports from /Film and JoBlo, directors Joe and Anthony Russo are deep into production on Avengers: Doomsday while still finalizing the script.
The Russo brothers defended their fluid approach in interviews. Per JoBlo, Anthony Russo called the script "a living organism," while Joe Russo told the Associated Press they are "improvisation-based, rehearsal-based directors" who like to see what actors bring. He argued that with a massive cast of busy stars, scheduling is chaotic, and sometimes the best ideas come just before shooting.
This isn't a new tactic for Marvel. /Film notes the studio has used this approach since 2008's Iron Man. However, the report points to recent comments from actor Rebecca Romijn, who revealed last year she had already filmed scenes for Doomsday while the script was still being written, leaving her unsure if she was done.
The practice stands in stark contrast to the strategy at rival DC Studios. As reported by both outlets, DC co-head James Gunn has vowed never to shoot a DC project without a finished script, calling the lack of one the "number-one reason" the movie industry is struggling.
Despite the criticism, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige told Variety the studio has "never started a movie without a full script" and is never satisfied with the scripts they have. With Doomsday set for release in December 2026 and a sequel, Secret Wars, already in soft prep, the Russos are betting their improvisational method will pay off once more.
