Russo Brothers Defend 'Avengers: Doomsday' Filming Without a Finished Script

Key points

• Joe and Anthony Russo started filming 'Avengers: Doomsday' before the script was finalized.
• The directors describe the screenplay as a 'living organism' that evolves through rehearsal and improvisation.
• Robert Downey Jr. is rejoining the MCU as the villain Doctor Doom in this film.
• The project replaced the scrapped 'The Kang Dynasty' after Jonathan Majors was removed from the role.
• James Gunn criticized the practice of filming without finished scripts, calling it a primary reason for the industry's struggles.

Background

This is the Russo Brothers' first MCU tentpole since 'Avengers: Endgame.' The film is part of Phase 6 and brings together heroes from various universes. Previous coverage noted that fans have debated potential spoilers in the trailer, specifically regarding the editing of Doctor Doom from certain scenes.

How outlets are covering it

Variety highlights the Russo Brothers' defense of their method, emphasizing their reliance on actor improvisation and late-stage casting. Yahoo's coverage focuses on the directors' stance that they are not responsible for rectifying broader MCU mistakes, framing their approach as a specific intersection with the larger franchise. The contrast is drawn with James Gunn, who, according to Variety, explicitly rejected this model at DC Studios, stating that he would not greenlight a project without a finalized screenplay.

Why it matters

The decision to film without a finished script highlights a significant divide in Hollywood production philosophies. It underscores the tension between the improvisational, actor-driven methods favored by some blockbuster directors and the rigid, script-first approaches adopted by others, potentially influencing how future major studio tentpoles are developed.

What to watch

Production on 'Avengers: Doomsday' is ongoing, with the final script likely to continue evolving as filming progresses. The film is expected to serve as a pivotal entry in the MCU, setting up future phases and potentially resolving storylines left open by previous films.