Avengers Doomsday has taken an unusual production approach, with directors Joe and Anthony Russo confirming that filming began before the movie had a completely finished screenplay. The revelation has attracted attention because major Marvel productions typically involve extensive planning, large casts and complicated visual effects work. However, the Russo brothers have explained that working with an evolving script is consistent with the way they approach filmmaking.
In a recent interview, the Russo brothers discussed their decision to begin production without having every part of the screenplay finalized. Joe Russo explained that he and Anthony Russo are rehearsal based and improvisation based directors. Their approach allows them to work with actors during rehearsals and make adjustments as performances develop.
The directors' explanation suggests that an unfinished script does not necessarily mean that the entire story was being created from scratch during filming. Instead, the filmmaking process allows individual scenes, dialogue and character interactions to be refined as the production progresses.
This distinction is important because the phrase unfinished script can create the impression that a major studio production began without a clear story. The Russo brothers' comments indicate a more flexible production method in which the screenplay can continue to evolve while the filmmakers work with the cast.
The brothers have extensive experience directing large ensemble projects. They previously directed Avengers Infinity War and Avengers Endgame, two of the most commercially successful films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Their return to Marvel for Avengers Doomsday represents another major collaboration with Marvel Studios.
Avengers Doomsday is also significant because it brings back Robert Downey Jr to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a completely different role. Downey became closely associated with Tony Stark and Iron Man after appearing in the original Iron Man film in 2008 and subsequently starring in numerous MCU projects.
For Doomsday, however, Downey is playing Victor von Doom, better known as Doctor Doom. The character is one of Marvel Comics' most prominent villains and is being positioned as a major figure in the new Avengers storyline. Marvel announced Downey's casting as Doctor Doom in 2024, creating considerable interest because of his previous role as Iron Man.
The casting represents a major departure from Downey's earlier MCU character. Tony Stark was one of the central heroes of the Infinity Saga, while Doctor Doom is traditionally portrayed as a powerful antagonist connected to the Fantastic Four. The new role allows Downey to remain part of the franchise while portraying a character with a very different identity.
The Russo brothers have also described Doctor Doom as a complex character. Their comments indicate that the filmmakers see the role as an opportunity to explore a character with significant power as well as personal vulnerabilities.
The production of Avengers Doomsday has undergone several changes before reaching its current form. The project was initially announced under a different title and was originally expected to focus on Kang the Conqueror. Following changes involving actor Jonathan Majors and Marvel's broader creative plans, the project was reworked and eventually became Avengers Doomsday.
These changes help provide context for why the film's screenplay developed over an extended period. A large Marvel crossover requires the filmmakers to coordinate numerous characters and storylines, particularly when the movie is connected to multiple earlier films and future projects.
Avengers Doomsday is expected to bring together characters from different parts of the Marvel universe. The reported cast and story direction include Avengers characters, the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four and X-Men related characters. This makes the project one of the largest ensemble productions in the MCU.
With such a large cast, rehearsals can play an important role in determining how characters interact on screen. Different actors may have different approaches to dialogue and performance, and directors can use rehearsals to determine which interactions work best before finalising scenes.
The Russo brothers' previous Marvel films also demonstrate their experience with large scale ensemble storytelling. Avengers Infinity War and Avengers Endgame required the directors to balance multiple storylines while giving major characters meaningful moments. Endgame in particular brought together characters and narrative threads developed over more than a decade of MCU films.
Their decision to use a flexible production process therefore reflects a filmmaking philosophy they have used before. Instead of viewing the screenplay as an entirely fixed document, the directors can treat it as a foundation that continues to develop through rehearsals and performances.
This approach is different from the filmmaking philosophy of some directors who prefer to complete a screenplay before cameras begin rolling. The advantages and disadvantages of each method can vary depending on the project, production schedule and creative team.
For a film as large as Avengers Doomsday, flexibility could allow the directors to respond to the chemistry between actors and improve individual scenes. At the same time, an evolving screenplay can create additional challenges for production teams responsible for sets, costumes, visual effects, scheduling and continuity.
Marvel films are particularly complicated because visual effects work often begins well before the finished movie reaches cinemas. Changes to dialogue or scene structure can therefore require adjustments across multiple departments.
The Russo brothers nevertheless appear comfortable with this process. Their comments suggest that they view rehearsals as an important creative stage rather than simply preparation for filming. By working with actors before and during production, they can identify opportunities to refine character behaviour and dialogue.
The approach also reflects the brothers' background in comedy and television. Before becoming major Hollywood directors, Joe and Anthony Russo worked on television projects where improvisation and actor driven performances were important elements of production. Their experience has influenced their approach to working with performers.
Avengers Doomsday is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. The movie is expected to serve as a major chapter in Marvel's ongoing Multiverse Saga and will lead into the broader events of Avengers Secret Wars.
The return of the Russo brothers is another important element of the project. Their previous Avengers films helped define the conclusion of Marvel's Infinity Saga, particularly Avengers Endgame. Bringing them back for Doomsday and Secret Wars signals the importance Marvel Studios places on their experience with large scale crossover stories.
Robert Downey Jr's return is similarly significant, although his new role means that audiences will not see him as Tony Stark. Instead, he will portray Doctor Doom, creating a new interpretation of an established Marvel character.
The unusual screenplay process has naturally generated discussion among fans. Some viewers have questioned whether filming without a completed script could create problems, while the directors have presented the process as part of their established creative method.
It is important, however, to distinguish the confirmed information from online speculation. The Russo brothers have confirmed that the script was not finished when filming began and have explained their rehearsal and improvisation based approach. That does not by itself indicate that the movie is incomplete, disorganised or facing production problems.
Reports and online discussions about the film's production should therefore be treated carefully unless they are supported by statements from Marvel Studios, the filmmakers or reliable industry sources.
The production method could ultimately become clearer when the finished film reaches audiences. Viewers will be able to judge whether the flexible approach helped create stronger performances and more natural character interactions.
For now, the key takeaway is that Avengers Doomsday was produced using a screenplay that continued to develop during filming. The Russo brothers say this reflects their established way of working, particularly their emphasis on rehearsals and performance.
The film remains one of Marvel's most anticipated upcoming releases because of the return of the Russo brothers, the appearance of Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom and the large collection of characters expected to appear.
As Marvel continues preparing for the film's December 2026 release, further interviews and promotional material are likely to provide more information about how the screenplay evolved and how the filmmakers approached the enormous challenge of bringing so many characters together.
Until then, the unfinished screenplay should be viewed as a production detail rather than proof of a troubled movie. The Russo brothers have presented the process as a deliberate creative choice that allows scenes and performances to develop through rehearsal and collaboration.