Avengers: Doomsday Shot Without a Finished Script, But Russo Brothers Defend Their Living Organism Approach

Unfinished Scripts and Unlikely Directors

When it comes to Hollywood filmmaking, having a finalized script before production begins is the norm. But for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, the Russo Brothers are bucking that trend—shooting without a completed screenplay. Co-director Joe Russo recently told the Associated Press that this approach isn't just acceptable, but essential to their process.

"We always view the script as a living organism," Russo explained. "We're improvisation-based, rehearsal-based directors. We like to see what the actors bring to the characters, and sometimes you don't get the actors until a few days or weeks before you shoot them. And a lot of the time, that's when the magic happens."

This isn't a new philosophy for the Russo Brothers. They've long embraced an experimental filmmaking style that thrives on collaboration and improvisation rather than rigid adherence to scripts. It's a departure from traditional production methods, but one they believe enhances storytelling.

Marvel's Unusual Production Approach

While the Russo Brothers are taking a risk with Avengers: Doomsday, their method isn't unique within Marvel Studios. The company has a well-documented history of beginning production before screenplays are fully complete. It's a practice that has yielded some of the most beloved films in recent memory, from the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy to Spider-Man: No Way Home.

This approach, however, isn't without controversy. James Gunn, who recently took over DC Studios after a brief hiatus, has publicly criticized this method. He's made it clear that he won't be following suit, stating that he will only move into production on DC movies with finalized screenplays.

Why the Script Is Not Always King

Gunn's perspective is not an isolated one. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, he articulated why he feels the industry is facing challenges due to this practice:

"I do believe that the reason why the movie industry is dying is not because of people not wanting to see movies... It's not because of home screens getting so good. The number-one reason is because people are making movies without a finished screenplay."

He further explained his decision to 'kill' a project that had already been greenlit simply because the script wasn't ready, saying, "Everybody wanted to make the movie. It was greenlit, ready to go. The screenplay wasn't ready. And I couldn't do a movie where the screenplay's not good."

This highlights a growing tension within the industry. While some see script flexibility as an opportunity for creativity and evolution, others view it as a dangerous gamble with artistic integrity.

What the Russo Brothers Bring to the MCU

The Avengers: Doomsday project represents the Russo Brothers' return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after their landmark work on Avengers: Endgame. This time, they're not just bringing their signature style—they're also taking on a new challenge with the inclusion of Robert Downey Jr. as the villainous Doctor Doom.

The decision came about following a major overhaul in Marvel's original plans. The fifth Avengers film was originally set to be The Kang Dynasty, featuring Jonathan Majors as the new Thanos-sized villain. However, Majors was removed from the project amid legal issues, leaving the MCU to reevaluate and rebuild its approach.

Anthony Russo spoke with the AP about this shift:

"The thing that Joe and I have always appreciated about our collaboration with Marvel is: Our job isn't to answer for the entirety of the MCU. We intersect it in a very specific way. It's that intersection which is where we can make sense of things."

Their return, then, isn't just a nostalgic callback but a strategic move to maintain continuity and creativity in a rapidly changing universe.

How This Approach Works in Practice

The Russo Brothers' filmmaking style is rooted in collaborative development. They often begin shooting with a general concept and evolve the story through rehearsals, improvisation, and feedback from cast and crew. It's a process that allows for spontaneity, which can lead to unexpected character arcs or emotional moments.

This approach is especially crucial when working with a star-studded ensemble like the Avengers. With actors like Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson already established in their roles, the creative team must find ways to integrate these familiar personalities into evolving narratives.

It also allows for flexibility as the production unfolds. As Russo noted, getting actors on set closer to filming can bring fresh interpretations that might not have been possible in the initial script stages. For a film like Avengers: Doomsday, which deals with complex themes of power, legacy, and redemption, this adaptability could be essential.

A New Chapter for the MCU

Avengers: Doomsday marks a pivotal point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's evolution. As the first major sequel since Endgame, it's also a chance to reinvigorate the franchise with fresh energy and storytelling techniques.

The fact that the Russo Brothers are willing to push boundaries—both creatively and procedurally—reflects a broader trend within Hollywood: filmmakers are increasingly looking for ways to make their work more collaborative, spontaneous, and responsive to real-time dynamics. Whether this will translate into box office success remains to be seen, but it certainly sets a new precedent for how we might expect to see major franchises developed in the future.

For now, fans are left wondering what kind of magic might emerge from this unconventional approach—especially with the return of Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. As we move into production, one thing is clear: the Russo Brothers are not just making a movie; they're crafting an experience that evolves with each frame.

Looking Forward

As Avengers: Doomsday moves forward, it will be fascinating to observe how this approach impacts the final product. Will the lack of a finished script lead to innovative storytelling, or will it become a liability? The Russo Brothers have built their reputation on pushing boundaries and creating films that resonate with audiences in unexpected ways.

Their decision to proceed without a complete screenplay is a bold statement about the future of filmmaking—one that embraces experimentation over convention. Whether it succeeds or fails, it's a move that could influence how studios across the industry approach their next big projects.

Conclusion

While many may view the Russo Brothers' decision to shoot Avengers: Doomsday without a finished script as risky, it's also a testament to their belief in the power of collaborative storytelling. Their approach—treating scripts like living organisms that grow and change—challenges traditional filmmaking methods while potentially enriching the cinematic experience.

As fans eagerly anticipate what's next for the Avengers, one thing is certain: the Russo Brothers aren't just making another blockbuster—they're redefining what it means to tell stories in a rapidly evolving medium.