Published : 03 Sep 2026, 09:40 PM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:47 AM
Directors Joe and Anthony Russo have addressed reports that “Avengers: Doomsday” began filming without a completed screenplay, saying the approach reflects their rehearsal-driven directing style rather than a sign that the upcoming Marvel blockbuster lacks direction.
In an interview with the Associated Press, the directors said they didn't have a completed script when they returned to Marvel for the project.
Joe Russo explained they view the screenplay as a “living organism,” telling AP, “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 a few weeks before you shoot them,” Deadline reports.
As TheWrap first reported, the script gap stemmed partly from Marvel's decision to drop actor Jonathan Majors from the franchise as the planned villain Kang the Conqueror, following his conviction for domestic assault. The film originally titled "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty" was scrapped, and the project evolved into "Doomsday," bringing the Russos back into the fold after having directed "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame."
The film marks the return of both Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans to the MCU, with Evans back as Captain America and Downey cast not as Tony Stark, but as the film's central antagonist, Doctor Doom.
Reshoots are reportedly continuing ahead of the film's release. "Avengers: Doomsday" is scheduled to open in theatres on Dec 18, 2026.
