Avengers: Doomsday Script Unfinished, Russos Confirm

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo have confirmed the script for the upcoming Marvel film 'Avengers: Doomsday' is not finished. The film is scheduled for release in cinemas on 18th December this Christmas.

In a new interview with AP, the Russo brothers addressed reports about the incomplete screenplay. They described their filmmaking approach as improvisation-based and rehearsal-based.

Directorial Approach

"We're improvisation-based, rehearsal-based directors," the Russos explained in the interview. They stated that they prefer to see what actors bring to their roles, noting that sometimes performers are only secured a few days or weeks before shooting. "A lot of the time, that's when the magic happens," they said.

This confirmation comes despite the film's massive scale, which the source describes as likely the most expensive film of all time. The production involves extensive effects work, set construction, and a large ensemble cast, reportedly one of the biggest collections of named stars since Robert Altman's The Player. The source questions how a film requiring such detailed effects work, set building, and specific story beats, and which suggests audiences need to do homework to get the most out of it, can proceed without a finished script.

Production Context

The source notes that stories of films beginning production without a finished script, an ending, or a complete cast are not unheard of. However, it highlights the unusual nature of this situation given the immense resources behind 'Avengers: Doomsday', calling it as well-resourced a feature film as has ever been made. It suggests large parts of the screenplay must have been in some shape, but otherwise the process runs close to the world's most costly improv theatre group.

Reshoots for the film are set to begin shortly ahead of the December release. Following this project, the Russo brothers are scheduled to move directly onto 'Avengers: Secret Wars', which is planned to shoot next year. The source speculates that a script for that sequel may also be in a similar early state, noting it is not taking that for granted.

The directors have a proven track record in the superhero genre, having previously directed 'Captain America: Civil War' and 'Avengers: Endgame'. The source suggests it is unclear if they employed a similar improvisational process on those earlier, highly successful films, but notes their results in the comic book movie space stand alone. The final assessment of their method for 'Avengers: Doomsday' will come when the film arrives in cinemas and has the chance to answer conversations by delivering a brilliant, crowd-pleasing film.