Joe Russo Shares Insights on Filming ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Without a Finished Script

Marvel Studios productions typically maintain a steady course during development, but the journey to ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ took a unique turn. Initially conceived as ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,’ the project underwent a significant creative shift before Joe and Anthony Russo began filming.

The change in direction came after Jonathan Majors’ assault conviction led Marvel to rethink its approach to the Avengers franchise. This pivot prompted the studio to bring the Russo brothers back to reimagine the film, resulting in the new title ‘Doomsday.’

Joe Russo has revealed that filming for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ commenced with an incomplete script. In an interview with AP News, he explained that he and his brother view the script as a dynamic entity, emphasizing their improvisational and rehearsal-based directing style. They prefer to allow actors to bring their interpretations to the characters before finalizing the script.

Rather than seeing the unfinished script as a drawback, Russo highlighted that this approach aligns with their history of directing ensemble casts. He explained that often, they don’t have access to certain actors until shortly before their scenes are filmed, which can lead to unexpected moments of brilliance on set.

This philosophy stems from the Russos’ early television experiences, where they directed 14 episodes of ‘Arrested Development’ and 34 episodes of ‘Community.’ Anthony Russo noted that this background fostered their affinity for ensemble storytelling, a skill they now apply to managing the extensive cast of ‘Doomsday.’

Their upbringing also influenced their collaborative instincts. Joe recalled growing up in a large Italian family in Ohio, where relatives lived nearby and gathered for Sunday dinners, a dynamic that mirrors their current approach to directing ensemble casts.

‘Doomsday’ features a vast cast from various segments of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Chris Evans reprising his role as Steve Rogers, the Thunderbolts team, the Fantastic Four, Letitia Wright’s Shuri, and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, along with Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. Juggling such a large ensemble while adapting the script to fit actors’ schedules exemplifies the balancing act the Russos have mastered since their sitcom days.

Given the many changes in the industry since their last Marvel film, including the pandemic’s impact and evolving audience preferences for theatrical releases, the brothers remain confident that their improvisational, rehearsal-focused method is effective for a project of this scale. Joe’s remarks suggest that the tumultuous development process may have ultimately benefited the film.

With ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ set for release on December 18, fans are eager to see if this innovative approach will yield successful results.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!