How the Russos Chose Fights in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Using Toys

Avatar photoValentina Kraljik
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Marvel enthusiasts have long imagined epic match-ups, from X-Men facing off against Avengers to iconic heroes meeting for the first time. With a major crossover on the horizon, fans are eager to learn how filmmakers determine the fight pairings. The secret behind the fight sequences in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is surprisingly straightforward.

The Russo brothers, who previously directed ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’, are back for this installment, set to hit theaters on December 18. The plot features the Avengers, Wakandans, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, and X-Men battling against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. Since December 2025, four teaser trailers have been released, heightening excitement for this monumental team-up.

With so many heroes sharing the screen, the fight match-ups were always going to be a focal point. In a recent interview with Fandango, Joe Russo revealed that the process of selecting fights is half the fun, stating that “we’re like kids with toys.” He explained that the creative team lays out toys to explore various fight scenarios.

From this playful brainstorming, Russo mentioned that they consider several key questions: who would be the most exciting to see in battle, what would be the most entertaining to watch, and what do fans want to experience. He characterized the crew as comic book enthusiasts collaborating on the film, eager to bring these thrilling moments to life for audiences.

This fan-centric approach permeates the entire project. The discussion with Fandango correspondent Chris Tait was part of the inaugural double-feature episode of the outlet’s ‘Big Ticket’ series, which covers both ‘Avengers: Endgame – Encore’ and ‘Doomsday’. The Russos shared that they were fans themselves, attending midnight screenings of X-Men films, which sheds light on the meticulous care they are putting into the mutants’ return.

Fans have already received a glimpse of the action. During the same interview, Anthony Russo praised Channing Tatum’s Gambit as a delightful addition, and the brothers highlighted the Gambit and Shang-Chi fight featured in the trailer. This encounter between characters who have never shared a scene exemplifies the creative brainstorming that comes from their toy-box approach.

However, the heroes will require more than clever match-ups to prevail. Joe Russo described Doom as a formidable adversary, whose ancient magic and intellect make him a challenging opponent. He meticulously studies his foes and only engages in battle when he has a tactical or power advantage.

Russo also informed Fandango that Doom is significantly more Machiavellian and manipulative than Thanos, whom he referred to as a brute force of nature. He characterized the movie as intense and distinct from other Marvel films, promising many surprises.

Rumors regarding specific fights have circulated for months, with insiders suggesting potential clashes, though none have been confirmed. One report claims Alan Cumming’s Nightcrawler will engage in combat with a member of the Fantastic Four, but this remains unverified.

The Russos have indicated that they began production without a finalized script, treating the screenplay as a dynamic entity that evolved throughout filming. They emphasized rehearsal and improvisation, with Joe noting that the best moments often emerge when the full cast gathers shortly before shooting. Drawing on their comedic backgrounds, Anthony mentioned that the film runs approximately 2.5 hours, shorter than ‘Endgame’.

To connect the dots, ‘Avengers: Endgame – Encore’ is currently in theaters, featuring four new post-credits scenes that recontextualize ‘Endgame’ ahead of ‘Doomsday’. Joe likened the audience’s anticipation to children on Christmas, which is fitting since the film premieres just a week before the holiday. ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ is set to follow on December 17, 2027.

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