Directors Joe and Anthony Russo have addressed the unconventional production of the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film, 'Avengers: Doomsday,' which commenced filming without a finalized script. The filmmakers explained their approach, which deviates from the typical Hollywood process, by highlighting their background and belief in a dynamic scriptwriting method.
Joe Russo told AP News that he and his brother are "improvisation-based, rehearsal-based directors" who "like to see what the actors bring to the characters." He further elaborated that a script is often treated as a "living organism," with the most compelling elements emerging when actors bring their interpretations to the characters, especially when they join production shortly before shooting begins. This method, he suggested, is where "the magic happens."
The production of 'Avengers: Doomsday' has drawn scrutiny due to its script status at the outset of filming. While not entirely unheard of in the film industry, starting a major production without a complete screenplay can potentially lead to narrative inconsistencies. Adding to these concerns are the circumstances surrounding the film's pivot from its original concept, 'Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.' The shift occurred after actor Jonathan Majors, slated to play Kang the Conqueror, was convicted of assault. The production was subsequently retooled with the Russo brothers joining mid-project, a situation that could impact the film's cohesive buildup compared to previous installments.
Furthermore, the directorial track record of the Russo brothers since their involvement with the main 'Avengers' films has faced criticism. Their last three directorial efforts—'Cherry,' 'The Gray Man,' and 'The Electric State'—have received notably low scores on Rotten Tomatoes, with 'The Electric State' scoring a mere 14% on the Tomatometer. 'Avengers: Doomsday' is slated for a December 18 release and will compete at the box office with 'Dune: Part 3,' which is set to premiere on the same day. The film aims to revitalize the Marvel Cinematic Universe following a series of films that did not meet expectations, such as 'The Marvels,' 'Captain America: Brave New World,' and 'Thunderbolts*.'