‘Everest: The Other Side’ Directors Talk Grief and Their Most Personal Film Yet
In their personal new documentary, ‘Everest: The Other Side’, directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin explore love, loss, and resilience.
Directors Joe and Anthony Russo confirm that filming for Avengers: Doomsday began without a completed script, continuing a major Marvel trend.

In a surprising announcement, directors Joe and Anthony Russo confirmed that filming for Avengers: Doomsday began without a finalized script. This decision reflects an ongoing trend within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) where production often moves forward amidst incomplete screenplays. The Russo brothers emphasized their preference for a flexible, improvisational approach, which they regard as a method to enhance creativity on set.
The Russo brothers articulated their belief that scripts should be viewed as 'living organisms.' They explained that this approach allows them to foster an environment where actors can explore and express their characters' nuances, leading to spontaneous and authentic performances. "We always view the script as a living organism," Joe Russo stated. By relying on rehearsals and actor input, they create a collaborative atmosphere that adapts to the talents of the cast. This is particularly important given the size of the ensemble, which often prevents certain actors from participating in early rehearsals. Therefore, this flexible process becomes essential to making the most of the limited time with some cast members.
Filming without a complete script is not unprecedented for Marvel. Since the launch of the MCU with Iron Man in 2008, there have been multiple instances where films proceeded to production without finalized screenplays. This practice has been driven by tight release schedules and high expectations for box office performance. Although this strategy has led to many successful projects, it also raises concerns about storytelling coherence, especially given the timeline pressures from fans and investors alike.
The confirmation of this unconventional approach by the Russo brothers may evoke mixed feelings among audiences. Some fans appreciate the opportunity for actors like Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth — who have portrayed their characters for over a decade — to bring deep interpretations to their roles. Their longstanding familiarity with the characters may contribute positively to this experimental filmmaking style. However, there exists a significant apprehension regarding the potential risks of incomplete narratives. The stakes are particularly high for an Avengers film, given the broad audience and significant box office expectations that accompany its release.
In stark contrast to Marvel's methodology, many of its competitors prioritize completing scripts before moving into production. This standard practice aims to reduce narrative gaps and enhance the overall quality of the films. Historical observations reveal that while some films benefiting from last-minute adjustments have performed well, others struggled, resulting in poor audience reception. As Avengers: Doomsday approaches its release, fans are left to wonder whether the Russo brothers' gambit will yield another successful entry in the MCU or if it will reveal shortcomings in storytelling quality.
With mere months until the release of Avengers: Doomsday, this confirmation by the Russo brothers will significantly impact marketing strategies and audience expectations. The effectiveness of their unconventional filming technique will soon be assessed upon the film's theatrical release, setting the stage for future debates about script development practices in Hollywood.
For more insights into the latest Marvel projects, check out our articles on Avengers: Doomsday Reshoots to Feature Wanda Maximoff's Return and Marvel Shows with Questionable Ties to the MCU.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: ComicBook.com. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.