Wyatt Russell, known for his role as John Walker in the MCU, recently shared that he may not be involved in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. With the movie already filming and set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026, fans are surprised by news that a key Thunderbolts* actor has not yet received a script. This update introduces uncertainty about whether the entire Thunderbolts* lineup will join Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in the next Avengers crossover, making the upcoming film even more of a mystery.

Marvel fans have been looking forward to seeing how Thunderbolts* connects to Avengers: Doomsday, especially after Wyatt Russell’s comments went viral following his interview on Waymo’s YouTube channel. As both films anchor the next phase of the MCU, questions swirl about which characters and stars will bridge the gap. The lack of clarity adds tension and buzz around one of the studio’s biggest upcoming releases.

Wyatt Russell Casts Doubt on Thunderbolts* Team Joining Avengers: Doomsday

During a recent interview, Wyatt Russell, who portrays John Walker (US Agent), revealed he has yet to see a script for Avengers: Doomsday. This candid admission has thrown fans into a frenzy, as Russell is a central figure in Thunderbolts* and was expected to appear alongside other MCU heroes.

The fact that Russell has not been given a script while filming is already underway points to a real possibility that his character – along with potentially other Thunderbolts* team members – may not appear in the movie or their roles could be minimal. Previous MCU films leaned heavily on crossovers, with key players always present, so this shift is significant. Marvel Studios appears to be making different creative choices for this next phase.

Uncertainty in casting raises questions about which Thunderbolts* members will ultimately link up with the Avengers. It’s possible that only a select few could cross over, with the rest absent entirely from the next major MCU event.

This kind of news is rare for such a big franchise, where actors use phrases like “I haven’t seen a script” so late in the production schedule. It offers a glimpse into behind-the-scenes changes and how plans for the interconnected universe can shift quickly.

Avengers: Doomsday Filming Begins Without Full Cast Confirmation

Production for Avengers: Doomsday has already started. Typically, a project of this size would begin with most of the main cast confirmed, especially with less than a year left before release. Principal photography for a film of this scope can take months, so the lack of confirmation signals a different approach behind the scenes at Marvel Studios.

Without concrete announcements or confirmations about which Thunderbolts* actors will appear, fans are left to speculate. This situation is somewhat unusual for Marvel, which usually rolls out large ensemble casts with substantial lead time and marketing push. It may also mean that details are being held back to boost anticipation or cover up major plot twists.

It’s not uncommon for high-profile franchises to keep cameos secret, but uncertainty about main cast involvement adds a layer of unpredictability. Cast secrecy now seems central to the film’s promotional strategy, possibly as a way to protect surprises or because casting negotiations are ongoing.

The early start of filming without a locked script for all major characters could reflect shifting story priorities. These decisions can affect not only fan expectations but also filming logistics, reshoots, and even how trailers are edited months before release.

Thunderbolts* and Avengers: Doomsday Release Date Details

Thunderbolts* is poised to hit theaters first, continuing Marvel’s streak of franchise crossovers. Following quickly is Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently slated for May 1, 2026. These release dates are critical for Marvel’s schedule, setting the stage for key developments in the MCU’s ongoing storyline.

These consecutive release dates ramp up expectations for interconnected plots and shared characters. In prior MCU phases, movies released close together often had dense overlaps in cast and storylines, but the uncertainty around Thunderbolts* team members this time marks a change in approach.

Marvel fans are used to planning their movie-going calendars around such dates. These strategic slots often signal Disney’s confidence in the box office draw of these films – and how they anticipate crossover fandom will drive interest for both features.

Wyatt Russell’s Comments on Not Receiving a Script

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dummy-waymo-interview

Wyatt Russell’s remarks during the Waymo YouTube interview caught fans off guard. He shared:

“I haven’t received a script for it, so there’s nothing for me to read yet.”

This adds genuine uncertainty about not just his own role, but also about how Thunderbolts* as a team will be integrated into Avengers: Doomsday.

Russell’s honesty echoes a broader theme among actors tied to major franchises. Scripts are often closely guarded, sometimes only distributed at the last minute or in heavily redacted formats to keep leaks at bay. His comments, however, suggest he’s not currently involved in production, an unusual situation with filming already underway.

This lack of clarity could mean changes are happening behind the scenes. Marvel sometimes pivots mid-production, especially during big crossovers. These adjustments could reflect new storylines, casting challenges, or other creative decisions that necessitate keeping actors like Russell on hold.

His admission has fueled fan discussion across social platforms, leading to speculation about character arcs, cut scenes, or even surprise appearances that may be planned nearer to release.

Fan Reactions to Casting Uncertainty

The MCU fanbase is responding with a mix of disappointment and intrigue to the news that Wyatt Russell and possibly other Thunderbolts* members may not appear in Avengers: Doomsday. Social media platforms are alive with theories, speculation, and even frustration.

Some fans feel let down, as they hoped for a seamless blend between Thunderbolts* and the next Avengers line-up. Others are holding out hope for a surprise or late reveal, citing how Marvel has often played coy with big spoilers before.

There’s an ongoing online conversation about how casting and secrecy are impacting anticipation. For those invested in Thunderbolts* characters, the possibility of no crossover feels like a missed opportunity to expand their screen presence within the MCU.

As updates continue to trickle out, fan communities are closely analyzing official statements and interviews. Discussion threads are full of predictions, with some believing this may be a deliberate misdirection to build hype around Avengers: Doomsday’s eventual trailer or press releases.

Many fans recognize that Marvel has a history of surprising the audience. Whether or not Thunderbolts* members appear, the speculation alone has kept interest high and social feeds active.

How Marvel Crossover Casting Decisions Are Made

Marvel Studios has built its reputation on merging stories and characters across films, but those casting decisions can be complex and fluid. It’s not just about who fits the story, but about actor availability, contract negotiations, and production logistics.

When it comes to a crossover like Avengers: Doomsday, multiple scripts and versions are sometimes developed in parallel to keep secrets or adjust plans as filming moves along. Actors like Wyatt Russell are often kept in the dark until their roles are locked in, both to minimize leaks and to allow for last-minute story pivots.

Marvel’s head executives, along with creative producers, decide which characters cross over. Strategic considerations may include test audiences, franchise fatigue, and shifting priorities for upcoming phases.

Each integration is designed to balance fan expectations with new storytelling directions. This balancing act can lead to last-minute inclusions or, in some cases, exclusions of characters that fans have come to expect, sometimes for reasons that emerge only much later in press reveals or making-of documentaries.

For Thunderbolts*, the uncertainty may simply reflect standard holding patterns – where many cast and crew members have to wait until right before filming to get their scripts or schedules.

Impact on Storylines and MCU Continuity

The potential absence of Thunderbolts* team members from Avengers: Doomsday poses interesting challenges for the wider MCU narrative. Big crossovers usually help tie up story threads and launch new arcs, so any changes in character inclusion could affect years of planning.

If John Walker and his team are missing, this might create continuity gaps, or conversely, suggest that Marvel is saving their narrative for a separate arc. Smaller crossovers or unique storylines could develop if Thunderbolts* does not fully intersect with the Avengers cast this time.

Shifting which characters appear together can ripple through the MCU’s interconnected plot. It affects character relationships, callbacks to prior films, and even the potential for spin-offs or new mini-franchises within the larger universe.

Marvel’s creative team is likely considering all options. A tightly controlled reveal about Thunderbolts* involvement (or non-involvement) could be used for dramatic effect, potentially planting seeds for future movies or Disney+ series.

Potential Reasons Behind Script Delays

There are a variety of reasons why a major star like Wyatt Russell may not yet have received a script. These can include ongoing rewrites, surprise plot developments, or even last-minute casting negotiations that aren’t finalized until days before filming certain scenes.

Marvel Studios is known for its secrecy, but script delays can also happen to keep story spoilers from leaking online. For major crossover events like Avengers: Doomsday, redacted or incomplete scripts are sometimes used to limit how much anyone knows at any point in time.

It’s also possible that behind-the-scenes factors – such as director changes, production rescheduling, or evolving MCU plans due to box office performance – are influencing when scripts are delivered.

Actors may also receive only the pages related to their roles, with full scripts given out only closer to their filming start date. This practice helps limit leaks but can make it harder for them to prepare for complex scenes with other MCU heroes.

What This Means for Thunderbolts* Characters

If Wyatt Russell’s update holds true for his costars, the implications could be significant for Thunderbolts* as a team. Some characters may be held back, possibly reserved for future projects or solo arcs outside the main Avengers storyline.

This move could allow Marvel to develop Thunderbolts* more independently. Instead of being overshadowed in a crowded crossover film, the group could get more focus and character development in their own movie or series before joining a larger ensemble later on.

It’s not unusual for Marvel to stagger character arcs. Thunderbolts* characters could be used to seed smaller plots or to kickstart new rivalries with other MCU teams, giving fans something different from previous phases.

The uncertainty may also boost interest in Thunderbolts* as a standalone project. If fans want to see these characters prosper, the lack of crossover could make their individual storylines even more crucial for the future of the MCU.

Comparing Past Marvel Crossover Integrations

In previous Avengers crossovers, Marvel was known for bringing everyone together for massive team-ups. Movies like Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame featured extensive planning to unite characters from multiple franchises.

Usually, casting rumors and confirmations appeared months before filming, with actors teasing their involvement during press events long before audiences saw the first trailers. The current situation with Thunderbolts* and Doomsday feels different, as there’s less transparency and more secrecy.

Other Marvel franchises, like Guardians of the Galaxy, have seen similar delays, but most fans were still given reassurance about their favorite characters’ involvement early on. This time, the conversation is defined by not knowing who’s on the team, which is a stark change in approach.

Looking back, Marvel has occasionally left popular characters out of crossovers to create surprise entrances or to save those storylines for later films. This approach built excitement, and may be the case again for Thunderbolts*, as the studio seeks new ways to keep fans guessing.

Industry Trends in Secrecy and Late Casting Decisions

Across the film industry, keeping cast and plot points secret is becoming more common, especially for franchises with a devoted fanbase and frequent leaks. Marvel is no exception, with late casting decisions now a standard part of the process for its most closely watched projects.

Leaks can spoil big moments, so many studios have responded by distributing scripts at the last possible moment, sometimes even on the day specific scenes are shot. MCU actors are used to more secrecy than with typical film productions, as even small hints can blow up across the fan community.

This shift in industry norms is particularly evident as fans try to piece together clues from interviews, production shots, or accidental reveals. Directors and producers now regularly adjust plans to maximize surprise, both for press and for premiere night audiences.

Wyatt Russell’s experience is part of a larger trend, demonstrating how modern blockbusters are managed differently than in the past.

Anticipation for Avengers: Doomsday Release

Despite the current uncertainty, anticipation for Avengers: Doomsday remains sky high. As one of the most talked-about Marvel movies on the horizon, its success will partly hinge on how it surprises audiences with its roster and storyline.

Fans are watching every bit of news about cast involvement and potential plot twists. The absence of Thunderbolts* members, whether real or a smokescreen, is part of what’s driving attention in the months leading to release.

Marvel will likely release more information in waves, as trailers, teasers, and interviews begin rolling out. Each new reveal will only intensify interest and speculation, keeping Avengers: Doomsday at the center of pop culture discussions well before its release date.

The film is scheduled for May 1, 2026, but the ongoing secrecy means anything could change – including surprise character reveals or storyline shifts that pay off only when fans finally see the finished film.