Quick summary
- The Avengers Doomsday writers list in the Writers Guild of America directory has ten names, according to The Hype Magazine.
- Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are both credited for “Additional Literary Material”, not as the main screenwriters.
- Stephen McFeely and Michael Waldron hold the primary “Written by” credits.
- The Playlist reports that Reynolds responded to the news on social media after an insider posted the credits.
- The film opens in cinemas on 18 December, according to ScreenCrush.
The full Avengers Doomsday writers list is now public, and it is longer than most fans expected. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) directory names ten people on the film, including Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, who are credited for additional material rather than the screenplay itself. The listing surfaced on 12 November, and ScreenCrush says it was reported via Variety.
What does that credit actually cover, and who else is on the list?
Who are the Avengers Doomsday writers?
The two main “Written by” credits go to Stephen McFeely and Michael Waldron, according to The Hype Magazine. ScreenCrush notes that McFeely co-wrote Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, while Waldron created Loki and wrote Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
The remaining names sit under “Additional Literary Material (not on-screen)”, as The Playlist describes the category. Beyond Reynolds and Jackman, that group includes Eric Pearson, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Jeff Loveness, Andrew Lanham and Destin Daniel Cretton. The Playlist adds that McFeely and Waldron also appear among the additional contributors.
That makes ten credited names in total. Two of them are better known for standing in front of the camera.
What does an “Additional Literary Material” credit mean?
ScreenCrush explains that the WGA database was expanded a few years ago to include writers whose work was not significant enough to earn the main on-screen “Written by” title. These contributors now appear in the directory under the additional material heading.
The Hype Magazine describes it as credit for dialogue, specific scenes or character beats that fall short of the threshold for a top-line screenplay credit. In plain terms, Reynolds and Jackman did write for the film, but they are not listed as its screenwriters.
Reynolds has form here. The Hype Magazine notes he co-wrote Deadpool 2 and the 2024 film Deadpool & Wolverine, and that he has long shaped the banter of his character, Wade Wilson. The same outlet reads Jackman’s inclusion as a sign that the pairing’s chemistry carried over into the new production. That is an interpretation, not something either actor or Marvel has said.
Does this confirm Deadpool and Wolverine appear?
Not officially. Marvel Studios and directors Anthony and Joe Russo have not confirmed cameos, according to The Hype Magazine. ScreenCrush says the credits “strongly suggest” the pair will appear as Deadpool and Wolverine, which is a reasonable inference but still an inference.
The Playlist points to earlier hints. Reynolds appeared at Comic-Con in a grey Deadpool suit, and he and Jackman made a humorous D23 video in which they pleaded with Kevin Feige to let them into the film.
How did Reynolds respond?
According to The Playlist, an insider, Daniel Richtman, shared the credits on Twitter and asked whether Reynolds and Jackman had written parts of the film. Reynolds responded by reposting the message with a comment. The text of that comment was not available in the coverage we could read, so we are not quoting it.
The Hype Magazine adds that the Russos are known for rehearsal-driven work and on-set improvisation, and frames the long writers list as a product of that process. It says the film has moved to a version built around Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.
What happens next
Avengers: Doomsday is due in cinemas on 18 December, according to ScreenCrush. For more on the earlier report, read our Reynolds and Jackman credits story, see everything we publish about Ryan Reynolds, or browse our Movies coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote Avengers: Doomsday?
Stephen McFeely and Michael Waldron hold the main “Written by” credits, according to The Hype Magazine. Eight more people, including Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, are credited for additional material.
Did Ryan Reynolds write Avengers: Doomsday?
He is credited for “Additional Literary Material”, which covers contributed writing but not the main screenplay, according to the WGA directory as reported by ScreenCrush and The Playlist.
Will Deadpool and Wolverine be in Avengers: Doomsday?
Marvel has not confirmed it. Several outlets read the writing credits as a strong hint, but it remains unconfirmed.
When does Avengers: Doomsday open?
ScreenCrush reports that the film opens in cinemas on 18 December.
