The Avengers (film)

The Avengers is in production and currently being filmed. The intent is to unite many of the Marvel Universe heroes in one film. Characters who have been mentioned as appearing in the film include Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Nick Fury.

Plot
When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.

Cast

 * Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America
 * Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man
 * Chris Hemsworth as Thor
 * Tom Hiddleston as Loki
 * Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury
 * Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow
 * Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton/Hawkeye
 * Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk
 * Lou Ferrigno as the voice of The Hulk
 * Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill
 * Clark Gregg as Phil Coulson
 * Stellan Skarsgård as Erik Selvig
 * Paul Bettany as the voice of J.A.R.V.I.S.
 * Amanda Righetti as a SHIELD Agent
 * Stan Lee

Production
""As most of you know, I don't like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audience's fullest enjoyment of the 'magic' that films can have,. "But I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and The Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. So there it goes: It seems it won't work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in The Avengers. I sincerely hoped it could happen and be great for everyone but it hasn't turned out as we all hoped. "I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad. But I am so grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for the chance to be part of the Hulk's long and excellent history. And I really can't thank the fans enough for how much enthusiasm you've sent my way... It means a lot to me. "I grew up with Banner and Hulk and have been a fan of every incarnation. I'm really proud, and very blessed, to have been one of them and will be thrilled to see him live on through other actors. Hulk is bigger than all of us, that's why we love him, right?" Sincerely, Edward Norton"
 * The Avengers began filming in February of 2011 . It is being shot in Raleigh Studios.
 * HitFix reported that Edward Norton is not returning as Bruce Banner in the film and the studio will cast an unknown actor to play Bruce Banner. The following day Kevin Fiege confirmed the report, though saying that a "name actor" would be replacing him rather than an unknown.
 * Norton later released a statement on Facebook:
 * The film will be shot in Cleveland, Ohio, Los Angeles, California, Michigan, Long Island, New York and New Mexico.
 * A promo poster for Marvel's The Avengers was spotted at the Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas, that features the whole team of heroes.
 * Secondary Filming began in July 2011

Trivia

 * Joe Carnahan was in talks to direct the film before Joss Whedon got the job.
 * Edward Norton was originally set to reprise his role from The Incredible Hulk (2008) but negotiations between him and Marvel Studios broke down. Norton was replaced with Mark Ruffalo.
 * Jeremy Renner was said to be taking archery lessons for his role as Hawkeye.
 * The film will be the first Marvel film to be distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.
 * Before Mark Ruffalo was cast as The Hulk, Joaquin Phoenix was rumored for the part.
 * Morena Baccarin, Jessica Lucas, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Cobie Smulders screen tested for the role of Agent Maria Hill. Smulders was eventually cast.
 * Lou Ferrigno returns as the voice of the CGI made Incredible Hulk whom he first portrayed in 1977.
 * The movie is thought to take place in New York City, as NYC buses and cabs are shown during the trailer.

Videos
Video:The Avengers teaser trailer|The Avengers teaser trailer Video:Marvel Studios' The Avengers: The Intros|The Avengers cast at Comic Con. Video:The Avengers Teaser Trailer