Production on The Avengers officially begins

At least one movie villain will be returning in next year’s crossover blockbuster.

Production on Marvel’s The Avengers movie is underway in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Marvel Studios has released the first set photo for the upcoming film. The photo shows the casting chairs for the film’s main Avengers – Thor, Iron Man, Captain America and the Hulk – all set in front of a S.H.I.E.L.D logo.

The Avengers is being directed by Joss Whedon and will see Robert Downy Jr., Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans returning to their respective roles as Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America. Mark Ruffalo will be replacing Ed Norton as the Hulk, while Marvel has announced that Tom Hiddleston will be reprising his role as Loki from the upcoming Thor film. In the comics, Loki was the first villain the Avengers ever faced, but it’s not clear if he’ll be the film’s main villain or just making a cameo appearance.

The Avengers is set for release on May 4, 2012 and will be the first of Marvel Studios film to be marketed and distributed by Disney.

Source: Marvel