Check out South Africa in ‘The Avengers: Age of Ultron’ Trailer – watch Video

The first official trailer for ‘The Avengers: Age of Ultron’ movie – which was largely filmed in Johannesburg, South Africa earlier this year – is ready to view! The film, starring Robert Downey Jr, is due to hit movie theaters in May next year.

Marvel Entertainment uploaded the trailer two days ago for movie fans to “get your first look at Ultron trying to tear apart Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and the rest of the world…”

Watch the official trailer here: The Avengers: Age of Ultron

Here are some of the highlights that South African movie fans caught on film and camera while the cast and crew of the superhero franchise were shooting on location in Johannesburg’s CBD.

In one video (scroll to bottom)  there was mayhem as South African police (actors of course!) took fire on an unidentified target which could be the Incredible Hulk, and a truck is seen blowing up.

In another one can see the Hulk’s head and shoulders (!) taking part in a scene! This was apparently filmed in order to collect light and shadow references for the animators.

Before the shoot began Phindile Mbanujwa, Gauteng Film Commission CEO, announced that the Commission was “thrilled” that Marvel Studios was bringing a “major motion picture project to Johannesburg”.

She said it was likely to have a positive impact for the region and “strengthens Johannesburg’s position as a worldwide film production centre with first class facilities and production support.” (Subsequent changes to visa regulations for foreigners working temporarily in South Africa may make Johannesburg less of an attraction for overseas film-makers.)

Some motorists were a little less thrilled during the filming when there were a few hiccups due to postponed road closures in and around Albertina Sisulu Street (formerly Market), but most were excited, as Mbanujwa said, at the prospect of the city being “showcased to a worldwide audience”.

The movie boasts a smorgasbord of stars – from Robert Downey Jr who reprises his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man to Chris Evans (Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk) who has been a strong anti-fracking supporter for the Karoo, Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Cobie Smulders and Paul Bettany. Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Quicksilver), Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch) and James Spader (Ultron) join the cast for the first time.

The production was based in London, where principal photography began in April. Apart from South Africa, additional filming took place in South Korea, Aosta Valley in Italy, as well as other locations. The movie is due for release in the UK on 01 May 2015.

Watch the Filming of The Avengers Videos below:

The film will be released in May 2015.

This article was updated on 24 October 2014 to include the first official trailer of The Avengers: Age of Ultron.