International stars sported their superhero costumes in scenes from the upcoming Marvel movie, The Avengers: Age of Ultron, in Johannesburg’s inner city. Based on a popular comic series, the movie will take the sights and sounds of Joburg to international audiences.
Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron will feature parts of Joburg’s city centre as portions of the film’s action photography sequences were shot in and around Commissioner, Pritchard, Albertina Sisulu, Joubert and Rissik Streets.
According to reports, the bulk of the filming will take place at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
The Hollywood blockbuster, directed by Joss Whedon, began shooting scenes in Johannesburg in mid-February.
The movie follows on the heels of Marvel Studios’s 2012 blockbuster, The Avengers. The movie grossed $1 billion at the box office worldwide in its theatre run; and is the third-highest grossing film of all time.
The Avengers features the likes of Robert Downey Jnr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson as superheroes Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and Black Widow respectively.
In 2013 the Gauteng Film Commission showcased all the inner city had to offer to Marvel Studios, sharing information about Johannesburg’s physical assets and the benefits of filming in the region.
“We’re thrilled that Marvel Studios is bringing a major motion picture project to Johannesburg, and we’re committed to showing them the very best our region has to offer,” said Gauteng Film Commission chief executive officer, Phindile Mbanjwa.
Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Mpho Parks Tau said, “We are excited to host Marvel and the filming of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. It’s very positive for the city and we have worked diligently with the Johannesburg Joint Operations Committee to make our city an attractive location for films of all sizes. It strengthens Johannesburg’s position as a worldwide film production centre with first-class facilities and production support. It also has a very positive impact for the region and is a great opportunity for the city to be showcased to a worldwide audience.”