'Avengers 2: Age Of Ultron' Filming In South Africa? Is Joss Whedon Creating Black Panther Tie In? [VIDEO]
All the world's a stage for Joss Whedon and The Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Set to film primarily at Shepparton Studios in England, the Marvel production has been a magnate for foreign filming rumors. Fans received confirmation last week that Age of Ultron would be filming at the Bard Fortress in northern Italy, and now Johannesburg has also officially announced its involvement.
Long a suspected location for shooting, the South African city is scheduled to play host to the superhero film in mid-February, according to Channel 24.
"We are excited to host Marvel... It strengthens Johannesburg's position as a worldwide film production centre with first class facilities and production support," said Parks Tausaid, Mayor of Johannesburg, according to Channel 24. "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."
The city will be the backdrop for a batch of action photography, but will not be visited by any of the actual Avengers. Chris Evans (Captain America), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), and Mark Ruffalo (the Hulk) will not begin work on the film until April.
What role does Joburg have to play in Age of Ultron. Many suspect that the location will serve to introduce the Black Panther, who resides in the fictional African nation of Wakanda. The superhero has been rumored to be up for a Phase Three film, and Science Fiction reports that Wakanda could be tied to the 2015 Avengers since it is the source of Vibranium (the incredibly durable material that canonically makes up Ultron's suit and Captain America's shield.)
The Avengers: Age of Ultron will hit theaters on May 1, 2014. Click the video below to see the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con teaser for the Marvel Phase Two film.
