THE AVENGERS: 8 New Character Posters

Marvel has unveiled eight character posters for its superhero ensemble movie The Avengers. The who’s-who of classic Marvel characters, most of whom have their own big-screen franchise, unite as agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to fight covertly for the good of mankind in this Joss Whedon-directed flick: Robert Downey Jr.,’s Iron Man; Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, Chris “Captain America” Evans; the Hulk, featuring Mark Ruffalo (taking over the role from Ed Norton); Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Samuel L. Jackson as S.H.I.E.L.D.’s leader Nick Fury along with newcomer Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. Check out the full posters past the jump!

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. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Marvel’s The Avengers is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects. The Avengers will assemble in theaters on May 4, 2012. Steve Rogers / Captain America Nick Fury Clint Barton / Hawkeye Loki Bruce Banner / Hulk