In a surprising move, Paramount has released a condensed version of the final scene from Captain America: The First Avenger, along with a shortened cut of The Avengers teaser trailer that was shown following Captain America’s credits. While bootleg versions of the teaser have been circulating the net for a few weeks, this is a great opportunity to get a glimpse of the Avengers assembling. Hit the jump to check out the clip, but be aware of potential spoilers for those who have yet to see the film.
Yahoo! first posted the clip, which you can check out below and leave your thoughts in the comments section. It is interesting to consider Marvel and Paramount’s motivation to release this particular footage online at this time. After all, Captain America has only been in theaters for a week. And although the majority of the fans who have wanted to see the film have seen it, I am not sure how a clip that essentially spoils the ending for the uninitiated and presents an extremely brief look at The Avengers will have uninterested filmgoers heading to the theater. If this was done to combat any lingering leaked versions of the teaser, I think they are a little late for that as well.
Regardless, this teaser, however brief, is sure to cause buzz, considering it is the first official footage of the film to emerge online and offers the best look of the heroes’ costumes on the actual actors. Maybe that’s all the reason Marvel needs? We will be following the buildup to The Avengers, especially its viral activity, all the way to its release on May 4th 2012.