D23 Expo: The Avengers Cast assemble backstage

The Avengers Assemble at D23

The principle cast of The Avengers have assembled for a photo opportunity at Disney’s D23 Expo in California. Marvel has released this historic snap.

None of the cast are in costume, of course, except for Robert Downey Jr, who actually is Tony Stark.

Left to right, the photo depicts Walt Disney Studios Chairman Rich Boss, actors Scarlet Johannson (Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Cobie Smoulders (S.H.I.E.L.D Agent Maria Hill), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige and President of Marketing Walt Disney Studios MT Carney.

The Avengers Assemble at D23

Now compare that with this earlier concept art of The Avengers (Click to enlarge):

Avengers Assemble Concept Art

The D23 Expo runs from 19 to 21 August, and it is expected that news on The Avengers, now owned by Disney as part of their Marvel Comics purchase, will be unveiled on the Sunday morning.

The Avengers is released on 4 July 2012 from Disney.