In what could be one of the weirdest cross-overs ever, Prep & Landing from Walt Disney Animation Studios will be entering the world of Marvel’s Avengers in a new comic book adventure.

From the press release:

Certainly Santa doesn’t just visit the ordinary citizens of the world – even super heroes should have a shot at making it onto the “nice” list.  Join Wayne and Lanny, members of an elite unit of elves who prepare homes for Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve, in their not-so-ordinary task of preparing the Avengers Headquarters for the “Big Guy’s” arrival.  The significance of readying the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes for a visit from Santa is lost on his stealthiest elves – for them, it’s just another night on the greatest job ever.

Prep & Landing first aired on television in 2009 as a half hour special and won four Emmy awards.  The DVD is currently available for pre-order and will be released November 22.

John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, says, “I love Prep & Landing. I love the whole concept of Santa having these high-tech, stealth, elf squadrons that help him get each house prepared for Christmas,” He also adds, “It’s already so much fun combining this super secret spy world mixed in with the North Pole, and then to add the Avengers into the mix – spies, Christmas and comics – three of my favorite things!”

And here I was, thinking it was raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.  (Not that those are my favorite things, either.  Just seemed an appropriate place for a movie reference).

So, if you like your comic book superheroes with a holiday twist, the new Prep & Landing story will be available exclusively in the following November comics:

• Avengers #19
• Super-Heroes #20
• Spider-Man #20

Also, be sure to watch Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice, a full-length special premiering on ABC this Christmas.  Wayne and Lenny must recover classified technology that has fallen into the hands of a computer hacker.

AVENGERS #19 (SEP110506)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by DANIEL ACUÑA
Rated T …$3.99
On-Sale—11/16/11

SUPER HEROES #20 (SEP110572)
Written by JEFF PARKER
Penciled by MANUEL GARCIA
All Ages …$2.99
On-Sale—11/16/11

SPIDER-MAN #20 (SEP110571)
Written by PAUL TOBIN
Penciled by MATTEO LOLLI & ROB DiSALVO
Cover by ALE GARZA
All Ages …$2.99
On-Sale—11/23/11

I love that Marvel is putting these videos together with Agent Coulson. He’s never really gotten to do anything badass in the movies yet and this is really the first time he has.

He’s become a really cool character and I’m glad they’re finding more to do with him.

I think this trailer just melted my brain.

This movie is going to be incredible.

Here’s the link, be sure to watch it over and over again in glorious quicktime at 1080p… Jeez.

My only beef with this trailer is the music. It didn’t work for me. I wanted something more epic and less “rock.” Maybe it’s just me that always wants more John Williams or Kronos Quartet for my movies than cut rate rock bands that’ll make the movie (and the trailer) seem dated a decade from now. “>Remember that terrible song from Spider-Man? Ugh.

But this trailer was ultimately satisfying to me.

I’m DYING for May to come along.

UPDATE: I’m told the music is Nine Inch Nails. For the Record: I am in NO WAY comparing Nine Inch Nails to Nickelback. I just didn’t think this piece of music worked in the trailer as well as an orchestral piece would have.

Big Shiny Robot! will be at New York Comic Con 2011. Will you? Check out our complete coverage of NYCC 2011 events, news, screenings, interviews, and more!

Official Press Release – 10/06/2011

Marvel Television Invades New York Comic Con With New Footage & Announcements

The biggest pop culture event of the fall is almost here and Marvel Television will be at New York Comic Con with never-before-seen footage and exclusive announcements!

First, join Jeph Loeb, Marvel’s Head of Television, on Friday, October 14th in Room 1A22 for Marvel Television Presents: Anime on G4 from 5-6pm for news on this cutting edge animation! Who will voice Blade when G4’s Blade anime premieres? You’ll find out…and see exclusive footage from the hotly-anticipated series. Plus, don’t miss the world-premiere of the X-Men anime with a special screening of Episode 1!

Then, on Saturday, October 15th get in line early for Marvel Television Presents, from 3:45-4:45pm in Room 1A10! Join Loeb as he updates fans on everything Marvel TV, from upcoming animated series on Disney XD to the latest on live action shows in development. Want to see a new clip from next year’s Ultimate Spider-Man animated series? Or the second season premiere of Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!? This is the only place to see them…and some other cool stuff we can’t dare reveal!

“Everyone at Marvel Television knows we have the best fans in the world and we’re coming to New York Comic Con with some new material worthy of those fans,” explained Loeb. “If you’re an Avengers fan, Spider-Man or, just a fan of awesome television, then you’re going to want to be at these panels. And you never know which celebrities might surprise us with a visit!”

For more on Marvel’s plans for New York Comic Con, visit http://marvel.com/nycc2011

Can’t make it to the convention? Follow along on the Marvel Events App & events.marvel.com, the best way to get exclusive videos, real-time announcements from the convention floor and up-to-the-minute panel, in-booth, and signing schedules of all your favorite Marvel creators!

Agent M posted this up on his Tumblr and I didn’t think I could be more excited for this movie.

There’s shots of Nick Fury FINALLY getting into some action, Loki with some soldiers of some kind, this shot of Hawkeye and Black Widow in the thick of it, aside from some others.

You can see the rest of them here.

We were also told to keep an eye on the official Marvel Avengers website… Could a trailer or teaser be coming? Only time will tell.

The Avengers hits theatres next summer.

Now, this is only an interesting bit of tabloid news from the set of The Avengers (no, really, the source is The National Enquirer):

Apparently Robert Downey, Jr., dressed as Iron Man, hit a wrong button on his costume and smacked Scarlett Johansson in the face, knocking her off the platform they were on.

From the Metro.Co.Uk report:

The actor was waiting to film scenes with his glamorous co-star in their new movie and was fiddling with the hi-tech gadgets attached to his outfit.

Downey Jr, 46, hit the ‘wrong’ button, which controls one of the arms and hit Scarlett – who plays Black Widow in the movie – in the face.

A source said: ‘It suddenly jerked backward and whacked poor Scarlett. ‘Knocked silly, she staggered backward, then lost her balance and fell off the low platform they were standing on.’

I guess this tells us that Iron Man and Black Widow share scenes in costume.

Basically, I’m so excited for The Avengers, I’m willing to pass on any scrap of news about it until it comes out.

Disney’s D23 expo was the site of Marvel’s unveiling of the Avengers (much to the dismay of the Comic-Con audience) and they brought out most of the principle cast and showed some footage. We managed to get video of the presentation and thought we’d offer it here to you.

The Hollywood Reporter got some interviews afterward and they offered some great tidbits.

Here’s Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey, Jr.:

Tom Hiddleston discussing his part as Loki:

And Jeremy Renner and Scarlett Johansson talking about fight scenes and injuries on set:

The Avengers hits screens next year. You can read about the footage shown in this report from earlier today.

The Marvel Movies facebook page (which you should all join) was on hand at D23 and they posted a description of the Avengers footage shown. I know a lot of people were upset that they were showing the footage at D23 instead of Comic-Con, but it was no less effective in getting the word out instantly.

You can read the full description on the Marvel Movies facebook page, but my favorite part?

The ending:

Loki sees the camera and knows that the Avengers are watching him.
Lord, Thor’s arms are MASSIVE.
“You talk about peace and you kill cuz it’s fun.” – Fury to Loki
Loki looks even more menacing than he did in Thor…wow!
Loki’s hair looks longer. Maybe that’s just me.
We got to see Hawkeye loose an arrow. LOOKED GREAT.
Big explosion!
Renner also using guns. But he has a full quiver of arrows on his back.
Tony Stark is doing a headcount of the Avengers: A couple of master assassins, a demigod, a living legend who kind of lives up to the legend
Iron Man and somone battling. Maybe Thor?
And the last scene of Tony Stark talking? It was to Loki!
To Loki: “And you, big fella, managed to piss off every one of them.” Loki: “I have an army.” Stark: “We have a Hulk!”

I’m still having a hard time believing that we get to see this movie in our lifetime. This sounds like everything we’ve wanted, everything we’ve asked for, everything our heart desires.

I still feel like I’m living in a dream and the other shoe is going to drop and we won’t REALLY have an Avengers movies.

It comes out next year, and the word on twitter from producer Kevin Feige at D23 is that they have only 2 weeks of filming left.

I can’t wait.

Until then, we’ll be on the lookout for the footage if it ever comes out for you to look at.

There was some speculation that since The Avengers was noticeably lacking at this years Comic-Con that we would see something instead at Disney’s D23 Expo in Anaheim, California. It turns out that this speculation was right!

Disney will be showcasing the film at the Anaheim Convention Center during their D23 Expo taking place on Saturday, August 20. Little details about exactly what will occur involving the film hasn’t been released, but you can be sure whatever news comes from this we here at BSR will be sure to bring it to you like the giddy geeks we are! You can check out the full press release on the D23 Expo below!

Exclusively at Disney’s D23 Expo August 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Disney film fans will go behind the scenes to explore the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios, with a variety of panel discussions, sneak peeks, and exhibits.

On Saturday, August 20, Rich Ross, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, president, Production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, producer and president, Marvel Studios, will present a not-to-be-missed look at The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming film slate, which includes Disney’s The Muppets, John Carter, Disney-Pixar’s Brave, Marvel’s The Avengers, Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, Oz: The Great and Powerful, and more.

With projects from Disney, Pixar Animation Studios, and Marvel Studios, this special presentation will feature never-before-seen footage and all-star appearances by Jason Segel, Kermit, and Miss Piggy (Disney’s The Muppets), Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, and Willem Dafoe (John Carter), Kelly Macdonald and Kevin McKidd (Brave), Jennifer Garner (The Odd Life of Timothy Green), Jack McBrayer and Sarah Silverman (Wreck-It Ralph), cast members from Marvel’s The Avengers, and other surprise guests.

In celebration of 25 years of moviemaking magic, five sessions will be devoted to the artistry and technical wizardry of Pixar:

* A Conversation with the Pixar Creative Team – Enjoy a rare opportunity to spend some time with the key figures responsible for Pixar’s unprecedented success, including John Lasseter (chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios), Jim Morris (general manager, Pixar Animation Studios), Pete Docter (director, Monsters, Inc., Up), Andrew Stanton (director, Finding Nemo, WALL-E), Bob Peterson (co-director, Up), Lee Unkrich (director, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (director, Brave), and Dan Scanlon (director, Monsters University).

* The Characters of Monsters University – Director Dan Scanlon and Production Designer Ricky Nierva discuss how they combine hair, horns, and a lot of heart to bring the wonderful Monsters University characters to life.

* Michael Giacchino’s Music of Pixar – In this musical presentation, award-winning composer Michael Giacchino explores his early influences through the creation of modern-day classic scores from Ratatouille, Up and Cars 2.

* The Art of Brave – Production Designer Steve Pilcher and Shading Art Director Tia Kratter show how they and their team put paint to canvas and fingers to computer keys to create the stunning visuals of Scotland for Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film Brave.

* Pixar Shorts – This retrospective screening of the animation studio’s legendary short films will be followed by a panel discussion with several of the filmmakers, including Ralph Eggleston (director, For the Birds), Andy Jimenez (director, One Man Band), Angus MacLane (director, BURN-E), Pete Sohn (director, Partly Cloudy), Teddy Newton (director, Day & Night), and Enrico Casarosa (director, La Luna).

Expo attendees will also have access to advance screenings of an all-new 3D version of The Lion King, presented by RealD 3D, coming to theaters and homes this fall, and the upcoming ABC holiday special Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Out on the Expo floor, fans can explore the world of The Walt Disney Studios at their leisure with comprehensive exhibits, including:

* Walt Disney Studios Animation Pavilion – Experience the art, technology, culture, and legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios with filmmaker demonstrations, drawing classes, book signings, meet-and-greets, and art exhibits.

* Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment Pavilion – Dive into cutting-edge home entertainment technology and learn what the future holds for Disney movie fans, with sneak peeks of upcoming films in breathtaking high-definition Blu-ray 3D™ and more.

* Inside Tides: Pirates of the Caribbean Film Prop Collection – Get an up-close look at an exclusive collection of detailed set pieces, props, and costumes from the billion-dollar blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Tickets to D23 Expo 2011 are available at D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo and can be purchased for single days or for three full days of festivities. Admission is $42 for a one-day adult ticket and $32 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $121 for adults and $91 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on admission as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests. More details about D23 Expo entertainment, events and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting D23Expo.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” on Twitter and Facebook.

About D23 Expo 2011

The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks. For schedules, live updates, interactive features and tools, polls and much more, check out the D23 Expo mobile app at www.D23mobile.com! To be part of the D23 Expo conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 and tag your tweets with #D23Expo. For questions during the D23 Expo, get answers by sending tweets to @D23Expo.

Until someone bootlegs it this is about all we are getting of The Avengers Teaser but it’s still enough to make me excited. If you haven’t seen Captain America this is a HUGE SPOILER. Otherwise enjoy

Thanks to http://www.slashfilm.com/