The Avengers Will Close the Tribeca Film Festival, Play Host to 'Local Heroes'

The Tribeca Film Festival has announced The Avengers as the closing-night selection of its 11th annual event, where Joss Whedon's summer superhero blockbuster will have its New York premiere on April 28 — and for a good cause, according to Marvel and fest organizers.

"Honoring the spirit of the Tribeca Film Festival, the screening will allow the opportunity for Marvel’s The Avengers to celebrate everyday heroes from police agencies, fire departments, first responders and various branches of the U.S. military," reads a statement just over the transom at ML HQ. "These local heroes will have an opportunity to attend the screening and meet the cast." Marvel Studios’ producer Kevin Feige adds: "We all know and love our iconic Super Heroes, but when it really counts, it's our real-life heroes who save the world every day by making it a better place for all of us."

Whedon, meanwhile, reacted with customary cheekiness: "Showing at Tribeca is both an honor and a double homecoming for me, who grew up in Manhattan, and for the movie, which wrapped production there. I’m thoroughly psyched to be closing the festival with our intimate little think-piece."

More to come at Movieline as Tribeca gets underway next month.

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