New Mexico Lands Marvel Studios' “The Avengers” Movie

New Mexico has landed what Gov. Bill Richardson's office is billing as the largest movie production in state history.

Richardson and Marvel Studios' co-president Louis D'Esposito announced this week that the comic book-based adventure film "The Avengers" will be shot primarily in New Mexico.

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The film is expected to employ hundreds of New Mexico-based cast and crew, and use hundreds of local service and supply vendors.

Its all-star cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johannson, Jeremy Renner and Mark Ruffalo.

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The governor's office says preproduction is already under way. Principal photography is scheduled to run from April through September.

Richardson says the announcement is a good example of the job creation, economic impact and visibility the movie industry has brought to the state.

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