The Avengers is a 2012 American superhero action movie. It is based on Marvel Comics characters. It is distributed under Walt Disney Pictures. "The Avengers" premiered on April 11, 2012. Released in North America on May 4, 2012. The movie was written and directed by Joss Whedon. Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Bori, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, and Samuel L. Jackson star, with Stellan Skarsgård, Clark Gregg, Cobie Smulders, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Paul Bettany in supporting roles.