The Marvel Cinematic Universe is due for another shakeup…

Just under one week before it was scheduled to premiere on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. the first trailer for Marvel Studios‘ highly anticipated blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron leaked online for all to see. In a chuckle-worthy bit of self-awareness, Marvel shook their digital fist at a certain fictional terrorist organization once the leak became public:

Dammit, Hydra.

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) October 22, 2014

 

The trailer exudes a grim demeanor, especially in contrast to the lightness of the first Avengers released back in 2012. In it much of the world is badly wrecked, and heroes Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), and Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) are at each other’s throats. We’re also finally introduced to the dastardly Ultron (James Spader), a maniacal robot hellbent on conquering the world.

The story revolves around Stark as he rivives a highly advanced self-aware artificial intelligence called Ultron that was meant to help The Avengers after the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. But sadly the plan backfires when Ultron declares humanity the main problem and sets out to eradicate all humans.

The film also stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Don Cheadle.  Avengers: Age of Ultron is slated for release on May 1st, 2015. Check out the trailer -in all its official Marvel-approved HD glory- below! 

Dylan (@Rastaman0318) sheds a tear for the lost ratings bonanza this would’ve surely brought “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”