Marvel stuns fans with giant Avengers gathering

Los Angeles : Marvel brought thousands of fans to their feet on Saturday as it assembled a stellar panel of superheroes to preview "Avengers: Infinity War" at Disney's D23 convention.

The movie, which comes out next year, unites the characters from all 16 films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe -- and most of the actors who play them took the stage at the star-studded fan event in Anaheim, southern California.   

The packed 7,000-capacity convention hall cheered as Josh Brolin, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle and Benedict Cumberbatch were introduced one by one.

Tom Holland, Benicio del Toro, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Anthony Mackie, Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff and Chadwick Boseman and co-director Joe Russo were also part of the star-studded panel. 

"I've got to admit, these guys have not been together on stage for a long time, and even I find myself geeking out," said Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige before introducing world-first "Infinity Wars" teaser footage. 

The movie opens in May 2018 -- the 10th anniversary of the US release of the original Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, "Iron Man."

"It's funny to think Kevin and I figured all of this out at Randy's Donuts shooting 'Iron Man 2,'" quipped Downey, who plays the titular superhero.

The panel was part of a presentation of the next two years of live-action movies from Disney, which owns Marvel and Lucasfilm.