SCOTLAND’S economy is set to receive a £10 million boost when a new Holywood blockbuster is filmed across the country.
Makers of the comic book adventure hit The Avengers are understood to be scouting locations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands for £400million Infinity War.
The new movie is the third in the Avengers series, and is set to be the biggest blockbuster made in the country.
Actors including Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr and Samuel L Jackson are to star in the superhero adventure and will be coming to Scotland after filming starts in February.
Also included in the star-studded cast will be Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Mark Ruffalo, while Liv Tyler and Scots actress Karren Gillan are believed to be in line for roles too. Film-makers Disney and Marvel are thought to be keeping the deal secret, but plan to start filming on February 28, for around six months.
It is thought Infinity War will be the largest film project to have been made in Scotland, trumping zombie film World War Z.
The apocalyptic movie starring Brad Pitt was filmed in Glasgow in 2011 with an 1,800-strong cast and brought about £3.3 million to the local economy. The news has been welcomed by politicians and small business groups.
Scottish Labour’s culture spokesman, Lewis Macdonald, said: “The fact such a successful franchise will be in filmed in Scotland will excite fans, but also provide a welcome boost to the economy.
“I hope the producers take advantage of the skills people in Scotland have to offer, so as many local people as possible find work and Scotland’s fantastic creative community can go from strength to strength.”
Colin Borland of the Federation of small businesses said the film would be a “massive opportunity” for businesses, such as restaurants and bars.
He said: “Any money that drips into the local economy from a big project like this has to be a good thing.”
Glasgow City Council and Film Edinburgh remained tight-lipped about the deal, but they welcomed any film-makers who chose to come to Scotland.
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