Fans are surprised to learn just how much time has passed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe between the climactic events of Captain America: Civil War and forthcoming ensemble Avengers: Infinity War. - the mammoth brand new trailer of which has just been released.

The timeline detail has been confirmed by Black Widow actor Scarlett Johansson who revealed in an interview with ET that up to three years has passed since Cap (Chris Evans) went off on his own volition.

“When we last saw these characters in Civil War it's been probably 2 or 3 years that have passed, and our characters have been kind of part of some sort of counter-terrorism unit efforts but we're flying under the radar,” she said, adding: “You know, it's a lot I think when you are on these kinds of missions with no governmental support. You don't even have the support of just the general public, and you're sort of running rogue, trying to do what you know is best for the common man but you don't have someone to guide you or support you.

“We're kind of fractured ourselves, and then, of course, the last we saw Hulk he was floating into the stratosphere. Now we are reintroduced to this whole expanded universe. There's been a lot of change that's gone on since the original Avengers assembled.”

The finished film promises to feature more superheroes on screen in one film than ever before, however, those fans hoping for an introduction to Brie Larson's Captain Marvel will have to wait.

A standalone Black Widow film is reportedly in the works with fans demanding the character's solo outing since her debut in 2010 film Iron Man 2.

Avengers: Infinity War hits UK cinemas 27 April with a new trailer expected to be released at some stage today (16 March).