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The city of Edinburgh is set for its biggest starring role ever in Marvel Studios Avengers: Infinity War.

The Scottish capital will host its biggest film shoot to date next month, with a 400-strong film crew working in the historic Old Town and other locations over a jam-packed six-week schedule.

The superhero blockbuster, featuring big names such as Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo, is expected to boost the city's economy by £10million.

While it's unclear how Edinburgh will fit into the story, it's thought some of the Avengers may have gone into hiding there after the group is torn apart following the events of Civil War.

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(Image: Daily Record)

Avengers: Infinity War will see the superhero ensemble join forces with Guardians of the Galaxy to battle Thanos.

Marvel has teamed up with the city's media office Film Edinburgh, Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland to plan production across the iconic World Heritage Site locations, as well as local businesses and residents.

Director Joe Russo said: “When Edinburgh came up as a location option we jumped at the chance. The city is such a unique and iconic location, but one never seen as the backdrop for a big action film, which is incredibly exciting.”

Brother Anthony added: “The support from all local agencies, such as Film Edinburgh, has been invaluable in helping to coordinate this complicated shoot. We appreciate the entire city’s help and are excited to have such a beautiful and historic city in the film.”

Film Edinburgh reported that 2016 was the city's most successful year for movie-making – injecting £7.7 million into the local economy, an 11.5 per cent rise on 2015 figures.

321 productions filmed in the region last year included feature films T2 Trainspotting and Churchill , alongside popular dramas including Outlander and BBC Three’s current hit Clique .

(Image: SWNS)

Councillor Gavin Barrie, Edinburgh’s Economy Convener, said: “Our cobbled streets, historic properties and stunning green spaces could set the scene for some of cinema’s greatest superheroes and it is fantastic to secure such an A-list production."