'The Avengers 2: Age of Ultron' will shoot in South Africa

Joss Whedon's superhero sequel The Avengers: Age of Ultron aka The Avengers 2 will go international for its production. The Bard Fortress in northern Italy has already confirmed via an official statement that the movie would partially film there. Other rumored shooting locations are South Africa (possibly for Wakanda, the home of the Black Panther?) and Korea, specifically Gangnam and Gyeonggi-do. Now, at least one of those locations has been confirmed.

Channel 24 reports that Whedon and the crew will be shooting parts of the film in an around Johannesburg, Gauteng for two weeks later in February. A Marvel Studios' press release had indicated that principal photography would not start until March, but it seems now that the March date only applies to production in the United Kingdom.

"We're thrilled that Marvel Studios is bringing a major motion picture project to Johannesburg, and we're committed to showing them the very best our region has to offer," noted the CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission.

"We are excited to host Marvel; strengthens Johannesburg's position as a worldwide film production center with first class facilities and production support," said the city's mayor. "It also has a very positive impact for the region and is a great opportunity for the city to be showcased to a worldwide audience."

The report states that the filming would not contain any of the main cast members but would instead be "action photography sequences." It's unclear if South Africa is doubling for another country or if it would serve as Wakanda, the home of the Black Panther.

Why do you think Age of Ultron is heading to South Africa? Let us know in the comments below.