'Avengers: Infinity War' news: the complete list of Marvel heroes coming together to defeat Thanos

The ball for the production of "Avengers: Infinity War" may have been set in motion with the casting for extras who will play an alien race already reportedly taking place. While that tidbit of information is exciting and somewhat expected, to say the least, given that the cosmic realm will be a backdrop of the film, the complete list of superheroes boarding the wagon may have also been revealed.

Fans know that "Infinity War" is tipped to be the biggest ensemble piece Marvel has in its pipeline as of now. Aside from the original Avengers lineup of Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Cap (Chris Evans), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), other heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe are tipped to join in the party. Some of them have already been teased in this year's sampler, "Captain America: Civil War," which expanded the team, albeit divided, with the addition of Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and the introduction of Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman). Of course, this is not to mention the recurring extension of the squad with War Machine (Don Cheadle), Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Vision (Paul Bettany) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen).

A casting call from Omega Underground divulges the said complete list of characters helping to defeat mad titan Thanos (Josh Brolin). Newcomers like Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) as well as Star-Lord/Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) are also said to be lending some helping hand for the cause. What is more, Peter Quill is said to be bringing his Guardian friends including new convert Nebula (Karen Gillan). Interestingly, Marvel is also said to be looking to debut Brie Larson's newest gig as Captain Marvel even before she goes on with her own standalone film. The ploy has been tried and tested in Civil War with Boseman debuting T'Chaka and as far as initial reactions are concerned, it seems to have worked.

The movie sounds jam-packed that it is almost impossible to believe that there is actually one hero that is not on the list. Noticeably, Tom Holland's new incarnation of Spider-Man is absent from the extensive list and while the sheet is not officially confirmed, this occurrence can be traced back to the young actor's candid comment about sitting out "Infinity War." The reason for the commotion is still undisclosed with speculations that it may have something to do with the rights Marvel Studios share with Sony Pictures. Some, on the other hand, theorizes that it can be based purely on narrative as the web-slinging teen is being saved for "Avengers 4."

"Avengers: Infinity War" is set to debut on May 4, 2018, followed by "Avengers 4" on May 3, 2019.