Marvel Teases 'Phase 2,' With 'Iron Man 3' and 'Thor 2' Footage and Other Details (Video)

Marvel's ultimate master plan for blog domination is complete.

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As is now well known, years of careful planning has enabled Marvel to create a self-sustaining cinematic universe run on beloved properties and major synergy, which -- through both major collaborations and minor cameo teases -- feeds one blockbuster film into another.

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It's a fan's dream, but also a marketer's, as news about one film is advertising about another... and another... and another.

Take, for instance, this look into their "Phase 2" of films.

In May, Marvel will release Iron Man 3, the latest installment of the franchise that started it all. Once again starring Robert Downey, Jr. as the suave-yet-troubled billionaire Tony Stark, the movie -- which will also be Marvel's biggest move yet into China -- is the focus of the featurette, with new footage and insight into the mind of the man behind the metal suit. Yet, given his central role in The Avengers, it's quite natural for the video to veer into the upcoming films from the other members of that super smash-hit team.

And so, behold new footage from Thor 2, with a look at how Jane (Natalie Portman) will handle traveling to Asgard with her hammer-tossing hero (Chris Hemsworth). That film is due out later this year, and then will be followed by the second Captain America movie -- which is also teased with some concept art and discussion in the new "Phase 2" video.

That feeds into the second Avengers film -- director Joss Whedon says they're in early pre-production -- and from there, fans get a look at two new franchises: Edgar Wright's Ant-Man, and James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy.