Marvel basically exploded the Internet yesterday by announcing its entire Phase Three slate of films, including Captain America: Civil War, Thor: Ragnarok, Guardians of the Galaxy 2,Doctor Strange, Black PantherCaptain Marvel, The Inhumans, and The Avengers: Infinity War - Part One and Two. But before we can see those films on the big screen, we have to close out Phase Two with The Avengers: Age of Ultron and Ant-Man.

Speaking of Age of Ultron, an extended version of the film's recently released trailer aired last night with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (see above). The new footage appears at the beginning of the preview and involves a party that The Avengers throw at Tony Stark's (Robert Downey Jr.) penthouse, possibly as a result of a successful mission.

In the new footage, the Avengers - plus War Machine/James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) - take turns trying to lift Thor's (Chris Hemsworth) hammer, Mjolnir. After Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) mocks the Hammer's inscription ("Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor"), Tony tries his hand at lifting it.

When his normal human hands aren't capable of doing the deed, he retrieves his Iron Man glove armor and tries again. No go. Then he enlists War Machine's help, but again, it doesn't work.

Captain America Lifting Thors Hammer Avengers Age of Ultron

Finally, Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) takes his turn - and the hammer budges. Just a little bit. Not enough for him to be able to lift the hammer, but enough to surprise Thor, who seems relieved when Cap ultimately is incapable.

(Who wants to bet this comes back into play later on in the film? I'm convinced that Cap will lift Thor's hammer by the time Age of Ultron's credits roll, perhaps during a very pivotal, climactic moment.)

At this point in the trailer, Ultron (James Spader) crashes the party, makes fun of The Avengers for not being worthy, and then the trailer plays out as the first one did last week, creepy Pinocchio music and all. For my money, the whole thing works much better with the addition of the Avengers party scene.

What say you, Screen Ranters? Do you like the extended trailer? Do you prefer it to the original? Are you excited to see if Captain America proves himself worthy by the end of the film? Drop us a line in the comments.

The Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters May 1st, 2015.

Follow me on Twitter @benandrewmoore.

Source: Marvel