In his exclusive report from the set of Joss Whedon’s The Avengers, Freshly Popped contributor Erik Davis ran through 10 can’t-miss items he learned while visiting the massive superhero production. No doubt after reading the piece, you'll be more than fired up for some mighty Marvel action and itching to get into a theater and see this thing already.

 

Well, if you live in one of 10 select cities, you might get to see Whedon’s blockbuster long before it opens in theaters on May 4. 

 

Earlier today, Avengers star Samuel L. Jackson announced via Facebook that Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Miami, and Houston all will receive IMAX 3D screenings on Sunday, April 14 as a reward for posting the most “likes” to the movie’s official Facebook page. A link was posted for fans in those cities to RSVP for tickets, but the screenings quickly sold out.  

 

Never fear, true believers. Jackson promised at the end of his message that five additional cities would be announced “shortly,” and he encouraged fans to log on and “like” the page in hopes of securing an advance screening.  

 

Participating fans also are encouraged to attend these exclusive advance screenings in Avengers costumes, as the Best Dressed will be awarded reserved seats at each screening.

 

I think it’s fun to see how studios finally are putting social media initiatives to work on behalf of their upcoming blockbusters, and that it’s fans who are reaping the benefits of these experimental, interactive games. A chance to see Whedon’s The Avengers more than two weeks before its official release its worth its weight in gold. 

 

So if you live in one of the countless cities that was not singled out today by Jackson, log on to Facebook and try to win your town an advance screening. Then keep an eye on the Internet, see if you won, and get yourself to an early Avengers screening surrounded by the world’s most passionate fans!