When Chris Hemsworth and Marvel descended on Durham Cathedral to film Avengers

As Avengers: Endgame Encore arrives in cinemas, Marvel fans are rediscovering County Durham's connection to the blockbuster through scenes…

When Chris Hemsworth and Marvel descended on Durham Cathedral to film Avengers

Marvel fans heading back to cinemas for the newly released Avengers: Endgame Encore may be surprised to learn part of the blockbuster was filmed in County Durham.

The extended-cut re-release, which arrived in cinemas on September 25 and includes additional footage alongside a preview of the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, has sparked renewed interest in the 2019 superhero epic.

Durham Cathedral played a key role in bringing Marvel's mythical world of Asgard to life.

The cathedral's Galilee Chapel and parts of the main building were transformed into the Asgardian Palace, home to Thor and his people.

How Durham Cathedral became part of the Marvel universe

Filming took place at the historic landmark, with production crews adapting sections of the 930-year-old cathedral for scenes featuring Thor's homeland.

While much of the final look was enhanced through visual effects, the distinctive stone architecture of the cathedral provided the backdrop for the royal halls of Asgard.

Durham Cathedral transformed for filming of Marvel's blockbuster.

Released in 2019, Avengers: Endgame saw the surviving Avengers attempt to undo the devastation caused by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War.

The film became a global phenomenon and remains one of the highest-grossing movies ever made.

A long history of Hollywood productions

Visitors to the cathedral may already recognise its cloisters from the Harry Potter films, while other parts of County Durham have appeared in The Witcher, 1917, The Last Kingdom and Vera.

Durham Cathedral's starring role in both the Harry Potter and Marvel franchises has helped establish it as one of the UK's most recognisable locations, attracting visitors keen to see famous movie settings for themselves.

Durham Cathedral transformed for filming of Marvel's Avenger: Infinity War

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Endgame Encore puts Durham back in the spotlight

The return of Avengers: Endgame to the big screen has once again put the spotlight on locations featured in the film, giving Durham Cathedral another moment in the Marvel limelight.

Marvel says the special re-release includes new footage and an exclusive look ahead to Avengers: Doomsday, which is due to arrive in cinemas in December.