Report: Acura to be official car of spy agency S.H.I.E.L.D in Thor [w/video]

Get ready for Marvel Comics and Paramount Pictures to rule commercial time leading up to their new Thor movie that premiers on May 6. The film, which will be followed up with Captain America later this summer, follows two Iron Man movies and the 2008's The Incredible Hulk. Those films make up the lengthy run-up to the release of The Avengers movie next summer that will feature all the good guys on one silver screen.

Predictably, Thor will be jammed with corporate sponsors and product placements, which will lead to still more Thor commercials. Even Acura has gotten in on the act, as the upscale Honda brand has nabbed the roll as the vehicle of choice for the good guys at S.H.I.E.L.D., who are working hard to get all the superheros on the same team (hello, Avengers). Acura, whose corporate styling language already involves the shield-shaped front fascia that so many have complained about, were more interested in the role due to S.H.I.E.L.D's high-tech, cutting edge reputation. The automaker will reportedly receive an amazing two minutes of air time during the movie, and Acura even allowed the bad guys to blow up some of its vehicles.

Acura no doubt paid big bucks to get all that screen time, but that's not all it plans to do. Variety reports that Acura will push the movie in commercials, while also hosting Thor events at local dealerships that include giving away some tickets for advanced screenings. Hit the jump to watch the latest movie trailer. Top tip, Stewie!

[Source: Variety]