If you have not already heard, the next installment of the Avengers franchise is set to film in Edinburgh, Scotland in the next few weeks. The film crew arrived in Edinburgh this past weekend, and filming is set to begin after March 30^th.

Residents living off of the Royal Mile and on Cockburn Street were notified that they should expect to hear mini explosions between April 2^nd and 6^th.

As a study abroad student in Edinburgh, and an Avengers fan myself, I am beyond excited. While I would love to imagine that I might run into Robert Downey Jr. or Chris Hemsworth in passing on the street, I am most excited for watching the film in the cinema, and seeing scenes, streets, and pieces of the city I love. By then I will be back home, and missing Edinburgh more than ever, so seeing it on the big screen, and in one of the highest grossing franchises of all time will be so amazing.

I’ve been in Edinburgh almost eight months now, and I am still just as blown away by its incredible Gothic beauty, as I was the first few days I arrived. The streets are so historically charming, and breathtaking that I find it hard to not mistake the castle overlooking the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens, or the grandness of Arthur’s Seat as a movie set.

However, the winding, narrow streets that are so quaint and aesthetic now, used to hold a dark and terrifying history within the cramped quarters of the closes, and along the cobblestone streets. During Medieval times, torture, poverty and disease were rampant in the Old Town, especially due to overpopulation in the mile-wide dimensions of the city. The shadows of this despondent period still linger today, but instead of misfortune, the city is full of life from the tops of the crags to the bottom of the steep closes.

Walking around this incredible city everyday feels like walking through a movie set, and although I was so pleasantly surprised to hear Marvel would be filming the Avengers franchise here, it’s also no wonder! Over the past few months, I’ve actually wondered why more movies have not been filmed in this incredible city.

When I watched the filming of Outlander off of the Royal Mile two months ago, I saw how quickly the street I walk along everyday was transformed into an 18th century village for the show. I imagine Edinburgh will appear as it is in the Avengers movie, because it is so breathtakingly beautiful and historic.

I am excited for filming to start soon. Actually one jewelry antique store that I really liked on Cockburn Street was unexpectedly closed down, and a Kebab place put in its place. I was confused at first because it was so sudden, and out of place next to the nicer shops and restaurants on the street, but apparently it is only a temporary place designed just for the Avengers movie.

I’ll keep my eyes open for more movie set pop-ups, as well as any superhero appearances. I wouldn’t be surprised in this magical place!