The directors of Avengers: Infinity War have indicated they are open to holding a premiere for the film in Edinburgh.

Brothers Anthony and Joe Russo tweeted in response to one of the film's stars calling for a premiere in the Scottish capital: "Let's do it... We're on it. Get ready Edinburgh."

Dave Bautista, who plays muscle-bound alien Drax in the Marvel films, shared a petition addressed to Marvel and Disney asking for an Edinburgh premiere to thank the city for its contribution to the upcoming blockbuster.

Scottish star Karen Gillan, who plays blue-skinned assassin Nebula in the franchise, responded to Mr Bautista's tweet: "Ha! Hell yes!"

Avengers: Infinity War spent weeks filming key scenes in the capital as well as the Scottish borders.

The village of St Abbs in the Borders went into lockdown last year as Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo filmed daytime scenes.

They then joined Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany for overnight filming in Edinburgh.

The petition, which currently has more than 1000 signatories, describes the film as the "largest production the city of Edinburgh has ever hosted".

This included an "unprecedented" six weeks of access for the movie's production team to Edinburgh Waverley train station as well as months of access to the city's Old Town.

Marvel's latest film, following off the back of the box office-smashing Black Panther, had its US release moved up a week to April 27.

Its UK release date was in turn pushed forward by a day, with Infinity War hitting British cinemas on April 26.

Executive producer Kevin Feige has called the blockbuster and its sequel, slated for May 2019, a "culmination" of the 18 films in the Marvel cinematic universe to date.

The film will see intergalactic warlord Thanos attempt to collect the powerful infinity stones, with the trailer showing a huge battle between his forces and the Avengers.

Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Black Widow and the rest of Earth's heroes will team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy on-screen for the first time in the Marvel series in an effort to save the universe.

Edinburgh councillor Gavin Barrie said: "The movie itself will be a fantastic opportunity to promote Edinburgh to audiences all over the world, but you can imagine the buzz the Avengers and their allies would create if they reassembled for a special screening.

"People in the city are really excited to see their hometown on the silver screen."

He continued: "It is a real credit to the city that the feedback from Disney's producers, directors and actors was all extremely positive.

"They fell in love with Edinburgh with its cobbled streets and sweeping skylines creating a backdrop for important action scenes.

"When I met with the Russo Brothers during filming, we discussed how proud the city was to host the world premiere of T2 Trainspotting earlier that year.

"We even suggested a special screening of Avengers: Infinity War in Edinburgh would be very well received."

The councillor concluded: "We're ready to roll out the red carpet if they are."