PHOTOS: 'The Avengers' Take Over Hollywood Boulevard

This is why it took you longer to get home last night.

A portion of Hollywood Boulevard was closed for the premiere of The Avengers at the El Capitan Theatre Wednesday night. (Perhaps you noticed the plastic tents go up over the red carpet when you passed by earlier this week.)

Traffic was blocked from crossing the iconic street between Orange Drive and Highland Avenue to make way for actors Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson who were among those in attendance at the premiere. 

Photos capture the stars walking the red carpet and signing autographs for fans. View the slide show above for glimpse at the premiere.

Regular movie-goers will get to see the movie when it hits theaters May 4.