Marvel Studios have hinted at plans to expand their movie universe even further by moving into the short film medium.

Two have already been completed – both focussing on Clark Gregg’s S.H.I.E.L.D. boss Agent Phil Coulson – and will debut on the eventual home video releases of THOR and CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER. Further shorts will prospectively focus on the many hundreds of minor Marvel characters who’ve yet to step into the spotlight.

We at Starburst think this is another masterful move for Marvel, whose plan to build a unified movie universe is coming along beautifully (a few minor glitches aside of course, mostly involving The Hulk). A series of 10-minute shorts will allow them to field test lesser-known superheroes (and directors) without gambling $200m a pop on a feature.

There’s a possibility we’ll start seeing these before Marvel’s main features in the near future (aping Pixar’s tried-and-tested strategy*), with the smart money on one accompanying THE AVENGERS.

As always we’ll keep you in the loop on all further developments!

* the TOY STORY short that precedes CARS 2 is apparently much better than the film itself.

So, which characters would you like to see given their own mini-movies? Let us know with your comments below!