Wesley Chapel resident Tommy Quinn (far left) is an extra/stunt man in “The Avengers.”

Cue the lights and grab some popcorn as a barrage of superheroes, aliens, rock stars, foul-mouthed teddy bears, animated zoo animals and cub scouts bring something for everyone to theaters this summer, especially action!

One Wesley Chapel resident — Tommy Quinn — can be seen taking part in some of that action alongside the world’s greatest superheroes in one of this summer’s most action-packed movies that has already raked in more than $1 billion worldwide,

“The Avengers.” (PG-13, in theaters)

They’ve finally assembled. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Hawkeye and the Black Widow come together to battle Thor’s angry brother and, from the reviews so far, “The Avengers” is smart, funny and full of non-stop action sequences that don’t disappoint.

Quinn, a resident of the Meadow Pointe community, is a part of some of those action sequences. Stunt Predators USA, a stunt-production company of which he is a part, did some of the stunt coordination for “The Avengers.”

“(Richard Fike, director of Stunt Predators) called me and said, ‘You don’t want to miss this one,’” explains Quinn. “This was huge. We were running around dressed up like cops while things were blowing up everywhere.”

Quinn, 49, says he has been doing stunt work for about 12 years and can be seen in the film portraying a New York City cop. He has previously worked on three other action films, including 2001’s “American Outlaws,” which starred Colin Farrell. He says that he is basically an “all-purpose guy” and can drive pretty much any type of vehicle needed for stunts, in addition to martial arts work.

Quinn recently saw the final version of the film and says that a lot of his stunt work didn’t make the final cut.

“It’s crazy because you spend so much time on (the stunts), but then in the movie, it just flies by so fast,” he says. After appearing in the first of the Avengers movies, Quinn hopes to have a larger role in the sequel. He offers advice to those who dream of getting involved in the movie industry.

“If you have a dream, just go out and do it,” he says. “It’s really not that hard to get involved. I feel like I’m just getting started.”

“Prometheus” (R, In theaters)

Ridley Scott delivers his prequel to the Alien saga with the story of a voyage to find earth's origins. Of course, nothing goes to plan and the astronauts find themselves fighting for their lives on a distant planet. The trailer offers a preview of some stunning visuals and a step into another world.

“The Dark Knight Rises” in local theaters
on July 20.

“The Dark Knight Rises” (PG-13, July 20)

Director Christopher Nolan’s “Batman” finale finally makes its way into theaters, and from the last trailer for it, it looks like it has the potential to steal the show this summer. However, after the late Heath Ledger’s posthumous Oscar-winning performance as the Joker in the previous “Batman” flic, it will be interesting to see if the Bat’s latest nemesis, Bane (played by Tom Hardy) will live up to audience expectations. The murderous Bane was more comically portrayed in 1997’s awful “Batman & Robin.” The new film also features Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Anne Hathaway.

“The Expendables 2” (R, Aug. 17)

In the trailer, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger carries a big gun and exclaims, “I’m back!” If that’s not enough, the film also stars pretty much every major action star since the 1970s. Even Chuck Norris and Jean-Claude Van Damme get their hands dirty in the sequel, written and directed by Rambo himself, Sylvester Stallone.

For those looking for laughs, there is plenty to chuckle about in theaters this summer.

“Rock of Ages” (PG-13, In theaters)

Based on the Broadway musical, “Rock of Ages” is a musical that follows two young people trying to make it in 1987 Los Angeles. Tom Cruise plays a rock star. Alec Baldwin owns a nightclub. Catherine Zeta-Jones plays a religious leader against the music. Add that to the 80s songs soundtrack and you've got yourself a good time in the theater.

“Ted” (R, July 13)

Seth McFarlane, creator of “Family Guy,” makes his movie debut as Mark Walhberg’s dirty-talking, pot-smoking teddy bear that sounds like several “Family Guy” characters mashed into one. Mila Kunis co-stars as Wahlberg’s disapproving girlfriend who wants Ted kicked to the curb.

“The Watch” (R, July 27)

Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill are part of a community Neighborhood Watch program and discover an alien invasion that is taking place while making the rounds. Did I mention the stars and the rating? Enough said.

Will Ferrell and Zack Galafianakis are
political caricuatures in “The Campaign.”

“The Campaign” (Not yet rated, August 10)

Will Ferrell and Zack Galafianakis battle for a seat in North Carolina’s state legislature as the only two names on the ballot. Both comic geniuses flex their funny bones as caricatures of politicians during a presidential election year.

And don’t forget about the kids! There’s plenty for them, too, this summer.

“Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted” (PG, In theaters)

Everyone’s favorite zoo-escapees return, only this time, they’re stuck in Europe on their way back to the Big Apple and end up joining a railroad circus. Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Cedric the Entertainer, Sacha Baron Cohen and Sherri Shepherd again lend their voice talents.

“Ice Age 4: Continental Drift” (PG, July 13)

The Ice Age critters are hanging on for survival, literally, this time on an iceberg, as the world melts around them. Is this the last chapter before extinction? Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, and Queen Latifah again bring the characters to life.

With so many big movies hitting theaters this blockbuster season, the challenge will be picking which ones to see. One thing’s for sure; summer will be one wild ride for movies. Be sure to check these out at our local theaters, such as the Cobb 16 Theatre (948-5444) at The Grove at Wesley Chapel, or the Muvico Starlight 20 (558-9747) on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa.

Which movies are you most excited to see? Check out the trailers and let us know your opinions in the comments section!