Marvel has already revealed that their next short film will tackle the aftermath of the devastating alien invasion that hit Manhattan in the climactic showdown of The Avengers. Entitled Item 47, it stars Lizzy Caplan and Jesse Bradford as an ordinary couple that stumbles upon one of the super-powered weapons left behind by the Chitauri, and decide to launch a life of crime.

At a runtime of 12 minutes, Item 47 is the longest Marvel One-Shot thus far, and while its content is definitely not required viewing for all Marvel fans, it should provide a fun opportunity to expand the world the films have created. Much likeThe Consultant and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammerserved to spotlight fan-favorite Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), expect Item 47 to feature key members of S.H.I.E.L.D. Most likely, Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), Nick Fury’s right-hand woman – especially since she’s confirmed to show up in next summer’s Iron Man 3.

There’s also been talk that Marvel would use upcoming short films to introduce new superheroes into the mix, but to that end, nothing has been confirmed. Regardless, Item 47 will nicely bridge the gap between The Avengers and next summer’s Iron Man 3, underscoring the fact that the team-up of “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” will have consequences going forward into Phase Two of Marvel’s master plan.

Item 47 will be available on the upcoming Blu-Ray release of The Avengers, as well as Marvel’s Phase One box set. Both hit stores everywhere on September 25, 2012.