Like other recent Marvel Studios releases before it, a bonus awaits those fans who stick around after the credits roll on "Iron Man 2," which hits theaters next Friday. Also like other recent Marvel films, the scene in question was omitted from press screenings of the film. That didn't stop the Internet, however.

A pirated version of the scene has popped up online, leading a number of outlets to describe the minute-long tease in detail before the clip was inevitably pulled from sites. Like the post-credits scenes in "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk," the "Iron Man 2" teaser serves to expand the feeling that each of these films exist within a larger universe.

In "Iron Man," the post-credits scene saw Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark returning home to find an uninvited houseguest waiting for him: S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), the first appearance of the character. Downey had a cameo of his own in "The Incredible Hulk," a brief encounter with General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (William Hurt). Both scenes look forward to the planned 2012 release "The Avengers."

Rumors concerning the makeup of these teaser scenes preceded the release of both "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk," and it's been no different with "Iron Man 2." One of the widely held beliefs is that "Thor" star Chris Hemsworth, "The First Avenger: Captain America" star Chris Evans or both will make a cameo.

MTV News asked "Iron Man 2" director Jon Favreau about the post-credits scene and what it might contain at the weekend press junket for the movie. "What scene?" Favreau asked innocently. "What makes you think there's a secret scene?"

When we fired back that there's precedent set by the previous film, as well as "The Incredible Hulk," Favreau went on the offensive. "Did you used to peek at your Christmas presents?" Favreau asked, adding, "Would we do that to you? Not put in a scene and then put it in later?"

As today's leak proves, yes they would. We won't ruin the full details of the scene here, but those who can't bear the wait and would prefer a mild spoiler to a full reveal can keep reading.

Ready? Beware ... SPOILER AHEAD.

Unlike the teaser scenes in the two previous films, the "Iron Man 2" after-credits moment doesn't explicitly reference "The Avengers." Instead, it looks to the next Marvel movie on the horizon: "Thor," which hits theaters on May 6, 2011. You'll be able to see for yourself soon enough, with "Iron Man 2" finally arriving in theaters next week on May 7.

Do you think it's wrong for sites to discuss this leak, or is it every fan's duty to spread the wealth of spoilers? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Check out everything we've got on "Iron Man 2."

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