It has been a rough couple of months for Scarlett Johansson but the actress appeared in great spirits as she headed back to work yesterday.

The actress, who just months after her divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised, went through a very public break up from actor Sean Penn.

But all that appeared to be behind her as she laughed and smiled on the set of her new film The Avengers in Central Park, New York yesterday afternoon.

Back to work: Scarlett Johansson is all smiles as she shoots scenes for her new film The Avengers in Central Park, New York yesterday

Scarlett, 26, is reprising her role as the Black widow, from Iron Man 2,and was, for the first time, joined by all the other cast members on set since they began filming last month.

Wearing tight black trousers, a black T-shirt and a tan jacket, and with her hair dyed back to the deep red shade she sported for the previous film, the star chatted animatedly with some of the crew in between takes.

The actress then shot a scene alongside Hurt Locker actor Jeremy Renner who is portraying the Avenger Hawkeye in the movie.

In shape: Scarlett slimmed down for the role which sees her having to wear a black leather catsuit

Take one: She was joined in a scene by Jeremy Renner who plays Hawkeye

The couple stood alongside a hybrid vehicle and chatted as cameras rolled and hoards of crowds watched from behind the barriers.

It is the first time the actress has been seen back at work since she split from actor Sean Penn a couple of months back.

Penn, 51, wasted no time moving on and has already been seen with another woman, 26-year-old producer Shannon Costello.

Scarlett had begun dating Penn in the wake of her divorce from husband of two years, Ryan Reynolds, which was finalised on July 1st.

Co-star: Also on set shooting his own scenes was Iron man himself, Robert Downey Jr

Captain America: Chris Evans shot some of his scenes solo aboard a huge custom motorcycle

Also on set was Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr, who looked dapper in his usual grey suit and a purple shirt and tie with his signature glasses.

He got involved with the crew and prop department chatting with the staff before filming some solo scenes.

Captain America, Chris Evans looked smart in a leather jacket and chinos as he rode a giant motorbike through Central Park while Chris Hemsworth, in full costume stood and chatted with Tom Hiddleston before shooting their scene.

The movie, based on the original comic book series, brings together all of the famous characters who have to unite to battle an evil force.

The film is set for release in May 2012.

Thor: Chris Hemsworth, in full cape and body armour stood and chatted to Tom Hiddleston who plays Loki

Vroom Vroom: Mark Ruffalo joined in on the action alongside Robert Downey Jr as they filmed a scene involving a very sporty looking car