With Disney confirming development of "The Avengers 2" shortly after its record breaking opening weekend, and with Marvel unveiling a logo at Comic-Con, all that was left to do was get writer/director Joss Whedon back on board. “I have not come to a decision on directing 'Avengers 2' yet,” he said only just a couple of weeks ago. “I am having too much fun with this ('Firefly' reunion) now.” But it looks like the dump truck full of money and promises from Disney and Marvel has finally landed.
/Film reports that on the Walt Disney Investors Conference Call (zzzz), the studio confirmed that Whedon would be back to write and direct "The Avengers 2." So breathe easy fanboys, your franchise remains in good hands. It's a smart move by Marvel, which is likely paying a prettier penny than they are used to, but they realize Whedon delivered the best movie, both critically and commercially, than its ever done, and trying to do it without him would be ruining a lot of goodwill. And hell, it's not like they can't afford him at this point. And that's not all. Whedon is also developing a live action TV-series with Marvel characters as well.
"The Avengers 2" is a long way off — it doesn't even have a release date yet, and the earliest bow is likely 2015 — but the building blocks are being constructed as ever on the Marvel slate, for the next action-packed team up. Much more to come we're sure, but Whedon will continue to be the superhero behind the camera for the franchise.
