$200 million and change opening weekend in North America. Over $700 million worldwide. Of course there's going to be a sequel to "The Avengers."
But in case you had any doubts or worries, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that "The Avengers 2" is in development and that the success of Joss Whedon's film is “a great illustration of why we like Marvel so much.” In short. Money good. Hulk make money. Disney happy with money. Avengers toys people buy. Sequel get made. Cycle continue. The end.
Of course, all those details, like when it will hit theaters and who will direct (you can bet an online petition for Whedon to return will be started by the end of the day) and what it will even be about still need to be ironed out. But don't expect this at the mulitplex until at least 2015 as Marvel pretty much has their calendar planned out through 2014 with "Captain America 2," "Thor 2" and "Iron Man 3" all coming, and presumably buliding toward another superhero team up. We suppose Disney could pressure them into trying to make that 2014 date, but we don't see that happening. Hell, the mouse house is probably just happy to have something erase the memory of "John Carter." [Deadline]
