With The Avengers being the largest movie of the year, and one of the biggest in cinematic history, it's been one big celebration not just for Marvel Studios but for Joss Whedon as well. A cult smash, Whedon has emerged not only as a writer/director who could perfectly understand the source material but also juggle multiple heroes all crossing over from their own stand-alone stories into one monster epic.
As late as Comic-Con last month there were plenty of questions towards the helmer regarding whether or not he would sign on for a sequel, to which he replied with only news that he was enjoying the success and relaxation following the film's release. Now, it seems Whedon is ready to commit and he'll be returning for another epic team-up in Marvel's big screen future.
It's been announced by Bob Iger during a Walt Disney Investors Conference Call today that Joss Whedon has officially signed on to direct and write The Avengers 2 and is involved with the development of an ABC television series sent within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Disney released the following official statement:
“Joss Whedon has signed an exclusive deal with Marvel Studios for film and television through the end of June 2015. As part of that deal, Whedon will write and direct Marvel’s The Avengers 2 as well as help develop a new live action series for Marvel Television at ABC. He will also contribute creatively to the next phase of Marvel’s cinematic universe.”
News of an ABC television project centered in the MCU broke free a little over a week ago, but was only said to be in very early development. The potential series will be created as a pilot for eventual network consideration presumably as early as Spring 2013. There's still no word on what the major plot of the show would consist of, though some have speculated a S.H.I.E.L.D. crime-drama concept is possible.
As for The Avengers 2, there is no set release date for the film just yet but gaining Whedon as screenwriter and director is a major step. There have been constant rumors that Marvel Studios is aiming for a possible 2015 release in theaters, but they have yet to officially nail down a possible date.
All I can possibly say: bring on the Infinity Gauntlet.
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