Joss Whedon is in Marvel’s pocket for the near future

K. Thor Jensen Contributing Writer, Entertainment

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Avengers 2 and more on the way. So we knew that there was going to be an Avengers 2 even before Avengers 1 made a billion dollars. That post-credits scene with Thanos (not the one with the shwarma, the one with the big purple dude) obviously laid the groundwork for another flick, and Marvel’s film division loves to plan things out way in advance. But the big mystery is who would helm the film. Smart money was on Joss Whedon, the nerd favorite who made the first flick successful, and at yesterday’s Disney investors conference call, the House of Mouse confirmed that he was on board for the sequel.

We previously reported that Whedon was torn about coming back, stating that he was “very torn” about spending so much time working on somebody else’s property, but I’m willing to bet that Disney and Marvel offered him just a truckload of money. Superhero movies are so hit and miss and cost so much money that studios want to stick with what works, and Whedon’s ear for character and dialogue are a big part of what made Avengers work so well.

Interestingly enough, Avengers 2 isn’t the only Marvel property that Whedon will be working on in the future. There have been a bunch of rumors about a new live-action Marvel TV show circulating, and the Disney call confirmed that is actually happening, with Joss Whedon signed to produce. The current speculation about the series is that it will center on the intelligence organization S.H.I.E.L.D, headed up by Nick Fury, and will deal with some of the company’s B and C-list heroes and villains. Could be cool. Slashfilm has more.