MUMBAI: Joss Whedon is all set to return to the Marvel Studios fold for a sequel to The Avengers. He also will create a Marvel-related TV series for ABC.
This was revealed by Disney CEO Robert Iger. He also went on to state that Avengers was the third-biggest film of all time and his studio has initiatives in the works to "leverage the power of the Avengers" across the entire company.
That Marvel was planning a sequel to the $1.46 billion-grossing movie was not a surprise, but having Whedon back behind the camera was definitely a surprise. This move will definitely make executives in the company breathe easier.
Whedon was key to the success of Avengers, with his deft screenwriting and knowledge of the superhero characters frequently cited for the high marks the film got from critics and fans alike.
Having him helm Marvel‘s foray into television is also an interesting move. Whedon is best known for creating Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff Angel, as well as the short-lived sci-fi-themed Firefly.
His double duties on both film and TV might be a hint that Marvel could be creating not only multiple films but an even broader universe that also includes the small screen.