Joss Whedon Signs On to Direct, Write 'Avengers 2'

Posted: Tue., Aug. 7, 2012, 2:16pm PT www.variety.com/article/VR1118057576
Joss Whedon to write, direct 'Avengers' sequel
Filmmker will return for second installment of Disney/Marvel blockbuster
By Marc Graser

Disney chief Bob Iger announced during an earnings call with analysts that Joss Whedon will write and direct "The Avengers 2" and develop a live action Marvel-themed TV show for ABC.

"Joss Whedon has signed an exclusive deal with Marvel Studios for film and television through the end of June 2015," Disney said in a statement. "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."

Move comes after Whedon's "The Avengers" has earned nearly $1.5 billion at the worldwide box office and generated strong sales of "Avengers" merchandise. Its $616.8 million domestic haul makes it the third-highest-grossing film of all time, trailing "Avatar" and "Titanic."

"The Avengers" was the first film Disney marketed and distributed after Paramount released Marvel's "Iron Man" and its sequel, "Thor" and "Captain America."

There were no other details given on what Whedon's Marvel TV show would revolve around. ABC also is developing a reboot of its "Incredible Hulk" series with Guillermo del Toro.

Marvel already has dated "Iron Man 3," "Thor: The Dark World," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "Guardians of the Galaxy" through 2014 and is developing a film based on "Ant-Man." An "Avengers" sequel is likely to bow in 2015.

Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

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Since purchasing Marvel for $4 billion three years ago, Disney has leaned heavily on the comic book maker as one of the pillar's of its business, believing that the films it makes with its library of heroes will drive not just box office, but also revenue from theme park rides and toys.

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- www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/joss-whedon-signed-direct-write-ave
ngers-2-51101
I look forward to the Serenity Ride at Disney World: You sit in Wash's pilot chair and then Reavers chase the ship, sparks fly, Serenity goes into a spin, crashes, a giant wooden stake plunges toward your heart, and then actors dressed as Reavers scare you away so that the next passengers can take their seats in Serenity. If not Disney World, then Universal Studios Tour. One or the other. A new crew for Serenity every 6 minutes, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Think of how much money Joss will earn for some Corporation.

The Joss Whedon script for "Serenity," where Wash lives, is
Serenity-190pages.pdf at www.mediafire.com/two

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Jeff Schaeffer was inspired to make a logo for Avengers 2, using a title he would love.
http://jdshepherd.deviantart.com/art/Big-Damn-Heroes-319773016


The Joss Whedon script for "Serenity," where Wash lives, is
Serenity-190pages.pdf at www.mediafire.com/two

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"Serenity Ride at Disney World" - No kidding Two, I thought that it would have made a great attraction/ride at Universal a couple of years back when Serenity was released in theatres. A full-sized model of the ship (complete with bunks and all) so that adults and kids could "explore" the 'verse). I even thought they could exp
and on the bunk idea and build a hotel based on the ship's bunks (Kaley, The Captain, River, etc.) each would have it's own theme. Inara's shuttle could be the honeymoon suite (complete with costumes - for sale in the gift shop, of course).

The hotel could also serve as an east coast venue for Comic Con. They could hold Whedonverse parades with the public dressing up as superheroes and characters from Serenity. The possibilities are endless. Universal would probably need to buy more property to hold the EC Comic Con (not to mention us on this side of the country could get to see our BDH live and in living color - instead of on YouTube).

So what do you think you guys at Universal? Sounds like a plan? Joss is hot right now, and just think of all those Con people bursting through your doors buying licensed souveniers and such.

BTW it only surprizes me that Disney took so long to sign Joss (in thinking about it, it could have been a negotiating ploy by Joss and his people. In which case, go for yours Joss!).

Cashey-money!

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It could happen!

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Good news indeed.

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Originally posted by two:
"Joss Whedon has signed an exclusive deal with Marvel Studios for film and television through the end of June 2015,"

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hmmmm the word exclusive seems a bit disconcerting. What does that mean for Bellwether Pictures? Does he have to put all those projects on hold for 3 years? :-(

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