Joss Whedon Returning to Write and Direct 'Avengers 2'

We can look forward to more of these awkwardly-heroic poses in the near future.

At a shareholder meeting today, Disney CEO Robert Iger revealed that Joss Whedon--the writer-director who turned Marvel's high-risk ensemble into a hugely-profitable hit that resonated with critics, casual audiences, superfans, people who used to hate the Hulk but now think it was pretty cool how he smashed the shit out of Loki, etc.--will return to direct a sequel to The Avengers. It's an announcement that's somewhat expected, but considering Marvel's record for thrift and casual swapping out of directors, and Whedon's recent allusions to moving on, it's one that Whedon's fan legion will be pleased to hear. And they should similarly like this accompanying news: Whedon will also create a vaguely-described "Marvel-related series" for ABC. So don't worry: even as he continues his work with the second-biggest franchise going, Joss Whedon remains humble enough to still develop something he can get canceled.