Joss Whedon will write and direct “Avengers 2,” it was confirmed Tuesday. Whedon signed an exclusive deal with Marvel Studios for film and TV through the end of June 2015 and “The Avengers 2” is part of the pact. He’ll also help develop a new live action series for Marvel Television at ABC and contribute creatively to the next phase of Marvel’s cinematic universe, the company said.

In July, Whedon told Comic-Con attendees that he was still undecided about directing a sequel. “The Avengers” has grossed $1.46B since it was released in May.

Deadline reported it hasn’t been determined whether the series Whedon will work on will be the Avengers-themed drama Marvel and ABC already have in the works. ABC also is developing a reboot of its “Incredible Hulk” series with Guillermo del Toro, Variety notes.

Any show to reach the air would be the first Marvel-oriented show since “Blade,” the short-lived vampire show that aired on Spike TV in 2006, recalls The Hollywood Reporter.

Whedon’s adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing,” starring Nathan Fillion will premiere in Toronto next month.

Also on Tuesday, Disney announced a 24% hike in quarterly profit, well ahead of expectations.

http://www.deadline.com/2012/08/joss-whedon-to-direct-avengers-2/

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-marvel-locks-up-avengers-filmmaker-whedon-for-three-years-20120807,0,1794378.story

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/07/disney-profit-rises-24-aided-by-avengers-and-a-theme-park-expansion/

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118057576?refCatId=13

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/joss-whedon-avengers-sequel-359148