Marvel, Whedon extend partnership

McClatchy Newspapers

LOS ANGELES

Joss Whedon doesn’t have to worry about finding work for the next three years. Marvel Studios has locked up the “Avengers” writer-director through the summer of 2015.

Whedon will make the sequel to Disney and Marvel’s “The Avengers” and develop a Marvel-based television series for Disney’s ABC network. Marvel has a long-term pact with the 48-year-old “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” creator.

“As part of that deal, Whedon will write and direct Marvel’s ‘Avengers 2’ as well as help develop a new live-action series for Marvel Television at ABC. He also will contribute creatively to the next phase of Marvel’s cinematic universe,” Marvel said.

The first “Avengers” movie, released earlier this year, is the biggest hit in modern Hollywood history, with global ticket sales in excess of $1.46 billion.