Just weeks after Joss Whedon told an audience at Comic-Con that he was undecided about whether he would return to the Avenger's franchise, Disney confirmed that the Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator will write and direct the sequel to Avenger's Assemble. 

Disney also revealed that Whelan will help develop a new TV series for ABC featuring as yet unconfirmed Marvel comic characters. 

Marvel Studios stated: "Joss Whedon has signed an exclusive deal with Marvel Studios for film and television through the end of June 2015."

"As part of the 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."  

The first Avenger's film, Avenger's Assemble, starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson, has become the third top grossing film ever since its release in May 2012. 

The new Avengers movie is expected to be released in 2015 - and will follow a cluster of new Marvel films which are due to be released over the next two years, including Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.