Disney reportedly announced during its Q3 earnings call that Joss Whedon, writer and director of The Avengers, will return to helm the film’s sequel. He will also be involved in the creation of a Marvel TV show for ABC.

Variety reporter Marc Graser broke the news:

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Marc Graser
@marcgraser

Disney just announced Joss Whedon will write and direct THE AVENGERS 2 and develop a Marvel TV show for ABC.

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17 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto

He followed that up with some additional tweets about Disney’s comments, including:

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Marc Graser
@marcgraser

Disney doesn’t have a date for THE AVENGERS sequel yet but first film’s DVD, Blu-ray bows in late September.

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16 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto

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Marc Graser
@marcgraser

Disney says Joss Whedon’s deal is exclusive for film, TV through end of June 2015. Also will contribute creatively to next Marvel films.

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14 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto

The Hollywood Reporter also shared the following statement from Marvel Studios:

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

The Avengers 2 should be an instant hit, especially with Whedon on board. The first one grossed a reported $1.46 billion. Given Whedon’s success in television, it’s also hard to imagine that the TV series will be a dud.

Scanning the web, it’s clear that fans of the first film are excited about Whedon’s attachment, but not just for the Avenger sequel and the show, but for his creative input that may surface throughout other Marvel film projects through 2015.