Now that Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is in full flow, we’re starting to hear little bits and pieces about Joss Whedon’s plans for The Avengers 2, and in the latest issue of Empire Magazine (via ComicBookMovie), the writer-director has offered an update on his progress on the hotly-anticipated sequel. Confirming that he’s set to go “full-tilt” on the screenplay for The Avengers 2 now that he’s wrapped the pilot episode of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Whedon went to on touch upon the sequel’s villain (describing them as a “him”, but offering no further details), and stated that he plans to keep the focus upon Earth’s Mightiest Heroes as opposed to the next big bad:
“I’m very excited about the villain, and have a lot to say about him. But if you watch my shows, the one thing I’ve never been very good at is guest stars, because I’ve always been so interested in the ensemble. With The Avengers, I’m still most fascinated by them. How do these guys feel, and what’s the way they conflict, and what’s the unexpected way they connect? Forming a team is one story; being a team is a very different story. The other thing is, you don’t try to top it. I know I will never make as pleasing a moment in a film as Hulk and Loki. You can’t chase that dragon. If you try to do exactly the same thing, the chances you’re going to do it better are very slim, and the only reason for me to devote three years to making another Avengers movie is the hope of making a better one.”
So far, we know virtually nothing about The Avengers 2, save for the fact that Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Mark Ruffalo (The Incredible Hulk) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) are expected to return. Whedon has confirmed that he still plans to expand the roster with Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, despite the fact that Bryan Singer has now cast Evan Peters (American Horror Story) as Quicksilver in Fox’s X-Men: Days of Future Past, while there’s also been talk that the film could see the long-awaited introduction of Black Panther to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As for the villain, Thanos remains the likely candidate based upon his mid-credits cameo in the first movie, although Whedon has recently hinted that he could hold back the Mad Titan for Phase Three.
Originally published May 26, 2013. Updated December 13, 2019.
