Whedon on board for 'Avengers' sequel

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Joss Whedon will write and direct the sequel to his Hollywood blockbuster "The Avengers," Variety reported Tuesday.

Disney chief Bob Iger announced the decision, adding Whedon also will develop a live-action Marvel Comics-themed TV show for ABC.

Before he made "The Avengers," which earned nearly $1.5 billion at the worldwide box office this year, Whedon was best known for his TV work, particularly his witty supernatural show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and space western "Firefly."

Variety said the next installment in the "Avengers" superhero franchise is expected to debut in 2015.