The Avengers Director and TV’s “Buffy The Vampire” creator, Joss Whedon has landed a three year deal with Marvel Entertainment. As part of the deal, Whedon, who helped bring The Avengers a cool $616 million in domestic box office and well over $1 billion worldwide, will direct The Avengers 2, a sequel to the mega hit.  Also as part of the agreement, Whedon will help cultivate a TV series for Marvel, in conjunction with ABC and assist in overseeing other Marvel properties development.

Whedon’s next picture, Much Ado About Nothing, will likely prove that he can’t sell a pic that is a difficult sell, and therefore, that Marvel’s money could have been questionably spent. I’m not hating on Whedon, I am telling the truth on how Hollywood works. Despite Whedon’s talent, it was the stars and concept that sold The Avengers, not Whedon’s creative vision (though I am not suggesting it hurt). Still, this is a great deal for Whedon and a potentially marginal one for Marvel, depending on the terms of the deal.