It was first reported by IESB, and then confirmed by Marvel, that actor & writer of Astonishing X-Men in Marvel Comics, Joss Whedon was on a list of guys to direct Marvel ultimate clash, Avengers. Well now, Deadline reports that Joss may be in final negotiations to helm the film.
From Variety:
Marvel Studios is wrapping up a deal for Whedon to helm "The Avengers," which assembles the superheroes in one pic on May 4, 2012, that Paramount will distribute. Whedon will also rework Zak Penn's script.
From Deadline:
I'm told Marvel Studios is in final negotiations for Buffy the Vampire Slayer series architect Joss Whedon to direct Marvel Studios' The Avengers.
The film that would amount to an all-star team of Marvel superheros, including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), as well as SHIELD leader Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson).