Why Joss Whedon is Perfect for Avengers

Why Joss Whedon is Perfect for Avengers

Recent rumours suggesting/confirming/hoping that Joss Whedon would be directing the upcoming Avengers film have lit the internet up. Let’s look at why Joss Whedon is the perfect fit for assembling the Avengers.

Editorial Opinion
By JoshSHill - Apr 14, 2010 07:04 PM EST
Filed Under: Avengers
Source: ComicBookMovie.com

Joss Whedon has definitely created for himself a unique position. He is one of the few creators that can almost guarantee a fanbase for any project he makes simply by attaching his name to it. With TV shows like Buffy and Angel, comic series Astonishing X-Men and co-writing credits for films such as Toy Story and Titan A.E., Whedon has known a lot of success.

So it doesn’t come as a surprise that the master storyteller has been pegged to direct the upcoming Avengers film.

- Ensemble casts: one need only look at projects like Buffy and Angel onscreen, and comics like Runaways and Astonishing X-Men, to realize that Whedon knows how to work an ensemble cast. I don’t think I need to emphasize how important this talent is going to be in not only directing the Avengers movie, but in also script-doctoring the Avengers script. The Avengers have to gel, and that is something that Whedon has been able to create both on screen and on page.

- Whedon has his Marvel Zombie on: with titles like Runaways and Astonishing X-Men, beloved titles within the Marvel Universe, Whedon has already had his share of Marvel. A lifelong comic book fan this is probably a dream come true for Whedon, and he’s going to bring that same respect that be showed Astonishing and Runaways to any Avengers movie he gets his hands on.

- How big is this movie, really? I think that it also has to be taken into account that this isn’t exactly beyond Whedon’s payroll. Putting aside the high profile movies he’s already worked on, and his continuing success on the small screen, the Avengers movie isn’t actually going to be rivalling Avatar or the Dark Knight in terms of importance. It’s going to be a big fan favourite, but with a lot of superhero movies pulling in under $100 grand at the box office, Whedon isn’t being asked to step beyond his abilities.

- Whedon’s script-doctoring abilities are already well showcased, and on top of his already excelling writing skills we can be guaranteed a script that reflects what the fans want to see.

So bring on May 4, 2012 and let’s see what Whedon can provide. And seriously people, let’s remember that we’re a minority of moviegoers and that the Avengers is not really all that big.

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pitchblack
pitchblack - 4/14/2010, 7:10 PM
Seems good for it, for these reasons you mentioned, though I think Avengers will be a big time movie along the lines of Avatar or the Dark Knight. I feel like they'd go the extra mile with viral marketing for a movie that really has been a process many years in the works (through all these other Marvel movies).
Ryden
Ryden - 4/14/2010, 7:18 PM
Nah I still amn't sold on him in the slightest, I mean it looks as if he's getting it and if that's the case then I'm not going to bitch about it until he [frick]s up somehow, but I personally am not a fan of ANY of his works. Buffy, Firefly, Sernity, Dollhouse I disliked them all...and Buffy, Dollhouse and Firefly I HATED. He's far too cheesey for Avengers. Give him the Runaways that makes more sense!!

And I have to disagree with you on one thing, Avenegrs will be a MASSIVE movie...I think it will be bigger than TDK and possibly Avatar because it's the first time in cinematic history that this has happened. These characters have had solo movies developing thier character and introducing audences to thier world and then theymix them together and we get the avengers. That's never been done before as far as I know. It will be HUGE.

I mean look at Iron Man, it was a huge sucess and yet he was a B-List hero at the time. Hulk is already extremley well known, Iron Man is now extremley well known, as will Thor, as will Cap and when people learn that all of these characters are coming together you think only CBM fans are going to see it? Come on dude that's just NOT going to happen, it's going to have a really massive release, that's a given...it's not small by any means.
CaptainOtter
CaptainOtter - 4/14/2010, 7:20 PM
Wait, Avengers not going to be shooting for Avatar or the Dark Knight? Dude, people are speculating that Iron Man 2 might beat out TDK. And thats just Tony Stark. If Thor and Captain America are successful as well (especially Thor), this movie is going to be huge in scale and preparation. With this cast of characters, there is no way the movie couldn't resist the temptation to swing for the fences.
CaptainOtter
CaptainOtter - 4/14/2010, 7:24 PM
Also be careful what you say about the Whedon fanbase. Serenity was not a financial success, and they cancelled dollhouse right? And are you also citing his work on Titan AE as proof of his writing skills? Really?

And as for Astonishing Xmen and Runaways, those two books are dramatically different from the Avengers. In terms of tone and characters, its just a very different set of characters. And its the types of heroes that Whedon doesn't work with too often.
ThisFan
ThisFan - 4/14/2010, 7:25 PM
I think he is a amazing direct and talent but i still dont think he fits for avengers but i will change my mind when i see the first trailer in like 2 years
Ryden
Ryden - 4/14/2010, 7:29 PM
@gtrman- I actually think I will because Whedon looks to be getting the gig so I might as well refresh my memory...no way am I sitting through Buffy again though that is just agony ;)
Lanceloco
Lanceloco - 4/14/2010, 7:32 PM
This movie is going to need a budget of 350-400 million dollars and be 2.5 to 3 hours long for every character to get their due and screen time LOL
JoshWilding
JoshWilding - 4/14/2010, 7:37 PM
His work on Astonishing X-Men was superb so I'm glad he's rewriting the script...as for directing the movie? I'm still not completely sure that he's the right guy for the job but he knows how to handle an ensemble cast and Serenity was a damn good movie for such a small budget.

This is a good article but I had to laugh when I read, "the Avengers movie isn’t actually going to be rivalling Avatar or the Dark Knight in terms of importance" - we're talking about taking three big movie franchises (because I'd be very surprised if Thor and Captain America dont do as well as the Iron Man movies) all being combined...something that has never been done before.

The success of The Avengers will probably determine the fate of the next 10 years of superhero movies and I'd bet anything that DC and WB are sitting back and waiting to see how it goes before they start thinking of a JLA movie! And although they're both great, there was nothing important about Avatar or The Dark Knight until they did well at the box office - and I think that The Avengers will surpass both of them.

Guys, check out my X-CLUB Fan Cast!!! Just click the link!!!
tazmaniak
tazmaniak - 4/14/2010, 7:41 PM
"This movie is going to need a budget of 350-400 million dollars and be 2.5 to 3 hours long for every character to get their due and screen time LOL"

Yes, every character will need to get equal screentime.That is actually one of his biggest strengths as a writer.Take a look at any Buffy or Angel finale, and you will see how he's able to take a large group of people, put them in one place and have them all get some facetime.Look at the Buffy series finale.They were working with about 9 major characters, as well as the villain and the Potentials.I didn't feel like anyone was left out.
JoshWilding
JoshWilding - 4/14/2010, 7:53 PM
We need to have Giant Man and Wasp in the movie as well...just Cap, Thor and Iron Man (with Fury and Black Widow) isnt much of a team, lol! I'm happy to save Hawkeye until a sequel if necessary but a line-up similar to the one in the first volume of the original series and The Ultimates would be perfect IMO.
InTylerWeTrust
InTylerWeTrust - 4/14/2010, 7:58 PM
Wouldn't go so far as to say he's "perfect" but I'd say he's a decent choice. Good at ensembles, a fellow geek like us, good history with Marvel, fan of the comics, etc.

$10 says Nathan Fillion will be Pym :)
BigMacYak
BigMacYak - 4/14/2010, 8:06 PM
I agree with Josh. Bringing him in as a writer was a pretty good move, in my opinion. I think he's a pretty good writer. Plus, they can always have someone else re-write it if he [frick]s it up. Now, is he the right choice to direct this? I don't think so. As much as I loved Serenity, the direction wasn't really anything special. I hope I'm wrong and he knocks this out of the park but I have some serious doubts. I would've loved to see Guy Ritchie direct The Avengers. He works great with ensemble casts and, personally, I think his action sequences are pretty awesome. Plus, he brings a great director's eye to the project. Something I don't think Whedon's had a chance to develop yet (not that he's not capable of doing so).
MCat
MCat - 4/14/2010, 8:12 PM
Is this guy crazy? The Avengers will be bigger than any other Marvel movie before it. Why do you think they are building up to it in any every Marvel movie that comes out? You are seriously lost.
BIGBMH
BIGBMH - 4/14/2010, 8:16 PM
Not rivalling Dark Knight or Avatar in importance? Ironman 2 is going to be pretty freakin big. Depending on if Thor and Captain America can be as well received as Ironman, Avengers could very well be in the Dark Knight's league box office wise.
Nemeres
Nemeres - 4/14/2010, 8:19 PM
I guess so much for JLA kicking ass in comparisson. With Whedon directing and, best of all, writing this baby, it's going to be the end all be all of superhero team-ups.
DogsOfWar
DogsOfWar - 4/14/2010, 8:28 PM
I feel fairly comfortable with Whedon directing at first glance.

Joshua-I think this movie is going to be just a liiiittle bit bigger than you might think. Fantasy movies take up almost the whole top 10 of all time grossing movies.
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 4/14/2010, 8:33 PM
If this turns out well it will be the KING of all CBM's. The pinnacle creation of the entire genre
JoshWilding
JoshWilding - 4/14/2010, 8:36 PM
I wouldnt be suprised if Whedon brings along a few actors from some of his past shows...Fillion as Pym would actually be pretty awesome! :P
Ryguy88
Ryguy88 - 4/14/2010, 8:55 PM
I'm not totally against Whedon but doesn't Kevin Smith have the same qualifications based on the arguements in this article....Nice article by the way.
Starjammer
Starjammer - 4/14/2010, 8:59 PM
Is this guy really serious?? There is nothing not HUGE about The Avengers. Uh, considering Iron Man 2 will be one of the highest grossing blockbusters of the year, if not THE most...and considering The Avengers will be way bigger. Big names, big studio, especially now with Disney backing. Also, considering the May release of all these movies is the absolute best and highest-grossing spot you can have of all dates in the year. You can't be just anyone to get those spots unless youre planning on being the BIGGEST...uh, I'd say it's quite big.
It concerns me that this guy thinks he's speaking for all of us. Let's get some better articles up that aren't completely ill-informed.

The movie that best shows Whedon's great directing ability is Serenity hands down. You should check it out if you haven't. Great writing too.
Ryguy88
Ryguy88 - 4/14/2010, 9:04 PM
If Ironman and Spiderman movies can produce well over $300M domestically than I'm pretty sure that the Avengers is considered a movie that will garner mass appeal and compete with the highest earning movies the year it comes out.
Starjammer
Starjammer - 4/14/2010, 9:04 PM
Oh ya, and uh...The Avengers has a better spot than the SM reboot in May. = $$
and that means bigger.
Ven0m
Ven0m - 4/14/2010, 9:33 PM
Better than Louis Lettier
Rango
Rango - 4/14/2010, 9:50 PM
Plz dont forget HULK in Avengers
Ranger14
Ranger14 - 4/14/2010, 9:58 PM
I have already commented in other threads on this, but if Marvel tells Joss...no cheese...then I doubt he will have cheese. Like an actor follows a director, he will follow what Marvel tells him. Plus, I am curious as to where the "cheese" is in Serenity. I still think he is the best director to take a cast of misfits and egos and show that...develop it and make them work as a team.
Upupandaway
Upupandaway - 4/14/2010, 10:20 PM
I'm happy about Whedon doing the Avengers. He does good work with mixing action, comedy, and drama. As for the comparisons with Avatar, Avatar didn't have any decent competition and was hyped out the a$$. Cameron, also, advertised it as the second coming on film. The story to Avatar was uninspired at best. (Pocahontas with blue people) The director for the Avengers must be a facilitator of a collaborative effort more than anything and I think Whedon can pull that off.
CyberViking2000
CyberViking2000 - 4/14/2010, 10:25 PM
I think Joss Whedon can do a great job with Avengers. Sure anyone can screw up, but this is a pivotal movie that has been getting a lot of build-up and Marvel doesn't want someone to suddenly play lame duck with it. And RDJ and the other actors would likely lynch the director if it looked like things were going to go south.
MoonDoggyX
MoonDoggyX - 4/14/2010, 11:19 PM
He had me at Firefly...
SHAZAM171
SHAZAM171 - 4/14/2010, 11:32 PM
GO WHEDON..... GO!!!!!!! Good for you, I CAN"T WAIT !!! ; )~
gorgeousgeeks
gorgeousgeeks - 4/15/2010, 12:04 AM
Whedon is the master of character development and complex plots. He's one of if not my favorite writers. I think he can do it.
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