In a joint statement from Walt Disney Studios and its subsidiary, Marvel Enterprises, an upcoming reboot of the popular superhero ensemble film The Avengers will begin production in the spring of 2012 with a release slated for 2014′s holiday season.
The forthcoming Joss Whedon-directed feature by the same name is expected to arrive in theaters on May 4, 2012. Starring the original performers from each of Marvel’s superhero film properties, sans The Incredible Hulk, The Avengers stars Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Chris Evans as Captain America.
The green monster Hulk will be portrayed by Mark Ruffalo with ’70s Hulk star Lou Ferrigno providing the voice.
“We have the utmost faith in Whedon’s take on comicdom’s greatest team of superheros,” read the prepared statement. “We are sure fans around the world will flock to enjoy what will be the cinematic event of the 2012 summer season. That said, we, along with our share holders, are eager to see other views on this financially viable and lucrative franchise in the near future.”
Unofficially dubbed “The Avengers series,” films Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, The Incredible Hulk and now Captain America: The First Avenger, have already earned more than $1 billion worldwide ticket sales. Merchandising including fast food tie-ins, socks, lamps, wallpaper, hair product and urinal cakes more than double this amount.
“For moviegoers young and old, The Avengers franchise will become the preeminent theatrical experience with unlimited variations, story-lines and characters to include. Will a 10-year-old Wolverine show up? Will Iron Man die? How about Spider-man? Will Daredevil and The Punisher show up? How about Lightening McQueen, the Mad Hatter, the G-Force gerbils, Secretariat or Hannah Montana?”
There is no official word on who will be helming the reboot of The Avengers but those close to the project expect Terminator Salvation and Charlie’s Angels director McG to direct.
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