Joss Whedon Would Direct 'Star Wars' If Not For 'The Avengers'

When "Star Wars: Episode VII" was announced by Disney and LucasFilm, many immediately wondered if Joss Whedon would be able to take over the iconic geek franchise. Unfortunately, Whedon was a little busy: The 48-year-old is already directing and writing a sequel to "Marvel's The Avengers," which is due out at the same time as "Star Wars."

"I'm as angry as you should be," Whedon joked to CNN about his prior commitments. "When I heard [about 'Star Wars'] I was like, 'I wonder ... no, I really can't do that. Oh, I already have a job.' I wouldn't clear the 'Avengers.' I'm having so much fun with that sequel right now, just with the script, that I couldn't imagine not doing it."

"Marvel's The Avengers 2" is due out in theaters on May 1, 2015; "Star Wars: Episode VII" doesn't have a release date yet, but it's also due in theaters in 2015 (most observers expect the film to arrive in either May, June or July). No director has been set yet for "Episode VII," but Matthew Vaughn ("X-Men: First Class") was rumored to be in serious contention. "Little Miss Sunshine" screenwriter Michael Arndt was hired to write the "Star Wars" sequel.

For more on Whedon, head over to CNN.

[via CNN]