As first reported by Badass Digest and confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, Anthony and Joe Russo will replace Joss Whedon as directors on the next "Avengers" film, the two-part "Avengers: Infinity War." The Russos, who also directed "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" for Marvel and will handle "Captain America: Civil War" as well, were long rumored for the gig: Deadline.com connected them to the franchise closer back in November. (Representatives for the Russos were not immediately available for comment.)
For his part, Whedon has long hinted that "Avengers: Age of Ultron" will be his final go-around in that particular corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
"I couldn't imagine doing this again," Whedon said to Empire in January (via Slashfilm). "It's enormously hard, and it [will] be, by [the time I would make 'Avengers 3 & 4'], a good five years since I created anything that was completely my own. So it's very doubtful that I would take on the two-part 'Infinity War' movie that would eat up the next four years of my life. I obviously still want to be a part of the Marvel Universe –- I love these guys -– but it ain't easy. This year has been more like running three shows than any year of my life. It is bonkers."
"Avengers: Age of Ultron" is out on May 1. The Russos' "Captain America: Civil War," which sounds like it might become "Avengers 2.5," reaches theaters on May 6, 2016. The first of the two "Infinity War" films is out May 4, 2018.
For more on the Russos, head to Badass Digest.