Avengers 2: Does Whedon Regret Missing Out on Spider-Man?

WhenAvengers: Age of Ultronhits theaters next month, it will mark the end of an era, of sorts, since it is the lastMarvelmovie directed byJoss Whedon, at least in the forseeable future. The filmmaker has already handed the reins over toAnthony RussoandJoe RussoforAvengers: Infinity War Part 1andAvengers: Infinity War Part 2, which could very well include the latest addition to the MCU,Spider-Man. We already know that the new Spidey, whoever it may be, will first appear in an upcoming Marvel movie, most likely the Russo brothers’Captain America: Civil War, before the new Marvel/Sony-producedSpider-Manhits theaters in 2017. While continuing his press tour forAvengers: Age of Ultron, Joss Whedon revealed that he would have enjoyed working on the newSpider-Manstory, and regrets that Spider-Man came back to Marvel a little too late.

“Yeah [I’d like to have worked on Spider-Man], he’s the poster child. He’s the first book I read, and I think that’s true for a lot of people. There are so many things I would want to do, even with these characters [The Avengers], even with just one of these characters. But the fact of the matter is: they’re doing fine, and I’ve probably got to move on.”

After directingMarvel’s The Avengersin 2012,Joss Whedonessentially became a consultant of sorts forMarvelon their entirePhase Twoslate. Since we already know he won’t be directing a Marvel movie anytime soon, the filmmaker was asked if he will still continue to consult with the studio on their even-largerPhase Threeslate. Here’s what he had to say below.

“I honestly don’t know. Discussions haven’t got that far. It’s like, ‘I’m not going to be able to do the third one, guys. I think this is going to tap me out. Let’s just get this one done, and that became all-consuming.”

Paul Bettany, who plays Vision inAvengers: Age of Ultron, also revealed his excitement for Spidey joining the MCU.

“I think it’s great that Marvel and Sony have worked this out. Because these films are made by fans and to see Spider-Man come to life in these movies, where he should be, in movies made by fans who really love those characters, I think is going to be great.”

Do you thinkJoss Whedonshould stick around to consult with Marvel on their nine-movie Phase Three slate? Is there a particular Marvel movie you want to see him direct? Let us know what you think below, and stay tuned for more on bothSpider-ManandAvengers: Age of Ultron.