The rumors are over. Joss Whedon is in final negotiations to direct Marvel's 'The Avengers'. While Whedon's directorial experience is shy (only 'Serenity' under his belt), he's well-versed in the comic universe writing "The Astonishing X-Men" back in 2008 and he had a stint on Marvel's "The Runaways".

'The Avengers' will star Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Chris Evans as Captain America, and Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Scarlett Johansson is rumored to pop up in some form as The Black Cat and I'd think Marvel would like to have Edward Norton return as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, but we'll see.

'Captain America' and 'Thor' are filming this year, giving an estimated 2011 mark for production to kick under way for 'The Avengers', for it's May, 2012 release date.