Joss Locked?

Joss Whedon creator of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Angel," and "Firefly, is is very close to signing on as the new writer/director for the upcoming comic-book-adaptation "The Avengers" says Deadline Hollywood

Based on Zak Penn's previous draft--the pic will likely see will see a line-up that includes Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.),The First Avenger: Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) teaming up to save the world against a destructive power (which may or may not turn out the be The Incredible Hulk)

Hulk director Louis Leterrier was in the running at one point...

Joss knows comics having written many over the last decade or so and is a self-proclaimed geek.

The team up flick is already poised for a May 4th 2012 release.