Earlier this week Sam Jackson confirmed that he would make a cameo as S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury in both Thor and Captain America
: The First Avenger. In addition, the actor also revealed he was preparing to screen test with a few different actresses who were vying for the part of Fury’s sidekick in The Avengers. Some names cropped up later in the day, but the character in question hadn’t been revealed. Deadline seems to have taken the cake with this story as they’ve found out the character is S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill. In addition, they’ve also learned “How I Met Your Mother” star Cobie Smulders is the top choice for the role.

The character is tough, feisty and has been said to partake in blackmailing and bullying superheros to get her way. In the comics, after the scandalous affair of the Secret War and its disastrous effect on New York City, S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury goes into hiding and Hill is appointed executive director of S.H.I.E.L.D. I wonder if there’s a chance producers are grooming Smulders for an even bigger part in the Marvel universe down the road. The character has a pivotal role in the mind-blowing Civil War storyline, which I would love to see hit the big screen.

Though nothing is official yet, a deal could be struck before the end of the weekend as Smulders was apparently more impressive than other candidates like Morena Baccarin (“V”), Jessica Lucas (Cloverfield) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World). She’s not a choice completely out of left field since director Joss Whedon liked the idea of Smulders as Wonder Woman when he was still attempting to develop that flick. As for her talent, it’s clear she’s got some spunk from her performance on “How I Met Your Mother,” but her action background leaves plenty to be desired. However, I’ve always adored the actress, and I’m really excited for her to snag a big role like this (and show up in that tight S.H.I.E.L.D. outfit). What do you think?

Big news on the distribution side of things today. Disney officially announced via press release that they’ve reached an agreement with Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios and will be taking over the release of Marvel’s The Avengers, out on May 4th 2012, and Iron Man 3. As we all know, late last year The Walt Disney Company bought comics publisher Marvel for $4 billion in what was a massive, unprecedented deal that changed many things in the entertainment
world. Its taken a little while for everything to roll over to Disney, and that includes who has the distribution duties on movies. Now the transition point has been set.

So what does all this mean for you guys? Not much, really, just the knowledge that Paramount, who released Iron Man 1 and 2, will still be handling Thor and Captain America’s releases next summer. They’re a great studio, they’ve done a fantastic job with Iron Man, I’m sure they’ll finish very strong. Then, starting in 2012 when The Avengers hits theaters, Disney will take over the marketing & distribution duties and “do their thing” with that epic ensemble flick, which will be quite a monumental task to open. Paramount gets a little $115 million bonus for releasing those two movies as a base guarantee. And it was also just announced that Iron Man 3 will get a release on May 3rd, 2013, a year after The Avengers. Plenty more Marvel to come!

“We appreciate the tremendous momentum that Paramount established with these iconic Marvel characters and look forward to propelling the brand even further in the coming years,” Disney’s new Chairman Rich Ross said. Love that PR lingo! Paramount’s Brad Grey adds, “We look forward to working together on Thor and Captain America, and we wish Disney and Marvel the utmost success, in what we know will be a very productive and wide-ranging partnership.” Both studios are good, but I’m interested in seeing how Disney’s marketing differs. Most of all, I’m just looking forward to finally see all of these movies. Bring it on, Marvel!

This a fanboy dream come true. I don’t think anyone thought they’d ever wake up and read a headline saying that Joss Whedon, the geek creator of TV shows like “Buffy” and “Firefly”, would be directing the first big superhero team-up movie to ever hit the big screen – The Avengers. Deadline has confirmed the big news of the day: “Marvel Studios is in final negotiations for Joss Whedon to direct Marvel Studios’ The Avengers.” Earlier this month, it was rumored that Whedon was on the shortlist to direct, but no one seemed to believe it would actually happen. Joss Whedon’s The Avengers will hit theaters the first weekend of May in 2012.

Fleming lists a few confirmed superheroes that will be a part of the team: Iron Man ((Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and SHIELD agent Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson). “Other signature superheroes” will be involved, but haven’t been announced yet. Whedon’s background is perfect for this movie, as he’s worked at Marvel before, specifically on the Astonishing X-Men series and a number of other comics. This is most certainly surprising news, but definitely good news. If there’s anyone who’ll be able to handle an immense cast of superheroes, it’s Joss Whedon. I just hope he doesn’t cast Eliza Dushku in this. What do you think of this? Will Joss Whedon do a good job with The Avengers?

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