‘Avengers Age Of Ultron’ Is Joss Whedon's Last? 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' Director James Gunn Reveals 'I Will Direct Another Marvel Film--I Don't Know Which'

The rumors floating around "Avengers: Age Of Ultron" is that it might be the last outing of Joss Whedon. That sounds unimaginable, as Whedon is almost synonymous with the franchise. Whedon holds the belt for the highest grossing Super hero movie ever, so why would Marvel replace him?

All of the speculation centered on Devin Faraci of Badass Digest. Staying true to the name of the website with such a daring claim, it is now his task to substantiate it.

The initial reasons are flimsy-not quite convincing for one to walk away from what was presumed to be a $ 50 million paycheck (which Whedon vehemently denied). Faraci's wrote on Badass Digest:

"I am pretty sure that Joss Whedon won't direct "The Avengers 3." I've heard rumblings from behind-the-scenes that he's pretty much finished with the Marvel stuff, plus doing two enormous movies like that in a limited time span is exhausting. On top of that, no director has ever worked with Marvel more than twice, and the only person who has done that was Jon Favreau, the first guy on board. "

Before he would justify the thought of Whedon leaving the Avengers, he shifted focus to his suspected replacement:

"When I talked to Gunn this weekend at the 'Guardians' junket I asked him if he would be coming back for 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2' (the movie ends with a card that says 'The Guardians of the Galaxy Will Return'), and he said he wants to. He said his contract has him signed up for a second film. Then he thought about it and corrected himself and said:

'Actually my contract just says another Marvel film, it doesn't specify.'"

It is possible that the Guardians of the Galaxy would indeed come back, but not in their own sequel. James Gunn has repeatedly said (From EW):

"We're definitely connected to Avengers 3."

Just how connected? That's the question. 'Guardians' will practically introduce Phase 3, the cosmic phase and will probably introduce many characters and concepts that will shape the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

But why would Joss Whedon go, if this speculation holds true? Was Edgar Wright's departure a factor? Marvel wants to have more control and connection between their movies, and that could definitely be a reason why Whedon would leave.

Then again, this is all speculation by one writer, although he's willing to stake his reputation on it. One thing's for sure-this side issue has made GOTG a must see!