The Avengers Sequel Confirmed After $207 Million Opening

A sequel to the record breaking 'Avengers' movie has officially been given the green-light, following the enormous success of Joss Whedon's comic book epic. The movie - starring Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo - grossed $207 million during its debut weekend at the U.S. box office, so it's no surprise that Disney have given the go ahead for a second movie.

The company's chief executive Bob Iger made the announcement on Tuesday (May 8, 2012), following news that its earnings for the first quarter of 2012 dropped 12 per cent compared to last year. This loss is almost wholly attributed to the fantasy epic 'John Carter', which failed at the box-office to the tune of $275 million. Iger did not given a release date or details concerning the Avengers sequel, though he also confirmed Iron Man 3, Thor 2 and Captain America 2, all of which could hit the cinema before the Avengers reboot. According to the Hollywood Reporter, British actress Rebecca Hall is in talks to appear opposite Downey Jr in the third Iron man movie, following Jessica Chastain's decision to pull out of the film.

Globally, The Avengers has now pulled in over $702.2 million and is already tipped to become the highest grossing movie of 2012.