Movie News

By Lucas Shaw
The Wrap

The "Avengers" sequel will open in theaters May 1, 2015, Disney announced on Thursday.

The studio announced earlier in August that Joss Whedon, who wrote and directed the first film, would return for the sequel.

Search: Will Scarlett Johansson be back for the 'Avengers' sequel?

The original film shattered the record for best domestic opening ever, bowing to $207 billion in May. It has gone on to make $1.4 billion worldwide, behind only "Avatar" and "Titanic" on the all-time list of moneymakers.

The film marked the end of "phase one" for Marvel, which started with the first "Iron Man" film and continued with release of "Thor" and "Captain America."

Also read: Robert Downey Jr. Injures Ankle, Delays 'Iron Man 3'

The third "Iron Man" film will bow next summer, followed by a sequel to "Thor" on Nov. 8, 2013, and the next "Captain America" film on April 4, 2014.

Marvel has also announced that "Galaxy of the Guardians," chronicling a lesser-known team of superheroes, will debut Aug. 1, 2014.