We reported a few weeks ago that director Joss Whedon was on the studio's "short list" to direct their huge superhero adventure and it seems he's now the top choice. Deadline New York is reporting that Whedon is now in final negotiations to direct The Avengers.

Zak Penn is writing the screenplay which will see a number of the Marvel superheroes including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Captain America (Chris Evans) along with Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury.

Marvel Studios is still eyeing a May 4, 2012 release date for the film. We'll be sure to keep you posted on any new developments surrounding The Avengers as soon as we have more information.