Director Joss Whedon and Chris Hemsworth on the set of “The Avengers.” Hemsworth plays Thor. (Courtesy of Marvel Studios)

Joss Whedon may not have a cape around his neck, but Hollywood may soon be calling him a super hero after his newest directorial venture “The Avengers” opens May 4.

Already a smashing success overseas, “The Avengers” is expected to garner an unheard of $500 million in just 10 days abroad.

Marvel Studios is hoping that Whedon’s seemingly Midas touch triggers the same success across U.S. box offices.

In an interview with The Daily Campus, Whedon discussed the challenges of making such a hyped- about movie.
Whedon was with “The Avengers” from start to finish as he both wrote and directed the story.

“Every time you write a script, you’re dealing with an established universe,” Whedon said. “It’s hard for me not to fall into the cadences of the characters. In fact, it’s a lot easier when you’ve already seen them acted out in other films.”

While the film may be set in New York, Whedon and Marvel Studios chose to film the movie in Cleveland.

“Cleveland had some financial advantages, rebate wise, and that’s always a big thing for Marvel,” Whedon said. “They were also very accomadating in terms of letting us blow up their city. Filming there was actually a joy.”

Whedon claims that part of the reason he was so drawn to “The Avengers” was that he was able to relate to the characters.

“The Avengers are all really messed up people, I think it is a fine reflection of me,” Whedon said.

In the business, Whedon is known as a miracle maker of sorts. Called in countless of times to rescue a flawed script, Whedon is one of Hollywood’s most dependable script doctors.

However, one could say it’s in Whedon’s genetic makeup to be a script wrtier as both his father and gradfather wrote scripts.

“They were both enormously funny men who worked extremely long hours,” Whedon said. “I learned a great deal about stories from my dad. Most time just by inadvertently listening to him, watching him or by reading what he did.”

Perhaps some believe that Whedon’s biggest challenge when directing “The Avengers” would be dealing with his high-profile, tightly-scheduled all- star cast. However, Whedon provides the contrary.

“I didn’t have as many problems because my actors actually wanted to be together,” Whedon said. “They enjoy each other.”

Even though Whedon compares his role as director to that of Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury (“The Avengers'” gatherer), the director claims that there is one aspect that keeps them apart.

“I can see out of my left eye,” Whedon said, commenting on Jackson’s fake eye-patch in the movie.

A self-proclaimed comic-book geek, Whedon practically grew up with “The Avengers.” When asked what super power he would want if he were a super hero himself, Whedon knew exactly what to say.

“I would have the power of invisibility,” Whedon said. “Then I wouldn’t have to show up for as many shooting days.