Could James Gunn Replace Joss Whedon as Director of The Avengers 3?

The rumor mill is churning thanks to a recent report from Badass Digest that Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn could replace The Avengers: Age of Ultron writer/director Joss Whedon for the inevitable Avengers 3 down the road.

Badass Digest's Devin Faraci reports "rumblings behind-the-scenes" that this could happen, but of course this is only a rumor at this time; however, Faraci spoke with Gunn and Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige in advance of the Guardians of the Galaxy release and received an interesting response from the former.

"I have seen James Gunn in social settings and in press settings, and at this moment I saw James Gunn in one way I had never before seen him: speechless. He kind of sat there gobsmacked for a second. And then he said, "It was great seeing you!" as our interview time was up. The next day I talked to Kevin Feige, and I straight up asked him: will James Gunn direct Avengers 3? Feige denied it. That leaves me with one no comment and one denial."

Prior to this, Gunn told Faraci he would love to direct a possible sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy, which is performing well in early screenings and reviews, but his "contract just says another Marvel film. It doesn't specify."

Again, this is all just rumor at this point, and Gunn has even offered evidence to support Whedon's continued presence with The Avengers. The two worked together to cast Thanos because the character is going to be in both men's films, and Whedon has often suggested Thanos would be the end boss of sorts in his big finale, likely The Avengers 3.

What do you make of this rumor? Let us know in the comments below.