Editing Joss Whedon (section)

==Career==
{{Main|Joss Whedon filmography}}

===1980s–1990s===
====Early work====
From 1989 to 1990, Whedon worked as a staff writer on the sitcoms ''[[Roseanne]]'' and ''[[Parenthood (1990 TV series)|Parenthood]]''.<ref name="COMICBOOK.(com); television">{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/blog/2013/07/19/roseanne-barr-says-joss-whedon-will-have-to-come-to-her-for-avengers-2/|title=Roseanne Barr Says Joss Whedon Will Have to Come to Her For Avengers 2|first=Russ|last=Burlingame|date=July 19, 2013|publisher=ComicBook.com|access-date=September 16, 2013|archive-date=October 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060035/http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/07/19/roseanne-barr-says-joss-whedon-will-have-to-come-to-her-for-avengers-2/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="io9; television">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/joss-whedon-wants-to-buy-terminator-someone-make-this-5395397|title=Joss Whedon Wants To Buy Terminator – Someone Make This Happen|first=Graeme|last=McMillan|date=November 2, 2009|publisher=[[Gizmodo]]|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=January 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120203141/http://io9.com/5395397/joss-whedon-wants-to-buy-terminator---someone-make-this-happen|url-status=live}}</ref> As a [[script doctor]], Whedon was an uncredited writer on films including ''[[The Getaway (1994 film)|The Getaway]]'', ''[[Speed (1994 film)|Speed]]'', ''[[Waterworld]]'', and ''[[Twister (1996 film)|Twister]]''.<ref name="A.V. CLUB; film">{{cite news|url=https://www.avclub.com/joss-whedon-1798208181 |title=Joss Whedon |first=Tasha |last=Robinson |date=September 5, 2001 |newspaper=The AV Club |access-date=September 16, 2013 |archive-date=February 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224014725/http://www.avclub.com/articles/joss-whedon%2C13730/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon worked on an early draft of ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men]]'' which subsequently contained at least two of his contributions to dialogue exchanges,<ref name="TOTAL FILM; film">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-best-joss-whedon-movie-moments/|title=The Best Joss Whedon Movie Moments|first=Matt|last=Risley|date=April 25, 2013|publisher=GamesRadar|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428101053/http://www.totalfilm.com/features/the-best-joss-whedon-movie-moments|url-status=dead}}</ref> while the final cut of ''Speed'' retained most of his dialogue.<ref name="HighBeam RESEARCH; film">{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-119334012.html|title=Graham Yost, the 'Bus Guy', triumphs with 'Boomtown'.|first=Kate|last=O'Hare|date=May 24, 2003|access-date=September 16, 2013|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105232956/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-119334012.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> While he was script consulting, he also wrote ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer (film)|Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'' (the film that would precede the series), ''[[Alien Resurrection]]'' and early drafts for ''[[Titan A.E.]]'' and ''[[Atlantis: The Lost Empire]]''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kozak|first1=Jim|title=Serenity Now!|url=http://www.infocusmag.com/05augustseptember/whedonuncut.htm|website=In Focus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060217151945/http://www.infocusmag.com/05augustseptember/whedonuncut.htm|archive-date=February 17, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> – but would subsequently express strong dissatisfaction with the released versions of the first three of these films.<ref name="A.V. CLUB; film"/><ref name="alien resurrection"/><ref name="THE MARY SUE; film">{{cite web|url=http://www.themarysue.com/joss-whedons-ama/|title=The Best of Joss Whedon's AMA: The Avengers, Doctor Horrible 2, and… Titan A.E.?|first=Susana|last=Polo|date=April 11, 2012|publisher=themarysue.com|access-date=September 16, 2013|archive-date=April 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413172130/http://www.themarysue.com/joss-whedons-ama/|url-status=live}}</ref> He co-wrote ''[[Toy Story]]'', which earned him a shared [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]] nomination for Best Original Screenplay.<ref name="io9; film">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/why-titan-a-e-is-an-underappreciated-masterpiece-5973190|title=Why Titan A.E. is an Underappreciated Masterpiece|first=Meredith|last=Woerner|date=January 4, 2013|publisher=Gizmodo|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=January 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107011238/http://io9.com/5973190/why-titan-ae-is-an-underappreciated-masterpiece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="alien resurrection">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a630047/in-defence-of-alien-resurrection-the-franchises-ugly-duckling/|title=In Defence Of... Alien: Resurrection, the franchise's ugly duckling|first=Joshua|last=Winning|date=February 19, 2015|work=Digital Spy|access-date=June 10, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102145551/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/feature/a630047/in-defence-of-alien-resurrection-the-franchises-ugly-duckling.html|archive-date=November 2, 2015}}</ref><ref name="BAFTA FILM; film">{{cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/film/features/joss-whedon-a-life-in-pictures,3816,BA.html |title=Joss Whedon: A Life in Pictures |first=Francine |last=Stock |date=June 17, 2013 |publisher=bafta.org |access-date=September 16, 2013 |archive-date=July 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712052130/http://www.bafta.org/film/features/joss-whedon-a-life-in-pictures%2C3816%2CBA.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He became one of the highest paid screenwriters when he sold his ''Afterlife'' script to [[Columbia Pictures]] for $1.5 million.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Daily Variety]]|date=January 12, 1995|page=29|edition=61st anniversary|title=Joss Whedon}}</ref>

====''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''====
[[File:Buffy The Vampire Slayer cast.jpg|thumb|right|250px|(From left to right) [[Tom Lenk]], [[Emma Caulfield]], [[Alexis Denisof]], [[Alyson Hannigan]], [[Anthony Head]], Whedon and [[Michelle Trachtenberg]] at the ''Buffy'' wrap party]]
In 1997, Whedon created his first television series, ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]''.{{ref|2|2}} The series depicts [[Buffy Summers]], the latest in a line of young women called to battle against [[Vampire (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)|vampires]], [[demon]]s, and other forces of darkness. The idea came directly from his aversion to seeing the Hollywood formula of "the little blonde girl who goes into a dark alley and gets killed in every horror movie".<ref name="STARBURST">{{cite web|url=https://www.starburstmagazine.com/component/content/article/34-its-a-different-medium-you-idiot-/1570-buffy-the-vampire-slayer|title=Buffy the Vampire Slayer|first=Chris|last=Earl|date=December 14, 2011|publisher=starburstmagazine.com|access-date=May 9, 2013|archive-date=January 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119012919/http://www.starburstmagazine.com/component/content/article/34-its-a-different-medium-you-idiot-/1570-buffy-the-vampire-slayer|url-status=dead}}</ref> Whedon said he wanted to subvert the idea and create someone who was a hero.<ref name="LOS ANGELES REVIEW OF BOOKS">{{cite web|url=http://lareviewofbooks.org/article.php?id=1553&fulltext=1|title=SXSW Critic's Notebook: Much Ado About What, Exactly? Joss Whedon's Progressive Bardolatry|first=Ted|last=Scheinman|date=April 5, 2013|publisher=lareviewofbooks.org|access-date=May 9, 2013|archive-date=October 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017164405/https://lareviewofbooks.org/essay/sxsw-critics-notebook-much-ado-about-what-exactly-joss-whedons-progressive-bardolatry|url-status=dead}}</ref> This conception came from "the very first mission statement of the show, which was the joy of female power: having it, using it, sharing it".<ref name="metroactive">{{cite web|url=http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/09.26.02/buffy1-0239.html|title=Buffy's Angels|first=Allie|last=Gottlieb|year=2002|publisher=metroactive.com|access-date=May 8, 2013|archive-date=March 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308194506/http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/09.26.02/buffy1-0239.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The writing process came together from conversations about the emotional issues facing Buffy Summers, and how she would confront them in her battle against supernatural forces.<ref name="CNN; wp">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/TV/01/28/jane.espenson.profile/|title=Jane Espenson: Writer, sci-fi thriller, one nerdy lady|first=Suzanne|last=Kelly|date=January 28, 2011|publisher=CNN|access-date=July 14, 2014|archive-date=February 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201062848/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/TV/01/28/jane.espenson.profile/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Whedon usually directed episodes from his own scripts that held the most cathartic moments in Buffy's story.<ref name="DigitalSpy.; episodes">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/i575158-9/joss-whedon-top-20-buffy-graduation-day.html|title=Back to article: Joss Whedon: 20 greatest moments from 'Buffy', 'Firefly', more|work=Digital Spy|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=June 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616094945/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/i575158-9/joss-whedon-top-20-buffy-graduation-day.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TOR*COM; episodes">{{cite web|url=http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/04/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-rewatch-there-is-no-joyce-in-bloodville|title=Buffy the Vampire Slayer Rewatch: There is no Joyce in Bloodville|first=Alyx|last=Dellamonica|date=April 22, 2013|publisher=tor.com|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=May 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502012725/http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/04/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-rewatch-there-is-no-joyce-in-bloodville|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BADASS DIGEST; episodes">{{cite web|url=http://badassdigest.com/2011/01/19/happy-birthday-buffy-the-13-best-episodes-of-buffy-the-vampire-slayer/|title=Happy Birthday Buffy: The 13 Best Episodes of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' |first=Devin|last=Faraci|work=Badass Digest |date=January 19, 2011|publisher=badassdigest.com|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=January 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121152028/http://www.badassdigest.com/2011/01/19/happy-birthday-buffy-the-13-best-episodes-of-buffy-the-vampire-slayer|url-status=live}}</ref>

The series received numerous awards and nominations, including an [[Emmy Award]] nomination for writing for the 1999 episode "[[Hush (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)|Hush]]".<ref name="MOVIEPILOT; hush">{{cite web |url=http://moviepilot.com/posts/2014/04/12/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-hush-a-detailed-review-1334948?lt_source=external,manual#!behnGD |title=Buffy The Vampire Slayer, 'Hush' – A Detailed Review |first=Shane |last=King |date=April 12, 2014 |publisher=moviepilot.com |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714201932/http://moviepilot.com/posts/2014/04/12/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-hush-a-detailed-review-1334948?lt_source=external%2Cmanual%2Cmanual#!behnGD |url-status=dead}}</ref> The 2001 episode "[[The Body (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)|The Body]]" was nominated for a [[Nebula Award]] in 2002,<ref name="The LOCUS Index to SF Awards; The Body">{{cite web|url=http://www.locusmag.com/SFAwards/Db/Nebula2002.html |title=2002 Nebula Awards |publisher=locusmag.com |access-date=May 9, 2013 |archive-date=April 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410000334/http://www.locusmag.com/SFAwards/Db/Nebula2002.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> and the fall 2001 musical episode "[[Once More, with Feeling (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)|Once More, with Feeling]]" was nominated for a Best Dramatic Presentation [[Hugo Award]] and a Best Script Nebula Award.<ref name="The Hugo Awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2002-hugo-awards/ |title=2002 Hugo Awards |publisher=thehugoawards.org |access-date=May 9, 2013 |archive-date=August 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815001743/http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2002-hugo-awards/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="The LOCUS Index to SF Awards; Once More, with Feeling">{{cite web|url=http://www.locusmag.com/SFAwards/Db/Nebula2003.html |title=2003 Nebula Awards |publisher=locusmag.com |access-date=May 9, 2013 |archive-date=February 17, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040217104357/http://www.locusmag.com/SFAwards/Db/Nebula2003.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> The final episode "[[Chosen (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)|Chosen]]" was nominated for a Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form Hugo Award in 2003.<ref name="LOCUSonline">{{cite web|url=http://www.locusmag.com/2004/News/04_HugoNominees.html |title=Hugo Awards Nominations |date=April 10, 2004 |publisher=locusmag.com |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-date=April 30, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040430024247/http://www.locusmag.com/2004/News/04_HugoNominees.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> All written and directed by Whedon, they are considered some of the most effective and popular episodes of the series.<ref name="DEN of GEEK">{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/buffy-the-vampire-slayer/20109/top-10-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-episodes|title=Top 10 Buffy The Vampire Slayer episodes|first=Carley|last=Tauchert|date=July 23, 2009|publisher=denofgeek.com|access-date=May 9, 2013|archive-date=June 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626025840/http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/buffy-the-vampire-slayer/20109/top-10-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-episodes|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SciFiNow">{{cite web|url=https://www.scifinow.co.uk/top-tens/top-10-best-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-episodes/|title=Top 10 Best Buffy The Vampire Slayer Episodes|first=Samuel|last=Roberts|date=September 3, 2012|publisher=SciFiNow|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=February 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201115136/http://www.scifinow.co.uk/top-tens/27930/top-10-best-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-episodes/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[A. Asbjørn Jøn]], an anthropologist and scholar, recognized that the series has shifted the way vampires have since been depicted in popular culture representations.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280805194|title = From Nosteratu to Von Carstein: shifts in the portrayal of vampires|last = Jøn|first = A. Asbjørn|year = 2001|journal = Australian Folklore: A Yearly Journal of Folklore Studies|access-date = October 30, 2015|publisher = University of New England|issue = 16|pages = 97–106|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151125163106/http://www.researchgate.net/publication/280805194_From_Nosteratu_to_Von_Carstein_shifts_in_the_portrayal_of_vampires|archive-date = November 25, 2015|df = mdy-all}}</ref> Since the end of the series, Whedon has stated that his initial intention was to produce a "[[Cult following|cult]]" television series and acknowledged a corresponding "rabid, almost insane fan base" that subsequently emerged. In June 2012, ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'' identified it as the most written about popular culture text of all time. "[M]ore than twice as many papers, essays, and books have been devoted to the vampire drama than any of our other choices—so many that we stopped counting when we hit 200".<ref>{{cite news|author1=Patricia Pender|title=Vampires beware: Buffy is the unslayable pop culture text|url=http://theconversation.com/vampires-beware-buffy-is-the-unslayable-pop-culture-text-28142|access-date=June 21, 2014|work=The Conversation|date=June 19, 2014|archive-date=September 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911221653/http://theconversation.com/vampires-beware-buffy-is-the-unslayable-pop-culture-text-28142|url-status=live}}</ref>

Whedon, a lifelong comic book fan, authored the [[Dark Horse Comics]] miniseries ''[[Fray (comics)|Fray]]'', which takes place in the far future of the [[Buffyverse]].<ref name="CBR; comic books">{{cite web|url= https://www.cbr.com/she-has-no-head-joss-whedons-fray/|title=She Has No Head! – Joss Whedon's Fray|first=Kelly|last=Thompson|date=May 16, 2011|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|access-date=June 10, 2020|archive-date=April 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428110550/http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2011/05/16/she-has-no-head-joss-whedons-fray/|url-status=live}}</ref> Like many writers of the show, he contributed to the series' comic book continuation, writing for the anthology ''[[Tales of the Slayers]]'',<ref name="DARK HORSE; tales of the slayers">{{cite web|url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/11-001/Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-Tales-of-the-Slayers-TPB|title=Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Tales of the Slayers TPB|publisher=darkhorse.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105174437/http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/11-001/Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-Tales-of-the-Slayers-TPB|url-status=live}}</ref> and also for the main storyline of the miniseries ''[[Tales of the Vampires]]''.<ref name="DARK HORSE; tales of the vampires">{{cite web|url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/11-756/Tales-of-the-Vampires-TPB|title=Tales of the Vampires TPB|publisher=darkhorse.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=December 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209212735/http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/11-756/Tales-of-the-Vampires-TPB|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon and the other writers released a new ongoing series, taking place after the series finale "Chosen", which he officially recognizes as the canonical [[Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight|eighth season]].<ref name="Entertainment WEEKLY; season eight">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/01/19/joss-whedon-buffy-season-8-comic-exclusive/|title=Joss Whedon talks about the end of the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Season 8 comic, and the future of Season 9 – Exclusive|first=Adam B.|last=Vary|date=January 19, 2011|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=December 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220202218/http://shelf-life.ew.com/2011/01/19/joss-whedon-buffy-season-8-comic-exclusive/|url-status=live}}</ref> He returned to the world of ''Fray'' during the season eight-story arc "[[Time of Your Life (Buffy comic)|Time of Your Life]]".<ref name="DARK HORSE; comic books">{{cite web|url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/14-833/Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-Season-8-16-Time-of-Your-Life|title=Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8: #16 Time of Your Life|publisher=darkhorse.com|access-date=September 17, 2013|archive-date=December 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209212608/http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/14-833/Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-Season-8-16-Time-of-Your-Life|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine]]'' was published from August 2011 to September 2013,<ref name="DARK HORSE; freefall">{{cite web|url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/18-923/Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-Season-9-1-Jo-Chen-variant-cover|title=Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #1 (Jo Chen variant cover)|publisher=darkhorse.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=December 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209212851/http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/18-923/Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-Season-9-1-Jo-Chen-variant-cover|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DARK HORSE; the core">{{cite web|url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/20-439/Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-Season-9-25-Phil-Noto-cover|title=Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #25 (Phil Noto cover)|publisher=darkhorse.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=February 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227110344/http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/20-439/Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-Season-9-25-Phil-Noto-cover|url-status=live}}</ref> for which Whedon wrote "Freefall, Part I–II" (with [[Andrew Chambliss]]).<ref name="CBR; freefall">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/behind-buffy-season-9-buffy-enters-freefall/|title=Behind Buffy Season 9: Buffy Enters "Freefall"|first=Kiel|last=Phegley|date=November 3, 2011|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|access-date=June 10, 2020|archive-date=April 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428160820/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=35267|url-status=live}}</ref>

====''Angel''====
As a result of the success of ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'', Whedon was given the opportunity to make ''[[Angel (1999 TV series)|Angel]]'', his 1999 spin-off series of the show. David Greenwalt and Whedon collaborated on the pilot which was going to be developed for [[The WB]] Network.<ref name="SALON">{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/1999/10/04/angel/|title=City of Angel|first=Joyce|last=Millman|date=October 4, 1999|work=Salon|access-date=May 9, 2013|archive-date=January 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114132424/http://www.salon.com/1999/10/04/angel|url-status=live}}</ref> During the series' early expansion, efforts were made by the network to mitigate Whedon's original concept. "Corrupt", a precociously optioned second episode, was entirely abandoned due to the gloominess written into the script.<ref name="blastr; corrupt">{{cite web|url=http://www.blastr.com/2011/01/7_joss_whedon_projects_we.php|title=7 Joss Whedon projects we'll never see (and 1 we eventually will)|first=Carol|last=Pinchefsky|date=January 19, 2011|publisher=[[Syfy Wire#Syfy Wire|Blastr.com]] | access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=August 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811102809/http://www.blastr.com/2011/01/7_joss_whedon_projects_we.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> The tone was then softened in the opening episodes, establishing [[Angel Investigations]] as an idealistic, shoestring operation. It follows [[Angel (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)|Angel]], who works as a private detective in order to "help the helpless".<ref name="DEN OF GEEK; hth">{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/angel/29680/what-angels-first-season-did-right|title=What Angel's first season did right|first=Juliette|last=Harrisson|date=March 12, 2014|publisher=denofgeek.com|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=March 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313082218/http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/angel/29680/what-angels-first-season-did-right|url-status=live}}</ref>

Though praised for presenting a unique and progressive version of the [[Archetype|archetypal]] [[Film noir|noir]] hero as a sympathetic vampire detective,<ref name="Entertainment WEEKLY; vd">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2001/10/30/angel/ |title=Angel (1999–2004) |first=Ken |last=Tucker |date=October 30, 2001 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-date=January 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070121031211/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C181754%2C00.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="HUFF POST; vd">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/televisions-most-memorable-detectives-male-all-time_n_1316739#s753280 |title=Television's Most Memorable Male Detectives of All Time (PHOTOS) |date=March 12, 2012 |work=HuffPost |access-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-date=March 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319221707/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/19/televisions-most-memorable-detectives-male-all-time_n_1316739.html |url-status=live}}</ref> early in its run it was criticized as being lesser than its parent show, in the context of having devolved from a more popular original work.<ref name="The INDEPENDENT">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/buffys-creator-makes-his-valley-of-the-dolls-1684993.html|title=Buffy's creator makes his valley of the dolls|first=Sarah|last=Hughes|date=May 15, 2009|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=May 9, 2013|archive-date=August 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801011901/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/buffys-creator-makes-his-valley-of-the-dolls-1684993.html|url-status=live|location=London}}</ref> Despite that it won a [[Saturn Award]] for Best Network TV Series<ref name="THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE FICTION FANTASY & HORROR FILMS">{{cite web|url=http://www.saturnawards.org/past.html#tvseries|title=Best Television Series|publisher=saturnawards.org|access-date=May 9, 2013|archive-date=February 10, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050210040426/http://www.saturnawards.org/past.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and three episodes, "[[Waiting in the Wings (Angel)|Waiting in the Wings]]",<ref name="SF Site">{{cite web|url=http://www.sfsite.com/09a/hugo159.htm|title=Hugo Award Nominees|publisher=sfsite.com|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=September 22, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030922095206/http://www.sfsite.com/09a/hugo159.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> "[[Smile Time]]" and "[[Not Fade Away (Angel)|Not Fade Away]]", were nominated for Hugo Awards for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form in 2003 and 2005.<ref name="LOCUS online">{{cite web|url=http://www.locusmag.com/2005/News/03_HugoNominations.html|title=Hugo and Campbell Awards Nominations|publisher=locusmag.com|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=March 30, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050330011726/http://www.locusmag.com/2005/News/03_HugoNominations.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The WB Network announced on February 13, 2004, that ''Angel'' would not be brought back for a sixth season.<ref name="IGN; cancellation">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/02/14/breaking-news-angel-to-end-after-5-seasons-updated |title=Breaking News: Angel to End After 5 Seasons UPDATED|date=February 13, 2004|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204811/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2004/02/14/breaking-news-angel-to-end-after-5-seasons-updated|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon said of the cancellation, "I believe the reason ''Angel'' had trouble on The WB was that it was the only show on the network that wasn't trying to be ''Buffy''. It was a show about grown-ups".<ref name="EW.com; cancellation">{{cite magazine|url= https://ew.com/article/2004/05/21/why-buffy-angel-creator-ditching-tv/ |title= Why the ''Buffy'', ''Angel'' creator is ditching TV. |first=Jeff |last=Jensen |date=May 21, 2004 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=May 10, 2013 |archive-date=February 8, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208020218/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C637917%2C00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> An official continuation of the story came later in the form of a comic book series.<ref name="IDW PUBLISHING; Angel comic">{{cite web|url=http://www.idwpublishing.com/catalog/book/142|title=Angel: After the Fall|publisher=idwpublishing.com|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=January 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124035502/http://idwpublishing.com/catalog/book/142|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following the successful eighth season of ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'', [[IDW Publishing]] approached Whedon about similarly producing a canonical sixth season for ''Angel''.<ref name="VULTURE; angel: after the fall">{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2007/09/angel_returns_for_season_six_b.html|title='Angel' Returns for Season Six … But Not on TV|date=September 18, 2007|publisher=vulture.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=December 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211030543/http://www.vulture.com/2007/09/angel_returns_for_season_six_b.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IDW; angel: after the fall">{{cite web|url=http://www.idwpublishing.com/news/pressreleases/angel-atf.shtml|title=Angel: After the Fall Rises to the Top for IDW|date=November 28, 2007|publisher=idwpublishing.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=July 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719172125/http://www.idwpublishing.com/news/pressreleases/angel-atf.shtml |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Angel: After the Fall]]'' released 17 issues written by Whedon and [[Brian Lynch (writer)|Brian Lynch]].<ref name="IDW; angel: after the fall 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.idwpublishing.com/catalog/book/142|title=Angel: Angel: After the Fall|publisher=idwpublishing.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=January 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124035502/http://idwpublishing.com/catalog/book/142|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2000s===
====''Firefly''====
Whedon followed ''Angel'' with the space western ''[[Firefly (TV series)|Firefly]]'', starring [[Nathan Fillion]], [[Gina Torres]], [[Alan Tudyk]], [[Morena Baccarin]], [[Adam Baldwin]], [[Jewel Staite]], [[Sean Maher]], [[Summer Glau]] and [[Ron Glass]].<ref name="Deseret News">{{cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/2002/9/19/19678181/fox-s-firefly-takes-flight/|title=Scott Pierce: Fox's 'Firefly' takes flight|first=Scott D.|last=Pierce|date=September 19, 2002|work=Deseret News|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=November 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104212318/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/937796/Foxs-Firefly-takes-flight.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Set in the year 2517,<ref name="in the year 2517">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/firefly-anniversary-reunion-comic-con-scott-188020/|title=Comic-Con 2012: Joss Whedon Gives 'Firefly' Fans A Heartfelt Thank You|first=Scott|last=Stoute|date=July 15, 2012|website=Screen Rant|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=July 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710074742/http://screenrant.com/firefly-anniversary-reunion-comic-con-scott-188020/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Firefly'' explores the lives of the people who while on the outskirts of society, make their living as the crew of ''[[Serenity (Firefly vessel)|Serenity]]'', a "Firefly-[[ship class|class]]" spaceship.<ref name="theguardian; Firefly">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/mar/27/firefly-your-next-box-set|title=Your next box set: Firefly|first=Daniel|last=Bettridge|date=March 23, 2012|work=The Guardian|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=March 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331064751/http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2012/mar/27/firefly-your-next-box-set|url-status=live|location=London}}</ref> The series' original concept progressed after Whedon read ''[[The Killer Angels]]'', a book on the [[Battle of Gettysburg]].<ref name="Deseret News" /><ref name="the killer angels">{{cite web|url=http://mentalfloss.com/uk/television/23054/23-fun-facts-about-firefly |title=23 Fun Facts About Firefly |first=Rudie |last=Obias |date=March 23, 2015 |website=[[Mental Floss|Mental Floss UK]] |access-date=May 11, 2015 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511131505/http://mentalfloss.com/uk/television/23054/23-fun-facts-about-firefly |archive-date=May 11, 2015}}</ref>

An ever-present element was Whedon's injection of [[Anti-authoritarianism|anti-totalitarianism]],<ref name="CULTURE MASS">{{cite web|url=http://culturemass.com/2013/04/11/whedons-themes-a-blueprint-for-marvels-agents-of-s-h-i-e-l-d/|title=Whedon's Themes: A Blueprint for Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.|first=K. M.|last=Cone|date=April 11, 2013|website=CultureMass|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=February 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213023915/http://culturemass.com/2013/04/11/whedons-themes-a-blueprint-for-marvels-agents-of-s-h-i-e-l-d/|url-status=dead}}</ref> writing into the show a historical analogy of the Battle of Gettysburg, the "Battle of Serenity Valley".{{ref|3|3}}<ref name="LAWEEKLY; firefly">{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/publicspectacle/2008/12/17/heroes-of-the-final-frontier-top-5-space-cowboys-from-tv-and-film|title=Heroes of the Final Frontier: Top 5 Space Cowboys from TV and Film|first=Liz|last=Ohanesian|date=December 17, 2008|newspaper=[[LA Weekly]]|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714221337/http://www.laweekly.com/publicspectacle/2008/12/17/heroes-of-the-final-frontier-top-5-space-cowboys-from-tv-and-film|url-status=live}}</ref> The beaten soldiers were called "[[Browncoat#Fictional meaning|Browncoats]]" after the brown [[Duster (clothing)|dusters]] they wore as their uniforms.<ref name="PCMAG.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/297197/10-extreme-cases-of-nerd-rage/2|title=10 Extreme Cases of Nerd Rage|first=Jennifer|last=Bergen|date=April 28, 2012|work=[[PC Magazine]]|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=May 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501090702/http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/297197/10-extreme-cases-of-nerd-rage/2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="San Francisco Chronicle" /> Whedon said, "I wanted to play with that classic notion of the frontier: not the people who made history, but the people history stepped on—the people for whom every act is the creation of civilization".<ref name="The New York Times">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/22/magazine/must-see-metaphysics.html|title=Must-See Metaphysics|first=Emily|last=Nussbaum|date=September 22, 2002|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=May 10, 2013}}</ref> ''Firefly'' was written as a serious character study,<ref name="The New York Times; religious and philosophical views" /> encompassing what Whedon called "life when it's hard". He went on to elaborate that it was about "nine people looking into the blackness of space and seeing nine different things".<ref name="jam! SHOWBIZ">{{cite web|url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/F/Firefly/2002/07/22/734323.html|title=Firefly series ready for liftoff|first=Bill|last=Brioux|date=July 22, 2002|publisher=canoe.ca|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=July 15, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715154524/http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/F/Firefly/2002/07/22/734323.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

Fox chose to play the episodes of the series out of order, running "[[The Train Job]]" first, and not airing the [[Serenity (Firefly episode)|pilot]] until a dozen episodes later, resulting in some confusion from viewers. The series was also promoted as a comedy, not a science fiction drama, and placed in the infamous "[[Friday night death slot]]". The show was praised by critics overall, but some objected to the fusion of [[American frontier]] and [[outer space]] motifs.<ref name="San Francisco Chronicle; Firefly">{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Sci-fi-Firefly-is-a-bonanza-of-miscues-from-2768434.php|title=Sci-fi 'Firefly' is a bonanza of miscues from 'Buffy' creator|first=Tim|last=Goodman|date=September 20, 2002|work=San Francisco Chronicle|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=August 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824005454/http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Sci-fi-Firefly-is-a-bonanza-of-miscues-from-2768434.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The New York Times; Firefly">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/21/arts/television/21NUSS.html|title=A DVD Face-Off Between the Official and the Homemade|first=Emily|last=Nussbaum|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 21, 2003|access-date=May 24, 2014}}</ref><ref name="other respects">{{cite web|url=http://www.teevee.org/archive/2002/12/13/index.html |title=Firefly vs. the Firing Squad |first=Jason |last=Snell |date=December 13, 2002 |publisher=TeeVee.org |access-date=May 5, 2015 |archive-date=August 14, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060814235449/http://www.teevee.org/archive/2002/12/13/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> Faced with these hurdles, the show had an average of 4.7&nbsp;million viewers at the time and was ranked 98th in [[Nielsen ratings]]. The series was cancelled by Fox before all of the episodes had aired.<ref name="E; Firefly">{{cite web|url=http://uk.eonline.com/news/44314/fox-squashes-firefly|title=Fox Squashes "Firefly"|first=Lia|last=Haberman|date=December 13, 2002|publisher=E!|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=February 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213043210/http://www.eonline.com/news/44314/fox-squashes-firefly|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon took to [[Universal Pictures]] as a means of achieving a continuation of the story.<ref name="the weekly Standard">{{cite web|url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/757fhfxg.asp |title=The Browncoats Rise Again |first=M.E. |last=Russell |date=June 24, 2005 |publisher=[[The Weekly Standard]] |access-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-date=October 4, 2009 |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20091004231549/http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/757fhfxg.asp |url-status=dead}}</ref> Following ''Firefly'' was ''[[Serenity (2005 film)|Serenity]]'', a follow-up film taking place after the events of the [[Objects in Space|final episode]].<ref name="THE UNIVERSITY OBSERVER; fs">{{cite web|url=http://www.universityobserver.ie/2013/11/12/its-all-connected/|title=It's All Connected|first=Steven|last=Balbirnie|date=November 12, 2013|publisher=universityobserver.ie|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=July 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715005724/http://www.universityobserver.ie/2013/11/12/its-all-connected/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Serenity'' developed into a [[Firefly (franchise)|franchise]] that led to graphic novels, books and other media.<ref name="COMICS ALLIANCE; eu">{{cite web|url=http://comicsalliance.com/serenity-comics-recap-joss-whedon-zack-whedon-dark-horse/ |title=A Recap of Every 'Serenity' Comic (So Far) |first=John |last=Parker |date=January 28, 2014 |publisher=comicsalliance.com |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-date=January 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130071014/http://comicsalliance.com/serenity-comics-recap-joss-whedon-zack-whedon-dark-horse/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="books">{{cite web|url=http://www.blastr.com/2010/05/firefly_fiction.php|title=Firefly's original writers reveal what happens NEXT|work=Blastr |date=May 19, 2010|access-date=May 11, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923191926/http://www.blastr.com/2010/05/firefly_fiction.php|archive-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref><ref name="other media">{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3034749/firefly-online/|title=With Firefly Cast Reuniting, Firefly Online Sounds Like the Franchise's Next Big Thing|first=Matt|last=Peckham|date=July 25, 2014|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=May 11, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504064445/http://time.com/3034749/firefly-online/|archive-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref> ''[[New Scientist]]'' magazine held a poll in 2005 to find "The World's Best Space Sci-Fi Ever", and ''Firefly'' and ''Serenity'' took first and second place, respectively.<ref name="NewScientist">{{cite web|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8211 |title=The World's Best Space Sci-Fi Ever: Your verdict |first=Anna |last=Gosline |date=October 26, 2005 |work=[[New Scientist]] |access-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-date=October 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020031017/http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8211 |url-status=live}}</ref> It also received an Emmy shortly after its cancellation, as well as a number of other awards. Since being canceled, ''Firefly'' has attained cult status.<ref name="The State Press; Firefly">{{cite web|url=http://www.statepress.com/2012/09/24/fans-construct-fireflys-significance/|title=Fans construct 'Firefly's' significance|first=Esther|last=Drown|date=September 24, 2012|work=[[The State Press]]|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=September 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928020353/http://www.statepress.com/2012/09/24/fans-construct-fireflys-significance|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Marvel Comics====
In 2004, Whedon created the comic book line ''[[Astonishing X-Men]]''.<ref name="in 2004">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/15/ign-assemble-75-the-one-looking-back-on-astonishing-x-men|title=IGN Assemble! #75 – The One Looking Back on Astonishing X-Men|first=Joey|last=Esposito|website=IGN|date=March 15, 2013| access-date= May 11, 2015|archive-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013031834/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/15/ign-assemble-75-the-one-looking-back-on-astonishing-x-men|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="New York ENTERTAINMENT; astonishing x-men">{{cite web|url=https://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/9218/|title=Whedon, Ink|first=Gavin|last=Edwards|work=New York|date=May 27, 2004 |access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=March 22, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070322213851/http://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/9218/|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished a 24 issue run in 2008 and then handed over the reins as a writer to [[Warren Ellis]].<ref name="24 issue run">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/24/astonishing-x-men-24-review|title=Astonishing X-Men #24 Review|first=Daniel|last=Crown|date=January 23, 2008|website=IGN|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=August 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820062231/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/24/astonishing-x-men-24-review|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="the writing reins">{{cite news|url=http://www.newsarama.com/Comic-Con_07/Marvel/AXMEllis.html|title=SDCC '07: Ellis Does Astonishing X-Men|first=Chris|last=Arrant|year=2007|work=Newsarama|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=June 23, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623103614/http://www.newsarama.com/Comic-Con_07/Marvel/AXMEllis.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> One storyline from the comic, the notion of a cure for mutation being found, was also an element in the third X-Men film, ''[[X-Men: The Last Stand]]''.<ref name="CBR; astonishing x-men">{{cite web|url= https://www.cbr.com/x-men-the-last-stand-dave-gorder-the-super-associate-producer/|title='X-Men: The Last Stand' – Dave Gorder – The Super-Associate Producer|first=George A.|last=Tramountanas|date=February 23, 2006|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|access-date=June 9, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213110407/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=6498|archive-date=December 13, 2013}}</ref><ref name="COMINGSOON .NET; astonishing x-men">{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/reviewsnews.php?id=14688|title=X-Men: The Last Stand|first=Scott|last=Chitwood|date=May 24, 2006|publisher=comingsoon.net|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=December 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211094113/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/reviewsnews.php?id=14688|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2009 ''Astonishing X-Men'' #6, which depicted the return of [[Colossus (character)|Colossus]] to the title and concluded Whedon's first story arc, was named by readers as #65 in Marvel's Top 70 Comics of all time.<ref name="MARVEL; top 70">{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/seventy_years/countdown/winners/comics/rank/65|archive-url=https://archive.today/20090318152002/http://marvel.com/seventy_years/countdown/winners/comics/rank/65|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 18, 2009|title=Marvel's Top 70|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]|access-date=December 6, 2013}}</ref>

Taking over after series creator [[Brian K. Vaughan]] completed his run on the series, Whedon became the second writer of the Marvel comic ''[[Runaways (comics)|Runaways]]''.<ref name="Rolling Stone; runaways">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/pictures/from-buffy-to-the-avengers-joss-whedons-best-and-worst-projects-20120502/18-runaways-0359743|title=From 'Buffy' to 'The Avengers': Joss Whedon's Best and Worst Projects|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 2, 2012|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=May 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525022417/http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/pictures/from-buffy-to-the-avengers-joss-whedons-best-and-worst-projects-20120502/18-runaways-0359743|url-status=live}}</ref> Having already been a committed reader, he had a letter published in the first volume, which was included in the Volume 1 hardcover edition.<ref name="IGN; runaways">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/12/joss-whedon-escapes-with-runaways|title=Joss Whedon Escapes With Runaways|date=September 12, 2006|website=IGN|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222094815/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/12/joss-whedon-escapes-with-runaways|url-status=live}}</ref> He also wrote short pieces for ''[[Stan Lee Meets...|Stan Lee Meets Spider-Man]]'' and ''Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men'' #1,<ref name="stan lee meets spider-man">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/07/stan-lee-meets-spider-man-first-look|title=Stan Lee Meets Spider-Man First Look|date=September 7, 2006|website=IGN|access-date=May 1, 2015|archive-date=August 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820173048/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/07/stan-lee-meets-spider-man-first-look|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MARVEL; giant size x-men">{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/comics/issue/20674/giant-size_astonishing_x-men_2008_1|title=Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men (2008) #1|publisher=Marvel Comics|access-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131206210817/http://marvel.com/comics/issue/20674/giant-size_astonishing_x-men_2008_1|archive-date=December 6, 2013}}</ref> and he was the subject of an issue of the comic book, ''[[Marvel Spotlight]]'' (alongside artist [[Michael Lark]]).<ref name="COMIC VINE; marvel spotlight">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/marvel-spotlight-joss-whedon-michael-lark/4050-25654/lists/|title=Marvel Spotlight: Joss Whedon & Michael Lark|publisher=comicvine.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=December 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211235739/http://www.comicvine.com/marvel-spotlight-joss-whedon-michael-lark/4050-25654/lists/|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of a panel of writers, he contributed to Marvel Comics' ''[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]'' crossover event lending advice on how to tell the story and also how to end it.<ref name="IGN; civil war">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/02/interview-joss-whedon?page=4|title=Interview: Joss Whedon|first=Richard|last=George|date=March 2, 2007|website=IGN|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222094853/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/02/interview-joss-whedon?page=4|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2016, Whedon contributed a story for the 75th anniversary issue of ''[[Captain America]]: [[Falcon (comics)|Sam Wilson]]'' with ''Astonishing X-Men'' collaborator [[John Cassaday]].<ref name="guardian; captain america 75">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/04/joss-whedon-captain-america-75th-anniversary-story-marvel-comics|title=Joss Whedon to write 75th-anniversary Captain America story for Marvel Comics|first=Allison|last=Flood|date=March 4, 2016|work=The Guardian|access-date=August 3, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722212014/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/04/joss-whedon-captain-america-75th-anniversary-story-marvel-comics|archive-date=July 22, 2016}}</ref> He introduced several new characters into the [[Marvel Universe]] such as the villainous [[Ord (comics)|Ord]],<ref name="MARVEL; ord">{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/universe/Ord|title=Ord|publisher=Marvel Comics|access-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216140733/http://marvel.com/universe/Ord|archive-date=December 16, 2013}}</ref> X-Men [[Blindfold (comics)|Ruth "Blindfold" Aldine]] and [[Armor (comics)|Hisako "Armor" Ichiki]],<ref name="MARVEL; blindfold">{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/universe/Blindfold|title=Blindfold|publisher=Marvel Comics|access-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509233722/http://www.marvel.com/universe/Blindfold|archive-date=May 9, 2006}}</ref><ref name="MARVEL; armor">{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/universe/Armor_%28Hisako_Ichiki%29|title=Armor|publisher=Marvel Comics|access-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928025901/http://marvel.com/universe/Armor_(Hisako_Ichiki)|archive-date=September 28, 2013}}</ref> Runaway [[Klara Prast]],<ref name="COMIC VINE; klara prast">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/klara-prast/4005-54555/|title=Klara Prast|publisher=comicvine.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=April 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424110129/http://www.comicvine.com/klara-prast/4005-54555|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Abigail Brand|Special Agent Abigail Brand]] along with [[S.W.O.R.D.]], the organization Brand commands.<ref name="COMIC VINE; abigail brand">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/abigail-brand/4005-4441/|title=Abigail Brand|publisher=comicvine.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=April 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404090443/http://www.comicvine.com/abigail-brand/4005-4441/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="COMIC VINE; s.w.o.r.d.">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/sword/4060-41666/|title=S.W.O.R.D.|publisher=comicvine.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=April 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404232733/http://www.comicvine.com/sword/4060-41666/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====''Serenity''====
After Universal Pictures acquired the [[Film rights|film]] and [[Film distributor|distribution rights]] from Fox, Whedon began writing the screenplay for ''Serenity''.<ref name="film rights">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/nathan-fillion-buy-firefly-mcrid-102683/|title=Fans Unite To Help Nathan Fillion Buy 'Firefly'|first=Michael|last=Crider|date=February 23, 2011|website=Screen Rant|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=August 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805025848/http://screenrant.com/nathan-fillion-buy-firefly-mcrid-102683/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IGN; Serenity">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/04/whedons-serenity-flies-at-uni|title=Whedon's Serenity Flies at Uni|first=Brian|last=Linder|date=March 4, 2004|website=IGN|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=February 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223230643/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/04/whedons-serenity-flies-at-uni|url-status=live}}</ref> Transforming the series into a film, he says, "... was the hardest piece of writing I've ever done ... It had to be self-contained and work as a movie, which meant I had to cope with problems like introducing nine main characters who'd already met!"<ref name="FILM; Serenity">{{cite web|url=http://www.film4.com/special-features/interviews/joss-whedon-on-serenity|title=Joss Whedon on Serenity|publisher=film4.com|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222081230/http://www.film4.com/special-features/interviews/joss-whedon-on-serenity|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SFFWORLD.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.sffworld.com/mul/130p0.html|title=Interview with Joss Whedon about Serenity|date=October 2, 2005|publisher=sffworld.com|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=December 7, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051207022432/http://www.sffworld.com/mul/130p0.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The script was based on unused story ideas for ''Firefly''{{'}}s unfilmed second season.<ref name="THE UNIVERSITY OBSERVER; fs" /> On writing the dialogue, Whedon felt that part of it came from "getting to invent the language", which "once I had... reads like a kind of poetry".<ref name="Response; Serenity">{{cite web|url=http://www.spu.edu/depts/uc/response/summer2k5/bookfilm/serenity.asp|title='Serenity' Rewards Faithful Fans, Thrills a New Audience|first=Jeffrey|last=Overstreet|year=2005|publisher=spu.edu|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=May 9, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509050714/http://www.spu.edu/depts/uc/response/summer2k5/bookfilm/serenity.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> The narrative centered on Captain [[Malcolm Reynolds]] as the hero accompanied by [[River Tam]] acting as the catalyst for what he does.<ref name="ARCHIVE; Serenity">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/ChucktheMovieguyJossWhedonMorenaBaccarininterviewforthemovieSerenity|title=Joss Whedon, Morena Baccarin interview for the movie Serenity|access-date=May 13, 2013}}</ref>

The score was composed by [[David Newman (composer)|David Newman]], and according to Whedon was intended to "deglorify space — to feel the intimacy of being on a ship as opposed to the grandeur".<ref name="The New York Times; Serenity">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/09/arts/music/09burl.html|title=Outer Country|first=Jon|last=Burlingame|date=October 9, 2005|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=May 13, 2013}}</ref> He used two [[Long take|long]] [[steadicam]] shots for several minutes of the film's opening sequence to establish "a sense of safety in space".<ref name="STEADIVISION">{{cite web|url=http://steadivision.com/acm/mtf/steadicam.html|title=STEADICAM|publisher=steadivision.com|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205429/http://steadivision.com/acm/mtf/steadicam.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PAJIBA">{{cite web|url=http://www.pajiba.com/seriously_random_lists/mindhole-blowers-20-facts-about-serenity-that-might-make-you-crave-a-fruity-oaty-bar.php|title=Mindhole Blowers: 20 Facts About Serenity That Might Make You Crave a Fruity Oaty Bar|first=Cindy|last=Davis|date=June 4, 2012|publisher=pajiba.com|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607051227/http://www.pajiba.com/seriously_random_lists/mindhole-blowers-20-facts-about-serenity-that-might-make-you-crave-a-fruity-oaty-bar.php|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, it won a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form.<ref name="LOCUSonline; Serenity">{{cite web|url=http://www.locusmag.com/2006/News/08_HugoCampbellWinners.html|title=Hugo and Campbell Awards Winners|publisher=locusmag.com|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=September 3, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060903090237/http://www.locusmag.com/2006/News/08_HugoCampbellWinners.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The elements of science fiction that Whedon wanted to convey were essentially different in kind, and held "a sort of grittiness" and "realism", which he said, together, "get the most exciting kind of film-making".<ref name="BBC; Serenity">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6517155.stm|title=Serenity named top sci-fi movie|publisher=BBC|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=April 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070416101011/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6517155.stm|url-status=live|date=April 2, 2007}}</ref> Critic [[Roger Ebert]] observed, "Like ''[[Brave New World]]'' and ''[[Nineteen Eighty-Four|1984]]'', the movie plays like a critique of contemporary society, with the Alliance as Big Brother, enemy of discontent".<ref name="Roger Ebert.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/serenity-2005|title=Serenity|first=Roger|last=Ebert|date=September 29, 2005|publisher=rogerebert.com|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=April 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421032608/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/serenity-2005|url-status=live}}</ref> The film received the 2005 [[Nebula Award for Best Script]], the 2006 [[Prometheus Award|Prometheus Special Award]],<ref name="SFWA; Serenity">{{cite web|url=http://www.sfwa.org/nebula-awards/|title=Nebula Awards|date=November 25, 2009|publisher=sfwa.org|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=April 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424181909/http://www.sfwa.org/nebula-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Libertarian Futurist Society">{{cite web|url=http://lfs.org/releases/2006Winners.shtml|title=Prometheus 2006 Awards Winners Announced|website=lfs.org|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=April 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414031146/http://www.lfs.org/releases/2006Winners.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and was voted the best sci-fi movie of all time in a poll set up by ''[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]]'' magazine.<ref name="BBC; Serenity" /> There have since been multiple rumors regarding sequel possibilities.<ref name="ZDNet News">{{cite web|url=http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-6085564.html|title=Fans of sci-fi 'Serenity' follow their bliss|first=Daniel|last=Terdiman|date=June 19, 2006|publisher=ZDNet|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=June 21, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060621222119/http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-6085564.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="About.com; Serenity">{{cite web|url=http://movies.about.com/od/serenity/a/serentynf120604.htm|title=Nathan Fillion Talks About 'Serenity'|first=Rebecca|last=Murray|work=About.com Entertainment |publisher=about.com|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=September 25, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050925163209/http://movies.about.com/od/serenity/a/serentynf120604.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The limited three-issue comic book series called ''[[Serenity: Those Left Behind]]'', the story of which was written by Whedon,<ref name="Trove; comic books">{{cite web|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/27600051?selectedversion=NBD43097375|title=Serenity : those left behind / story by Joss Whedon & Brett Matthews; script by Brett Matthews; art by Will Conrad.|publisher=nla.gov.au|access-date=September 25, 2013|archive-date=December 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212070055/http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/27600051?selectedversion=NBD43097375|url-status=live}}</ref> was released in 2005 as a tie-in to ''Serenity''. Set between ''Firefly'' and the film, it was intended to connect the two storylines.<ref name="tie in">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/old-friends-matthews-talks-serenity-better-days/|title=Old Friends: Matthews talks 'Serenity: Better Days'|first=Emmett|last=Furey|date=March 7, 2008|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|access-date=June 10, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213113658/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=12825|archive-date=December 13, 2013}}</ref> ''[[Serenity: Better Days]]'' also spanned three issues<ref name="Dark Horse; comic books #3">{{cite web|url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/15-190/Serenity-Better-Days-1-of-3|title=Serenity: Better Days #1 (of 3)|publisher=darkhorse.com|access-date=September 25, 2013|archive-date=April 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421082939/http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/15-190/Serenity-Better-Days-1-of-3|url-status=live}}</ref> and was written by Whedon and [[Brett Matthews]].<ref name="CBR; comic books #2">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/exclusive-serenity-better-days-2-preview/|title=Exclusive: 'Serenity: Better Days' #2 Preview|date=March 11, 2008|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|access-date=June 10, 2020|archive-date=December 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213113406/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=12855|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon later co-wrote ''[[Serenity (comics)#The Shepherd's Tale|The Shepherd's Tale]]'' with his half-brother [[Zack Whedon|Zack]].<ref name="COMICMIX; the shepherd's tale">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/06/13/interview-scott-allie-on-shepherd-books-serenity-spin-off-and-solomon-kane/|title=Interview: Scott Allie on Shepherd Book's 'Serenity' Spin-Off and 'Solomon Kane'|first=Chris|last=Ullrich|date=June 13, 2008|publisher=comicmix.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=June 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614122227/http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/06/13/interview-scott-allie-on-shepherd-books-serenity-spin-off-and-solomon-kane/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Freelance directing and ''Sugarshock!''====
As a guest director, he contributed two 2007 episodes of ''[[The Office (American TV series)|The Office]]'' ("[[Business School (The Office)|Business School]]" and "[[Branch Wars]]")<ref name="IF MAGAZINE; television">{{cite web|url=http://www.ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=4720|title=Exclusive: Joss Whedon to direct another episode of 'The Office'|first=Carl|last=Cortez|date=July 16, 2007|publisher=ifmagazine.com|access-date=September 16, 2013|archive-date=May 29, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070529040206/http://ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=4720|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="branch wars">{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/Office-Convention-07-The-Writers-Talk-About-Whedon-And-Branch-Wars-6994.html|title=Office Convention 07: The Writers Talk About Whedon And Branch Wars|first=Kelly|last=West|year=2007|publisher=Cinemablend.com|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=November 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127225549/http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Office-Convention-07-The-Writers-Talk-About-Whedon-And-Branch-Wars-6994.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a 2010 episode of ''[[Glee (TV series)|Glee]]'' ("[[Dream On (Glee)|Dream On]]").<ref name="Entertainment WEEKLY; television">{{cite magazine|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2009/10/19/glee-exclusive-joss-whedon-to-direct/|title='Glee' exclusive: Joss Whedon to direct!|first=Michael|last=Ausiello|date=October 19, 2009|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=September 16, 2013|archive-date=February 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219014300/http://insidetv.ew.com/2009/10/19/glee-exclusive-joss-whedon-to-direct/|url-status=live}}</ref> Denoting this period, Whedon has said, "I had free time, but I'm pretty sure I mean my career was on the skids".<ref name="PopMatters; further work">{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/post/173510-joss-whedon-film-society-of-lincoln-center/|title=An Evening of Joss Whedon with the Film Society of Lincoln Center (video)|first=Sachyn|last=Mital|date=July 15, 2013|work=PopMatters|access-date=August 16, 2014|archive-date=September 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926230927/http://www.popmatters.com/post/173510-joss-whedon-film-society-of-lincoln-center|url-status=live}}</ref>

In collaboration with [[Fábio Moon]], Whedon created the free webcomic titled ''[[Sugarshock!]]'', as part of the revival of ''[[Dark Horse Presents]]'', which was launched on [[Myspace]].<ref name="AFTERELLEN; online media">{{cite web|url=http://www.afterellen.com/sugarshock-a-free-whedon-comic-book-to-brighten-your-monday/08/2007/|title='Sugarshock': A free Whedon comic book to brighten your Monday|date=August 13, 2007|publisher=afterellen.com|access-date=September 17, 2013|archive-date=October 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060341/http://www.afterellen.com/sugarshock-a-free-whedon-comic-book-to-brighten-your-monday/08/2007/|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon later executive produced another free comic book on the Internet, ''Serenity: The Other Half''.<ref name="DARK HORSE; online media">{{cite web|url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/158/serenity-other-half|title=Serenity: The Other Half|date=November 3, 2010|publisher=darkhorse.com|access-date=September 17, 2013|archive-date=November 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106174510/http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/158/serenity-other-half|url-status=live}}</ref>

====''Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog''====
[[Image:Dr Horribles Singalong Blog cast.jpg|thumb|Whedon with the cast and crew of ''Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog'' at its [[Creative Artists Agency]] theater screening]]
As a response to the [[2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike]],<ref name="The New York Times; Dr. Horrible">{{cite news|url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/18/once-more-with-feeling-joss-whedon-revisits-dr-horribles-sing-along-blog/?_php=true&_type=blogs|title=Once More, With Feeling: Joss Whedon Revisits 'Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog'|first=Dave|last=Itzkoff|date=April 18, 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=September 28, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208120819/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/18/once-more-with-feeling-joss-whedon-revisits-dr-horribles-sing-along-blog/?_php=true&_type=blogs|archive-date=February 8, 2015}}</ref> Whedon directed, co-wrote and produced ''[[Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog]]''.<ref name="horrible credits">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2008/07/25/dr-horrible-oral-history|title='Dr. Horrible': An oral history|first=Adam B.|last=Vary|date=January 17, 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 11, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510111252/http://www.ew.com/article/2008/07/25/dr-horrible-oral-history|archive-date=May 10, 2015}}</ref> It tells the story of Dr. Horrible, an aspiring supervillain, who shares a love interest in a girl named Penny with his nemesis, Captain Hammer.<ref name="Written By.; Dr. Horrible">{{cite web|url=http://www.wga.org/writtenby/writtenbysub.aspx?id=3438 |title=Meet Joss Whedon the Web Slayer. |first=Lisa |last=Rosen |date=January 2009 |publisher=wga.org |access-date=September 28, 2014 |archive-date=February 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202204912/http://www.wga.org/writtenby/writtenbysub.aspx?id=3438 |url-status=dead}}</ref> To Whedon the miniseries was "a project of love", an accomplishment that from their excitement would be embellished with passion and "ridiculousness".<ref name="tubefilter; Dr. Horrible">{{cite web|url=http://www.tubefilter.com/2008/07/14/joss-whedon-interview-the-web-has-been-wonderful-for-horrible-2/|title=Joss Whedon Interview: The Web Has Been Wonderful For 'Horrible'|first=Drew|last=Baldwin|date=July 14, 2008|publisher=tubefilter.com|access-date=May 14, 2013|archive-date=May 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515221757/http://www.tubefilter.com/2008/07/14/joss-whedon-interview-the-web-has-been-wonderful-for-horrible-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> His half-brothers Zack and [[Jed Whedon|Jed]] and sister-in-law [[Maurissa Tancharoen]] share the other writing credits.<ref name="other horrible credits">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2014/02/14/dr-horrible-sing-along-blog-sequel|title='Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog' sequel 'will exist'|first=James|last=Hibberd|date=January 17, 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=March 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320053906/http://www.ew.com/article/2014/02/14/dr-horrible-sing-along-blog-sequel|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon said it was a "glorious surprise" to him to discover how well they worked together.<ref name="The Washington Post; Dr. Horrible">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/07/18/DI2008071801208.html|title=Joss Whedon Talks 'Dr. Horrible', 'Dollhouse' and More|date=July 21, 2008|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=September 28, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119020338/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/07/18/DI2008071801208.html|archive-date=January 19, 2015}}</ref>

After having attended meetings with companies discussing the prospect of producing something for the Internet and faced with negative feedback on his ideas, he realized that as long as the strike was still in progress, acquiring corporate funding was an unlikely prospect.<ref name="The New York Times; Dr. Horrible" /> Whedon himself funded the project investing just over $200,000<ref name="Written By.; Dr. Horrible" /> and earned more from it than he did directing ''[[The Avengers (2012 film)|The Avengers]]''.<ref name="earned more">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/avengers-age-of-ultron-kicks-off-the-summer-1429801731|title='Avengers: Age of Ultron' Kicks Off the Summer|first=Ben|last=Fritz|date=April 23, 2015|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=April 24, 2015|archive-date=April 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424043355/http://www.wsj.com/articles/avengers-age-of-ultron-kicks-off-the-summer-1429801731|url-status=live}}</ref> He enjoyed the independence he gained from ''Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog'' as it provided him the freedom to include content without the expectancy of lessening it on behalf of the runtime.<ref name="tubefilter; Dr. Horrible" /> He and Jed composed the music, parts of which were influenced by [[Stephen Sondheim]].<ref name="VULTURE; Dr. Horrible">{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2008/07/joss_whedon_on_dr_horrible_ste.html|title=Joss Whedon on 'Dr. Horrible', Stephen Sondheim, and Bad Horse|first=Emily|last=Nussbaum|date=July 21, 2008|publisher=vulture.com|access-date=May 14, 2013|archive-date=October 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013175835/http://www.vulture.com/2008/07/joss_whedon_on_dr_horrible_ste.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The miniseries was nominated and won numerous awards. Whedon was awarded Best Directing and Best Writing for a Comedy Web Series at the [[Streamy Awards]],<ref name="STREAMY AWARDS; Dr. Horrible">{{cite web|url=http://www.streamys.org/nominees-winners/2009-nominees/|title=1st Annual Nominees & Winners|publisher=streamys.org|access-date=June 5, 2013|archive-date=October 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019130945/http://www.streamys.org/nominees-winners/2009-nominees/|url-status=live}}</ref> a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form,<ref name="best dramatic presentation">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2009-hugo-awards/ |title=2009 Hugo Awards |publisher=The Hugo Awards |access-date=May 1, 2015 |archive-date=August 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830061036/http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2009-hugo-awards |url-status=dead}}</ref> and a [[Creative Arts Emmy Award]] in 2009.<ref name="npr; Dr. Horrible">{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112983657&ps=cprs|title='Buffy' Creator Snags Emmy For 'Horrible' Idea|first=Richard|last=Drew|date=September 19, 2009|publisher=NPR|access-date=June 5, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305171146/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112983657&ps=cprs|archive-date=March 5, 2013}}</ref>

====''Dollhouse''====
In 2009, Whedon created his fourth television series, ''[[Dollhouse (TV series)|Dollhouse]]'', and explored themes throughout the show that were initially present in an unproduced [[spec script]] of his called ''Afterlife''.<ref name="io9; Dollhouse">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/the-mind-transplant-script-whedon-wrote-before-dollhous-5374621 |title=The Mind-Transplant Script Whedon Wrote Before Dollhouse |first=Lauren |last=Davis |date=October 5, 2009 |publisher=Gizmodo |access-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-date=February 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208203712/http://io9.com/5374621/the-mind%2Btransplant-script-whedon-wrote-before-dollhouse |url-status=live}}</ref> The series follows Echo, whose brain is programmed to accomplish various assignments, on her journey towards self-awareness.<ref name="active">{{cite news|url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/monkeys-as-critics/posts/recap-dollhouse-echoes|title=Recap: 'Dollhouse' – 'Echoes'|first=Chris|last=Farnsworth|date=March 28, 2009|work=HitFix|access-date=May 11, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001134956/http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/monkeys-as-critics/posts/recap-dollhouse-echoes|archive-date=October 1, 2015}}</ref><ref name="IGN; Dollhouse">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/01/new-joss-whedon-eliza-dushku-series|title=New Joss Whedon / Eliza Dushku Series!|date=November 1, 2007|website=IGN|access-date=September 28, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006071721/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/01/new-joss-whedon-eliza-dushku-series|url-status=live}}</ref> As stated by Whedon, ''Dollhouse'' was about "the sides of us that we don't want people to see", [[Human sexuality|sexuality]]<ref name="Chicago Tribune; Dollhouse">{{cite news|url=http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2009/12/dollhouse-fox-joss-whedon.html|title=Sex, secrets and 'Dollhouse': Joss Whedon talks about the end of his Fox show|first=Maureen|last=Ryan|date=December 3, 2009|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=September 28, 2014|archive-date=December 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205235311/http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2009/12/dollhouse-fox-joss-whedon.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and, on some level, a celebration of [[perversion]],<ref name="SciFiNow; Dollhouse">{{cite web|url=http://www.scifinow.co.uk/news/joss-whedon-talks-firefly-dollhouse-and-leaving-television/|title=Joss Whedon talks Firefly, Dollhouse and leaving television|first=Edward|last=Gross|date=November 25, 2010|publisher=scifinow.co.uk|access-date=September 28, 2014|archive-date=April 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428062015/http://www.scifinow.co.uk/news/joss-whedon-talks-firefly-dollhouse-and-leaving-television/|url-status=live}}</ref> which he equates to [[Fixation (psychology)|obsession]], "the thing that makes people passionate and interesting and worthy".<ref name="W I R E D; Dollhouse">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/05/joss-whedon/all/|title=Joss Whedon on Comic Books, Abusing Language and the Joys of Genre|first=Adam|last=Rogers|date=May 3, 2012|magazine=Wired|access-date=September 28, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006125202/http://www.wired.com/2012/05/joss-whedon/all/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite low ratings in its first season, the series was renewed for a second and final season. The reason for the renewal given by Fox's president of entertainment was to avoid any backlash that would have resulted from its cancelation.<ref name="THE Hollywood REPORTER; Dollhouse">{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/surprise-fox-renews-dollhouse-51624|title=Surprise: Fox RENEWS 'Dollhouse'|first=James|last=Hibberd|date=May 15, 2009|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-date=March 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323052733/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/surprise-fox-renews-dollhouse-51624|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="blastr; Dollhouse">{{cite web|url=http://www.blastr.com/2009/05/fox-execs-explain-why-the.php|title=Fox execs explain why they kept Dollhouse and killed Sarah Connor|first=Kathie|last=Huddleston|date=May 18, 2009|publisher=blastr.com|access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-date=March 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313184631/http://www.blastr.com/2009/05/fox-execs-explain-why-the.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> In reflection of Fox's disruptive involvement, Whedon lamented the loss of ideas with [[Identity (philosophy)|identity]] and [[Morality|moral]] [[culpability]], saying they were dancing around them in the process<ref name="W I R E D; Dollhouse" /> which then devolved the series into a [[Procedural drama|procedural]] show.<ref name="Chicago Tribune; Dollhouse" />

===2010s===
====''The Cabin in the Woods''====
Whedon co-wrote and produced a horror-comedy film titled ''[[The Cabin in the Woods]]'' with director [[Drew Goddard]],  finishing production in 2009 though the film was not released until 2011.<ref name="DEN OF GEEK!; fp">{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/18968/joss-whedon-interview-the-cabin-in-the-woods-the-avengers-shakespeare-and-more|title=Joss Whedon interview: The Cabin In The Woods, The Avengers, Shakespeare and more|first=Michael|last=Leader|date=March 29, 2012|publisher=denofgeek.com|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607212258/http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/18968/joss-whedon-interview-the-cabin-in-the-woods-the-avengers-shakespeare-and-more|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon and Goddard intended to make a film that exemplified horror movies while still preserving the fun and frightening elements necessary to being a horror film.<ref name="EW.com; The Cabin in the Woods">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2012/04/12/the-cabin-in-the-woods-joss-whedon/|title='The Cabin in the Woods': How Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard's 'insane frolic' became the year's most buzzed-about fright flick|first=Clark|last=Collis|date=April 12, 2012|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414195955/http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/04/12/the-cabin-in-the-woods-joss-whedon|url-status=live}}</ref> The script was written in three days<ref name="COLLIDER.com; The Cabin in the Woods script">{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/joss-whedon-cabin-in-the-woods-the-avengers-interview/|title=Joss Whedon Talks 'The Cabin in the Woods', 'The Avengers', His Writing Process, Comic-Con, Collecting and More|first=Steve|last=Weintraub|date=April 5, 2012|publisher=collider.com|access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-date=June 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630170434/http://collider.com/joss-whedon-cabin-in-the-woods-the-avengers-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> and they produced a minimum of 15 pages a day.<ref name="DEN of GEEK!; The Cabin in the Woods">{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/18968/joss-whedon-interview-the-cabin-in-the-woods-the-avengers-shakespeare-and-more|title=Joss Whedon interview: The Cabin In The Woods, The Avengers, Shakespeare and more|first=Michael|last=Leader|date=March 29, 2012|publisher=denofgeek.com|access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607212258/http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/18968/joss-whedon-interview-the-cabin-in-the-woods-the-avengers-shakespeare-and-more|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon described it as an attempt to revitalize horror, calling it a "loving hate letter" to the genre, continuing:

{{blockquote|On another level it's a serious critique of what we love and what we don't about horror movies. I love being scared. I love that mixture of thrill, of horror, that objectification/identification thing of wanting definitely for the people to be alright but at the same time hoping they'll go somewhere dark and face something awful. The things that I don't like are kids acting like idiots, the devolution of the horror movie into [[Splatter film|torture porn]] and into a long series of sadistic comeuppances. Drew and I both felt that the pendulum had swung a little too far in that direction.<ref name="TOTALFILM; The Cabin in the Woods">{{cite web|url=http://www.totalfilm.com/news/joss-whedon-talks-the-cabin-in-the-woods|title=Joss Whedon talks The Cabin in the Woods|date=February 16, 2012|publisher=Tota|access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-date=February 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218231858/http://www.totalfilm.com/news/joss-whedon-talks-the-cabin-in-the-woods|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

Whedon thought part of what distinguished it from other horror films was that people were not disposable – "As a culture, for our own entertainment, we tend to assume that they are (expendable)".<ref name="HOLLYWOOD; The Cabin in the Woods">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/23453183/joss-whedon-on-cabin-in-the-woods-femi-nazis-evil-dead-and-the-pains-of-child-birth?page=all|title=Joss Whedon on 'Cabin in the Woods': Femi-Nazis, 'Evil Dead', and the Pains of Child Birth|first=Brian|last=Salisbury|date=April 10, 2012|website=hollywood.com|access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714202327/http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/23453183/joss-whedon-on-cabin-in-the-woods-femi-nazis-evil-dead-and-the-pains-of-child-birth?page=all|url-status=live}}</ref> He reiterated a sentiment that the introduction of torture porn into this genre was becoming an exercise in nihilism and misogyny as a means to promote distress and instead of trying to scare its audience.<ref name="GQ; The Cabin in the Woods">{{cite web|url=http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2012-03/27/joss-whedon-interview-cabin-in-the-woods-avengers-assemble |title=GQ&A: Joss Whedon |first=Oliver |last=Franklin |work=GQ |access-date=June 6, 2013 |archive-date=March 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330080503/http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2012-03/27/joss-whedon-interview-cabin-in-the-woods-avengers-assemble |url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Marvel Studios====
[[File:The Avengers Cast 2010 Comic-Con cropped.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Whedon with the cast of ''The Avengers'' and [[Kevin Feige]] at the 2010 [[San Diego Comic-Con]]]]
In July 2010, it was confirmed that Whedon would write and direct ''The Avengers'', a live-action adaptation of the superhero team [[Avengers (comics)|of the same name]].<ref name="/Film; The Avengers">{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/joss-whedon-officially-directing-the-avengers/|title=Joss Whedon Officially Directing The Avengers|first=Devindra|last=Hardawar|date=July 22, 2010|publisher=slashfilm.com|access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-date=November 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123181344/http://www.slashfilm.com/joss-whedon-officially-directing-the-avengers/|url-status=live}}</ref> Of his desire to take on the film, he explained that the core of the movie was about "finding yourself from community" and the togetherness derived from a group that ultimately doesn't belong together.<ref name="io9; The Avengers">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/joss-whedon-says-captain-america-and-iron-man-wont-be-p-5595293|title=Joss Whedon says Captain America and Iron Man won't be pals in his 'Avengers'|first=Meredith|last=Woerner|date=July 24, 2010|publisher=Gizmodo|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=July 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725202143/http://io9.com/5595293/will-joss-whedons-avengers-movie-include-marvels-civil-war-we-asked-him|url-status=live}}</ref>

It became the [[List of highest-grossing films|third-highest-grossing film]] of all time at the North American box office back in 2012,<ref name="Box Office Mojo; Avengers Assemble">{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic.htm|title=Domestic Grosses|publisher=boxofficemojo.com|access-date=June 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521234140/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic.htm|archive-date=May 21, 2012}}</ref> and it received considerable praise from critics.<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes; The Avengers">{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/marvels_the_avengers/|title=Marvel's The Avengers (2012)|date=May 4, 2012 |publisher=rottentomatoes.com|access-date=June 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140507140303/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/marvels_the_avengers/|archive-date=May 7, 2014}}</ref><ref name="metacritic; The Avengers">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-avengers-2012|title=The Avengers|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=June 7, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404151222/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-avengers-2012|archive-date=April 4, 2014}}</ref> In retrospect, Whedon thought the film had "imperfections",<ref name="SCREENRANT; ta">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/avengers-2-age-ultron-joss-whedon-better-than-first-film/|title=Joss Whedon on How 'Avengers' Could've Been Better & Plans for 'Age of Ultron'|first=Rob|last=Frappier|date=September 26, 2013|publisher=screenrant.com|access-date=July 14, 2014|archive-date=March 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320114443/http://screenrant.com/avengers-2-age-ultron-joss-whedon-better-than-first-film/|url-status=live}}</ref> begrudging its quality in comparison to that of ''[[The Matrix]]'' and ''[[The Godfather Part II]]''. Nonetheless, he felt he "pulled off" the endeavor of making a summer movie reminiscent of those from his childhood.<ref name="theguardian; ta">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/27/avengers-joss-whedon-better|title=Joss Whedon: 'Avengers could have been better'|first=Ben|last=Child|date=September 27, 2013|work=The Guardian|access-date=July 14, 2014|archive-date=December 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214024654/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/27/avengers-joss-whedon-better|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2012, Whedon stated that although television involves more compromise than film:

{{blockquote|I think, ultimately, gun to my head, TV is the place. Being able to spend years with a character, to really develop them, to understand them, to challenge the actor, to learn from the actor, to work with a team of writers&nbsp;– that experience is so fulfilling. The idea of putting something out there and letting it grow is really exciting.<ref name="indiewire; Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/article/television/joss-whedon-sxsw-2012-panel|title=Joss Whedon at SXSW: 'You have to become your own network head.'|first=Alison|last=Willmore|date=March 10, 2012|publisher=[[IndieWire.com]]|access-date=June 7, 2013|archive-date=May 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527121853/http://www.indiewire.com/article/television/joss-whedon-sxsw-2012-panel|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

In August 2012, Whedon signed a deal to develop the [[Marvel Television|Marvel]] TV show ''[[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.]]'' for [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].<ref name="SUPERHEROHYPE; Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.">{{cite web|url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/172155-joss-whedon-to-write-and-direct-the-avengers-2|title=Joss Whedon to Write and Direct The Avengers 2|first=Spencer|last=Perry|date=August 7, 2012|publisher=superherohype.com|access-date=June 7, 2013|archive-date=November 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103052511/http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/172155-joss-whedon-to-write-and-direct-the-avengers-2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="io9; Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/joss-whedon-to-direct-avengers-2-and-develop-a-new-tv-s-5932683|title=Joss Whedon to direct Avengers 2 and develop a new TV show|first=Charlie Jane|last=Anders|date=August 7, 2012|publisher=Gizmodo|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=January 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119015647/http://io9.com/5932683/joss-whedon-directing-avengers-2-and-developing-a-marvel-tv-show-for-abc|url-status=live}}</ref> The series focuses on the secret military law-enforcement agency featured throughout the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]].<ref name="DEADLINE; Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2012/08/abc-greenlights-s-h-i-e-l-d-marvel-pilot-joss-whedon-to-co-write-possibly-direct-326179/|title=ABC Greenlights 'S.H.I.E.L.D' Marvel Pilot, Joss Whedon To Co-Write & Possibly Direct|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=August 28, 2012|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=June 7, 2013|archive-date=July 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712221323/http://www.deadline.com/2012/08/abc-greenlights-s-h-i-e-l-d-marvel-pilot-joss-whedon-to-co-write-possibly-direct/|url-status=live}}</ref> Created by Whedon, Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen,<ref name="Playlist; Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. #2">{{cite web|url=https://theplaylist.net/s-h-i-e-l-d-tv-series-moves-ahead-joss-whedon-to-write-possibly-direct-20120828/|title='S.H.I.E.L.D.' TV Series Moves Ahead, Joss Whedon To Write & Possibly Direct|first=Kevin|last=Jagernauth|date=August 28, 2012|publisher=The Playlist|access-date=June 7, 2013|archive-date=January 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119014458/http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/s-h-i-e-l-d-tv-series-moves-ahead-joss-whedon-to-write-possibly-direct-20120828|url-status=dead}}</ref> the show involves individuals who possess powers within the spectacle of science fiction, while also focusing on "the peripheral people ... the people on the edges of the grand adventures."<ref name="MTV; Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.">{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/2601839/joss-whedon-shield-details/|title=Joss Whedon's 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' Is About 'Powers', 'Spectacle' And 'Little Things' That Matter|first=Josh|last=Wigler|date=January 11, 2013|publisher=MTV|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=November 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111120232/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2013/01/11/joss-whedon-shield-details/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The character [[Phil Coulson]] was resurrected after his death in ''The Avengers'' to helm the show.<ref name="io9; aos">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/joss-whedon-explains-why-he-brought-agent-coulson-back-5989784|title=Joss Whedon explains why he brought Agent Coulson back to life for S.H.I.E.L.D.|first=Lauren|last=Davis|date=March 10, 2013|publisher=Gizmodo|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415034014/http://io9.com/5989784/joss-whedon-explains-why-he-brought-agent-coulson-back-to-life-for-shield|url-status=live}}</ref>

Whedon spoke about certain complications that factored in with making the show for Marvel, noting confusion between him and the company regarding the degree to which they wanted him to create it, citing their demand that he prioritize ''Avengers: Age of Ultron''.<ref name="you moron">{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/joss-whedon-spine-tingling-soul-crushing-marvel-adventure |title=Joss Whedon's Astonishing, Spine-Tingling, Soul-Crushing Marvel Adventure! |first=Adam B. |last=Vary |date=April 21, 2015 |publisher=[[BuzzFeed.com]] |access-date=April 21, 2015 |archive-date=April 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425095451/http://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/joss-whedon-spine-tingling-soul-crushing-marvel-adventure |url-status=live}}</ref> He once expressed regrets for having brought back Phil Coulson, feeling that his death had lost meaning as a result,<ref name="AVClub2015">{{cite news|url=https://www.avclub.com/joss-whedon-regrets-that-he-brought-back-a-character-he-1798278890|title=Joss Whedon regrets that he brought back a character he killed|first=Alex|last=McCown|date=April 23, 2015|newspaper=A.V. Club|access-date=June 10, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426164608/http://www.avclub.com/article/joss-whedon-regrets-he-brought-back-character-he-k-218458|archive-date=April 26, 2015}}</ref> but later clarified that he did not regret this decision.<ref name="CosmicBN" />

Whedon returned to write and direct the sequel to ''The Avengers'', ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]'',<ref name="SUPERHEROHYPE; Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." /><ref name="THE Hollywood REPORTER; The Avengers 2">{{cite web | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/joss-whedon-write-direct-avengers-359148 | title=Joss Whedon to Write and Direct 'Avengers 2' | work=The Hollywood Reporter | date=August 7, 2012 | access-date=June 7, 2013 | last=Kit | first=Borys | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210200853/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/joss-whedon-write-direct-avengers-359148 | archive-date=February 10, 2013 | url-status=live}}</ref> following the deal with [[Marvel Studios]], which expired in June 2015.<ref name="CINEMA BLEND COM; The Avengers 2 #2">{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Joss-Whedon-Signs-Three-Year-Deal-With-Marvel-Studios-32359.html|title=Joss Whedon Signs Three Year Deal With Marvel Studios|first=Eric|last=Eisenberg|date=August 7, 2012|publisher=cinemablend.com|access-date=June 7, 2013|archive-date=May 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503064439/http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Joss-Whedon-Signs-Three-Year-Deal-With-Marvel-Studios-32359.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On the matter of approaching a sequel, Whedon reasoned not to go "bigger" but "deeper", and likened it to digging with a scalpel to cause pain.<ref name="digital spy; The Avengers 2">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a450595/avengers-2-is-deeper-not-bigger-says-joss-whedon/|title='Avengers 2' is deeper, not bigger, says Joss Whedon |first=Hugh |last=Armitage |date=January 13, 2013 |work=Digital Spy |access-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006162816/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/news/a450595/avengers-2-is-deeper-not-bigger-says-joss-whedon.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He said of the film's characters, "Strong but damaged by power describes every person in this movie. It may, in fact, describe what the movie is about ... the more power that we have, the less human we are."<ref name="power">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/17/joss-whedon-on-avengers-age-of-ultron-something-terrible-is-coming-that-youll-love?page=2|title=Joss Whedon on Avengers: Age of Ultron 'Something Terrible is Coming That You'll Love'|first=Roth|last=Cornet|date=December 17, 2014|website=IGN|access-date=December 17, 2014|archive-date=December 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217215751/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/17/joss-whedon-on-avengers-age-of-ultron-something-terrible-is-coming-that-youll-love?page=2|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon discerns that ''Age of Ultron'' "is an odd film"<ref name="hardest work">{{cite web | url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/04/how-age-of-ultron-nearly-broke-joss-whedon.html | title=How Avengers: Age of Ultron Nearly Killed Joss Whedon | publisher=Vulture | date=April 13, 2015 | access-date=April 13, 2015 | last=Buchanan | first=Kyle | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421205953/http://www.vulture.com/2015/04/how-age-of-ultron-nearly-broke-joss-whedon.html | archive-date=April 21, 2015 | url-status=live}}</ref> that proved challenging when it came to finding the rhythm between both its calm and exciting moments. Drawing parallels to a symphony, he wanted to bring about "grace in the middle of ultimate chaos".<ref name="RAAAAAAH">{{cite web | url=http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Joss-Whedon-Next-Marvel-Movie-37270826 | title=There's a Good Reason Why Joss Whedon Isn't Directing Avengers: Infinity War | publisher=POPSUGAR Entertainment | date=April 14, 2015 | access-date=April 15, 2015 | last=Miller | first=Lindsay | url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416012846/http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Joss-Whedon-Next-Marvel-Movie-37270826 | archive-date=April 16, 2015 | df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Whedon also served as a creative consultant on the films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe leading up to ''Age of Ultron''.<ref name="Deadline Consultant">{{cite web|date=March 7, 2013 |first=Jen |last=Yamato |url=https://deadline.com/2013/03/sxsw-interview-joss-whedon-avengers-marvel-much-ado-about-nothin-447149/ |title=Joss Whedon Q&A on Eve of SXSW |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=April 21, 2014 |archive-date=May 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520143051/http://www.deadline.com/2013/03/sxsw-interview-joss-whedon-avengers-marvel-much-ado-about-nothin/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GQ Consultant">{{cite web|date=June 13, 2013 |first=Oliver |last=Franklin |url=http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2013-06/13/joss-whedon-interview-avengers-2-shield |title=GQ&A: Joss Whedon on S.H.I.E.L.D., Shakespeare and Star Wars |work=[[GQ]] |access-date=April 21, 2014 |archive-date=July 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701195623/http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2013-06/13/joss-whedon-interview-avengers-2-shield |url-status=dead}}</ref> He rewrote some dialogue for ''[[Thor: The Dark World]]'',<ref name="Thor The Dark World">{{cite web|date=October 29, 2013 |first=Erik |last=Davis |url=http://www.movies.com/movie-news/joss-whedon-thor-2-work/13971 |title=Marvel's Kevin Feige Explains What Joss Whedon Did for 'Thor 2', Plus Which Loki Scenes Were Added |publisher=[[Movies.com]] |access-date=April 21, 2014 |archive-date=February 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214224011/http://www.movies.com/movie-news/joss-whedon-thor-2-work/13971 |url-status=live}}</ref> directed the mid-credits scene of ''[[Captain America: The Winter Soldier]]'',<ref name="Captain America The Winter Soldier">{{cite web|date=March 14, 2014 |first=Steve |last=Weintraub |url=https://collider.com/captain-america-winter-solider-end-credits-scene-joss-whedon/ |title=Joss Whedon Directed One of the Post-Credits Scenes in Captain America: The Winter Soldier |publisher=Collider.com |access-date=March 14, 2014 |archive-date=March 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313083537/http://collider.com/captain-america-winter-solider-end-credits-scene-joss-whedon/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> and suggested that [[James Gunn]] make ''[[Guardians of the Galaxy (film)|Guardians of the Galaxy]]'' "weirder" after reading an early draft.<ref name="Guardians of the Galaxy">{{cite web|date=June 12, 2013 |first=George |last=Wales |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/joss-whedon-talks-avengers-2-and-guardians-of-the-galaxy/|title=Joss Whedon talks Avengers 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy |work=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-date=April 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423054922/http://www.totalfilm.com/news/joss-whedon-talks-avengers-2-and-guardians-of-the-galaxy |url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon said it was unlikely that he would return to make another sequel, stating that he "couldn't imagine doing this again".<ref name="unlikelysequel">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jan/27/joss-whedon-avengers-sequel-infinity-war|title=Joss Whedon 'very doubtful' for Avengers sequel Infinity War|first=Ben|last=Child|date=January 27, 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=February 3, 2015|archive-date=February 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204022935/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jan/27/joss-whedon-avengers-sequel-infinity-war|url-status=live}}</ref> He remarked that not having created his own fictional universe in over five years felt wrong<ref name="that feels wrong">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/joss-whedon-new-marvel-movie-female-batman/|title=After 'Avengers 2', Joss Whedon Wants To 'Create a New Universe'|first=Andrew|last=Dyce|date=February 1, 2015|website=Screen Rant|access-date=February 3, 2015|archive-date=March 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310131532/http://screenrant.com/joss-whedon-new-marvel-movie-female-batman/|url-status=live}}</ref> and intended to use the proceeds made from ''Avengers: Age of Ultron'' for such ventures.<ref name="earned more" /> In January 2016, Whedon announced that he would no longer work with Marvel.<ref name="CosmicBN">{{cite web |url=http://www.cosmicbooknews.com/content/josh-whedons-done-marvel-talks-not-regretting-bring-back-coulson-video |title=Josh Whedon's Done With Marvel & Talks Not Regretting Bring Back Coulson & Ultron Criticism (Video) |date=January 3, 2016 |publisher=Cosmic Book News |access-date=January 4, 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104195259/http://www.cosmicbooknews.com/content/josh-whedons-done-marvel-talks-not-regretting-bring-back-coulson-video |archive-date=January 4, 2016 }}</ref> Marvel Studios CEO [[Kevin Feige]] would be cited in ''MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios'', released in October 2023, that he would never work again with Whedon.<ref name="MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios">{{Cite book |last1=Robinson |first1=Joanna |last2=Gonzales |first2=Dave |last3=Edwards |first3=Gavin |title=MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios |publisher=[[Boni & Liveright]] |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-63149-751-3}}</ref>

====''Much Ado About Nothing''====
To create ''[[Much Ado About Nothing (2012 film)|Much Ado About Nothing]]'' in 2012, Whedon established [[Bellwether Pictures]].<ref name="IW">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/womenandhollywood/interview-with-kai-cole-producer-of-much-ado-about-nothing|title=Interview with Kai Cole – Producer of Much Ado About Nothing|first=Kerensa|last=Cadenas|date=June 21, 2013|publisher=IndieWire.com|access-date=November 19, 2013|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006140728/http://blogs.indiewire.com/womenandhollywood/interview-with-kai-cole-producer-of-much-ado-about-nothing|url-status=dead}}</ref> He filmed it in black-and-white on digital video over a period of 12 days at his residence in Santa Monica, California.<ref name="LENSBABY; Much Ado">{{cite web|url=http://lensbaby.com/blog/film-video/pro-spotlight-jay-hunter/ |title=Film & Video: Jay Hunter |first=Keri |last=Friedman |date=June 3, 2013 |publisher=lensbaby.com |access-date=June 8, 2013 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202002550/http://lensbaby.com/blog/film-video/pro-spotlight-jay-hunter/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="COLLIDER.COM; Much Ado">{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/joss-whedon-much-ado-about-nothing-lionsgate/194882/|title=Joss Whedon's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Picked Up by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions|first=Dave|last=Trumbore|date=September 11, 2012|publisher=collider.com|access-date=June 7, 2013|archive-date=September 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913081341/http://collider.com/joss-whedon-much-ado-about-nothing-lionsgate/194882/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was scripted, produced, directed, edited and composed by Whedon, based on [[William Shakespeare]]'s [[Much Ado About Nothing|play of the same name]].<ref name="much ado credits">{{cite web|url=https://filmschoolrejects.com/features/23-things-we-learned-from-joss-whedons-much-ado-about-nothing-commentary.php|title=23 Things We Learned From Joss Whedon's 'Much Ado About Nothing' Commentary|first=Rob|last=Hunter|date=October 10, 2013|publisher=Film School Rejects|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=November 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110081756/http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/23-things-we-learned-from-joss-whedons-much-ado-about-nothing-commentary.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> His idea to adapt the play for the screen originated from having "Shakespeare readings" at his house with several of his friends, years prior.<ref name="VULTURE; Much Ado">{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/06/joss-whedon-much-ado-about-nothing-interview.html|title=Joss Whedon on Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare-Buffy Parallels, and Avengers 2|first=Jennifer|last=Vineyard|date=June 7, 2013|publisher=vulture.com|access-date=June 7, 2013|archive-date=May 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501093957/http://www.vulture.com/2013/06/joss-whedon-much-ado-about-nothing-interview.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the play's comedy, he discovered that there were elements in the text "of debauchery" that brought out a core darkness, and said the visual nature of [[Filmmaking|film]] influenced him to permeate a motif of sexuality into the script.<ref name="LeakyNEWS; Much Ado">{{cite web|url=http://www.leakynews.com/much-ado-about-nothing-qa/|title=SXSW Film: Much Ado About Nothing Q&A|first=Josh|last=Wittge|date=March 9, 2013|publisher=leakynews.com|access-date=June 7, 2013|archive-date=August 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814233710/http://www.leakynews.com/much-ado-about-nothing-qa/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====''In Your Eyes'' and ''Twist''====
[[File:Joss Whedon by Gage Skidmore 7.jpg|thumb|right|Whedon at the 2015 [[San Diego Comic-Con]]]]
Whedon wrote and executive produced the paranormal romance film ''[[In Your Eyes (2014 film)|In Your Eyes]]'', the second feature by Bellwether Pictures.<ref name="COLLIDER.com; In Your Eyes">{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/joss-whedon-in-your-eyes-brin-hill/123473/|title=Brin Hill to Direct Supernatural Romance 'In Your Eyes' Written by Joss Whedon|first=Matt|last=Goldberg|date=October 31, 2011|publisher=collider.com|access-date=June 7, 2013|archive-date=November 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101110048/http://collider.com/joss-whedon-in-your-eyes-brin-hill/123473/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TGDAILY; In Your Eyes">{{cite web|url=http://www.tgdaily.com/entertainment/59367-joss-whedon-reveals-plans-for-next-film|title=Joss Whedon reveals plans for next film|first=CB|last=Droege|date=November 1, 2011|publisher=tgdaily.com|access-date=June 7, 2013|archive-date=January 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119014305/http://www.tgdaily.com/entertainment/59367-joss-whedon-reveals-plans-for-next-film|url-status=live}}</ref> The film tells the story of Rebecca Porter and Dylan Kershaw, who can feel each other's emotions but are ultimately strangers.<ref name="ultimately strangers">{{cite web|url=http://www.denofgeek.us/movies/in-your-eyes/235141/in-your-eyes-review|title=In Your Eyes Review|first=David|last=Crow|date=April 29, 2014|publisher=Den of Geek|access-date=May 11, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518082710/http://www.denofgeek.us/movies/in-your-eyes/235141/in-your-eyes-review|archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref> Whedon's script marked a theme of human connection as the metaphor for the couple's mysterious link.<ref name="Indiewood Hollywoodn't; in your eyes">{{cite web|url=http://indienyc.com/2014-tribeca-film-festival-filmmaker-interview-brin-hill-writerdirector-in-your-eyes/|title=2014 Tribeca Film Festival Filmmaker Interview: Brin Hill (Director-'In Your Eyes')|first=David|last=Teich|date=April 24, 2014|publisher=indienyc.com|access-date=April 25, 2014|archive-date=April 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427025116/http://indienyc.com/2014-tribeca-film-festival-filmmaker-interview-brin-hill-writerdirector-in-your-eyes/|url-status=live}}</ref> He conceived the idea in the early 1990s, and had written drafts of the screenplay since then.<ref name="CRAVEONLINE; in your eyes">{{cite web|url=http://www.craveonline.com/film/interviews/678895-tribeca-2014-zoe-kazan-and-michael-stahl-david-on-in-your-eyes|title=Tribeca 2014: Zoe Kazan and Michael Stahl David on in Your Eyes|first=Fred|last=Topel|date=April 22, 2014|publisher=[[CraveOnline.com]]|access-date=April 22, 2014|archive-date=April 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429033038/http://www.craveonline.com/film/interviews/678895-tribeca-2014-zoe-kazan-and-michael-stahl-david-on-in-your-eyes|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In summer 2014, Whedon encountered artist Shawnee Kilgore on [[Kickstarter]]. Whedon funded her album and when Kilgore contacted him about his fulfillment reward, he suggested they make a song together. She agreed, and the collaboration was later repurposed into producing an [[extended play|EP]].<ref name="BuzzFeed; ep collaboration">{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/joss-whedon-shawnee-kilgore-big-giant-me |title=Inside The Secret Folk Song Joss Whedon Co-Wrote While Making "The Avengers 2" |first=Adam B. |last=Vary |date=August 8, 2014 |publisher=Buzzfeed.com |access-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-date=September 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908082017/http://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/joss-whedon-shawnee-kilgore-big-giant-me |url-status=live}}</ref>

At the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, Whedon announced ''Twist'', which was described as a comic book about "a Victorian female Batman".<ref name="victorian female batman">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/joss-whedon-comic-con-dr-horrible-2-firefly-avengers-1201474472/|title=Joss Whedon's Sermon on the Con: Talks Meaning Of Life, 'Dr Horrible 2', 'Firefly' & 'Twist' Comic Book|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|date=July 11, 2015|publisher=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=July 12, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712181002/http://deadline.com/2015/07/joss-whedon-comic-con-dr-horrible-2-firefly-avengers-1201474472/|archive-date=July 12, 2015}}</ref>

In 2017, Whedon directed ''Unlocked'', a short film in support of [[Planned Parenthood]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/celebrities/joss-whedon-s-rep-ex-wife-s-essay-alleging-infidelities-is-harmful-includes-inaccuracies-1.14081035|title=Joss Whedon's rep: Ex-wife's essay alleging infidelities is 'harmful', 'includes inaccuracies'|date=August 21, 2017|access-date=August 22, 2017|author-link=Frank Lovece|first=Frank|last=Lovece|work=[[Newsday]]|location=New York City / Long Island|archive-date=August 22, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170822221909/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/celebrities/joss-whedon-s-rep-ex-wife-s-essay-alleging-infidelities-is-harmful-includes-inaccuracies-1.14081035|url-status=live|quote=The filmmaker this year wrote, directed, produced and funded the three-minute video 'Unlocked' for Planned Parenthood.}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|date=May 17, 2017|title='Unlocked' – Joss Whedon Video in Support of Planned Parenthood|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vTG4lUl1PU|access-date=August 22, 2017|publisher=Joss Whedon YouTube channel|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822013812/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vTG4lUl1PU|archive-date=August 22, 2017}}</ref>

====''Justice League''====
In May 2017, Whedon took over post-production duties for ''[[Justice League (film)|Justice League]]'', including writing and directing additional photography for the film.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kit|first=Borys|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/zack-snyder-steps-down-justice-league-deal-family-tragedy-1006455|title=Zack Snyder Steps Down From 'Justice League' to Deal With Family Tragedy|date=May 22, 2017|access-date=June 4, 2017|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522233608/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/zack-snyder-steps-down-justice-league-deal-family-tragedy-1006455|archive-date=May 22, 2017}}</ref> He received a co-writing credit for his contributions to the film, which was released in November 2017. Despite reshooting a majority of the film and largely changing the tone from what Zack Snyder had originally intended, Snyder retained sole credit as director of the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/justice-league-joss-whedon-writing-credit/|title=Joss Whedon Gets Justice League Writing Credit|date=August 29, 2017|website=Screen Rant|access-date=August 30, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830034847/http://screenrant.com/justice-league-joss-whedon-writing-credit/|archive-date=August 30, 2017}}</ref> After [[Zack Snyder's Justice League|Snyder's original cut]] was released in 2021, fans began to refer to the theatrical cut as the "Whedon Cut"<ref name="WhedonCutBundle">Multiple sources; see, for example:
*{{cite news |last1=Crow |first1=David |title=Zack Snyder's Justice League vs. the Whedon Cut: What are the Differences? |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/zack-snyder-justice-league-vs-whedon-cut-differences/ |access-date=March 20, 2021 |work=[[Den of Geek]] |date=March 18, 2021 |archive-date=March 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319131801/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/zack-snyder-justice-league-vs-whedon-cut-differences/ |url-status=live}}
*{{cite news |last1=Truitt |first1=Brian |title='Justice League': 10 burning questions you might have about HBO Max's four-hour 'Snyder Cut' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/03/15/justice-league-zack-snyder-cut-burning-questions-review-hbo-max/4657393001/ |quote=Some new personalities who missed the Whedon Cut show up |access-date=March 20, 2021 |work=[[USA Today]] |date=March 15, 2021 |archive-date=March 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320142010/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/03/15/justice-league-zack-snyder-cut-burning-questions-review-hbo-max/4657393001/ |url-status=live}}
*{{cite news |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |author-link=Anthony Breznican |title='Justice League': The Shocking, Exhilarating, Heartbreaking True Story of #TheSnyderCut |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/02/the-true-story-of-justice-league-snyder-cut |access-date=March 20, 2021 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |date=February 22, 2021 |url-access=limited |quote=After their private screening of the Whedon cut |archive-date=February 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222161550/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/02/the-true-story-of-justice-league-snyder-cut/ |url-status=live}}
*{{cite news |last1=Erbland |first1=Kate |title='Justice League': Snyder Cut Delivers a Better Wonder Woman Than Joss Whedon, but She Still Deserves More |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2021/03/justice-league-snyder-cut-wonder-woman-1234624131/ |access-date=March 20, 2021 |work=[[IndieWire]] |date=March 19, 2021 |language=en |quote=Her answer was blunt, and wholly understandable when one compares the so-called “Whedon Cut” with the recently resurrected "Snyder Cut." |archive-date=March 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320030103/https://www.indiewire.com/2021/03/justice-league-snyder-cut-wonder-woman-1234624131/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and "Josstice League".<ref name="JossticeLeague">{{cite web |last1=Fritz |first1=Ben |title=Holy Director's Cut, Batman! 'Justice League' Fans Demand a New Version of a Superhero Flop |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/holy-directors-cut-batman-devoted-fans-demand-a-new-version-of-a-superhero-flop-1532011378 |access-date=March 20, 2021 |website=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=July 19, 2018 |url-access=subscription |quote=Instead, these believers in truth, justice and the Snyder way got what they derisively refer to as “Josstice League". |archive-date=February 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205180110/https://www.wsj.com/articles/holy-directors-cut-batman-devoted-fans-demand-a-new-version-of-a-superhero-flop-1532011378 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoffman |first1=Jordan |title=Just How Bad Is Joss Whedon's 'Justice League,' Anyway? |url=https://decider.com/2021/03/09/how-bad-is-justice-league-anyway/ |access-date=March 20, 2021 |work=Decider |date=March 9, 2021 |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318093626/https://decider.com/2021/03/09/how-bad-is-justice-league-anyway/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2020s===

====''The Nevers''====
On July 13, 2018, [[HBO]] announced that the network had obtained the rights to ''[[The Nevers]]'', an "epic science fiction drama about a gang of Victorian women who find themselves with unusual abilities, relentless enemies, and a mission that might change the world", on which Whedon was going to serve as writer, director, executive producer, and showrunner.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holloway |first1=Daniel |title=HBO Lands Joss Whedon Sci-Fi Series 'The Nevers' |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/hbo-joss-whedon-the-nevers-1202872854/ |access-date=July 14, 2018 |work=Variety |date=July 13, 2018 |archive-date=July 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713194057/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/hbo-joss-whedon-the-nevers-1202872854/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Production on the series started in July 2019 in London, with scenes filmed at [[Trinity Church Square]] and the [[New Wimbledon Theatre]] area.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/the-nevers-lovecraft-country-filming-production-jordan-peele-joss-whedon-hbo/ |title=Jordan Peele's 'Lovecraft Country,' Joss Whedon's 'The Nevers' to Begin Filming This Summer |website=The Wrap |first1=Jennifer |last1=Maas |first2=Tony |last2=Maglio |date=April 15, 2019 |access-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-date=August 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814152606/https://www.thewrap.com/the-nevers-lovecraft-country-filming-production-jordan-peele-joss-whedon-hbo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2020, production was completed on five episodes before being shut down due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], only resuming in September of that year to complete six of the season's ten-episode order.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/james-norton-mr-jones-the-nevers-interview/ |title=James Norton on the Timeliness of 'Mr. Jones' and Working with Joss Whedon on HBO's 'The Nevers' |website=Collider |first=Christina |last=Radish |date=June 22, 2020 |access-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006002904/https://collider.com/james-norton-mr-jones-the-nevers-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/the-nevers-joss-whedon-nick-frost/ |title='The Nevers': Joss Whedon's New Show is "Complicated and Fresh," According to Star Nick Frost |website=[[/Film]] |first=Hoai-Tran |last=Bui |date=October 22, 2020 |access-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127172453/https://www.slashfilm.com/the-nevers-joss-whedon-nick-frost/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 25, 2020, HBO announced that Whedon had exited the project.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Throne |first1=Will |title=Joss Whedon Exits HBO Series 'The Nevers' |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/joss-whedon-hbo-series-the-nevers-exit-1234840465/ |access-date=January 8, 2021 |work=Variety |date=November 25, 2020 |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116141256/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/joss-whedon-hbo-series-the-nevers-exit-1234840465/ |url-status=live }}</ref>