[Shaun]

A sequel to Avengers Assemble has been confirmed by Disney.

A follow-up to the Marvel superhero mash-up has been widely expected following its monster success at the box office, breaking the $200 million mark in the US, and maintaining the top spot in the UK for a second week.

But now it has been officially announced. Disney CEO Bob Iger said: "[The success of the film] is a great illustration of why we like Marvel so much," adding that demand for Avengers merchandise has been strong, according to Deadline.

Stan Lee, who created many of the characters, recently revealed his hopes for a second movie, saying: "Oh, I'd be happy if they add Black Panther and maybe Dr Strange. Those two and probably Ant-Man, which I think they are working on. Maybe I'll play a little role in that."

Ant-Man, who in the comics was a founder member of the superhero squad, is widely expected to get his own solo movie at the hands of Shaun Of The Dead director and Spaced creator Edgar Wright. The Avengers Assemble sequel will likely come after Iron Man 3, Thor 2 and possibly Captain America 2. Scarlett Johansson has also expressed a desire to make a solo movie as her character Black Widow, in the vein of the Bourne movies.

Inevitable, but I can't help but be excited if it's anywhere near as good as the first.