"The Avengers" sequel gets a release date

(CBS News) "The Avengers 2" is happening. The sequel to Joss Whedon's superhero film will hit theaters on May 1, 2015, Disney and Marvel Studios confirmed Thursday.

Whedon will be back to write and direct the follow-up to the third highest-grossing film of all time - behind "Avatar" and "The Titanic." It's currently untitled.

Pictures: "The Avengers" premieres

"The Avengers," released on May 4, 2012, featured Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo.

Downey, who is currently shooting "Iron Man 3," suffered an ankle injury this week, forcing the studio to temporarily halt production. The film is expected to hit theaters May 3, 2013.