SAN DIEGO – Asked about his rumored role as director of Marvel Comics movie The Avengers, Joss Whedon confirmed Thursday that he'd landed the gig.

"That is not an official thing," he said during his Hall H panel with J.J. Abrams at Comic-Con International here. "Because, I think, Marvel couldn't afford like a press release, so can I just make that an official thing? I'm directing The Avengers."

The crowd roared its approval.

"Hey, it's just a gig, you know?" he joked.