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{{short description|American director, screenwriter, and producer (born 1964)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{For|the film character named Josh Wheaton|God's Not Dead (film series)}}
{{Infobox person
| image              = Joss Whedon by Gage Skidmore 8.jpg
| caption            = Whedon at the 2018 [[San Diego Comic-Con]]
| birth_name         = Joseph Hill Whedon
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1964|6|23}}
| birth_place        = [[New York City]], U.S.
| alma_mater         = [[Wesleyan University]]
| occupation         = {{hlist|Director|producer|screenwriter|composer|comic book writer|film editor}}
| years_active       = 1989–present
| works              = [[Joss Whedon filmography|Filmography]]
| style              = {{flatlist|
* [[Science fiction]]
* [[Action fiction|action]]
* [[comedy drama]]
* [[superhero fiction]]
* [[horror fiction]]
* [[philosophical fiction]]
}}
| title              = {{indented plainlist|
* Founder of [[Mutant Enemy Productions]]
* Co-founder of [[Bellwether Pictures]]
}}
| spouse             = {{ubl
|{{marriage|Kai Cole|1995|2016|reason=divorced}}
|{{marriage| [[Heather Horton]]|2021}}
}}
| children           = 2
| father             = [[Tom Whedon]]
| relatives          = {{plainlist|
* [[John Whedon]] (grandfather)
* [[Jed Whedon]] (half-brother)
* [[Zack Whedon]] (half-brother)
}}
| module             = {{Listen |embed= yes |filename= Joss Whedon BBC Radio4 Front Row 26 Dec 2013 b03h71bw.flac|title=Joss Whedon's voice|type=speech|description= from the BBC programme ''[[Front Row (radio programme)|Front Row]]'', December 26, 2013.<ref>{{Cite episode|title=Joss Whedon|series=Front Row|series-link=Front Row (radio programme)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03m7zmq|station=[[BBC Radio 4]]|date=December 26, 2013|access-date=January 18, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101004200/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03m7zmq|archive-date=January 1, 2014}}</ref>}}
}}

'''Joseph Hill "Joss" Whedon''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|w|iː|d|ən}} {{respell|WEE|dən}}; born June 23, 1964) is an<!--AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS DO NOT BELONG HERE--> American screenwriter, director, producer, comic book writer, and composer. He is best known as the creator of several television series: the supernatural drama ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'' (1997–2003) and its spinoff ''[[Angel (1999 TV series)|Angel]]'' (1999–2004), the short-lived [[space Western]] ''[[Firefly (TV series)|Firefly]]'' (2002), the Internet musical miniseries ''[[Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog]]'' (2008), the science fiction drama ''[[Dollhouse (TV series)|Dollhouse]]'' (2009–2010), the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] film ''[[The Avengers (2012 film)|The Avengers]]'' (2012) and series ''[[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.]]'' (2013–2020), and the science fiction drama ''[[The Nevers]]'' (2021).

After beginning his career in [[sitcom]]s, Whedon wrote the poorly received horror comedy film ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer (film)|Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'' (1992) – which he later adapted into the acclaimed television series of the same name – co-wrote the [[Pixar]] animated film ''[[Toy Story]]'' (1995), and wrote the science fiction horror film ''[[Alien Resurrection]]'' (1997). After achieving success as a television showrunner, Whedon returned to film to write and direct the ''[[Firefly (TV series)|Firefly]]'' film continuation ''[[Serenity (2005 film)|Serenity]]'' (2005), to co-write and produce the horror comedy film ''[[The Cabin in the Woods]]'' (2012), and to write and direct the [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]] adaptation ''[[Much Ado About Nothing (2012 film)|Much Ado About Nothing]]'' (2012). For the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]], Whedon wrote and directed the ensemble superhero film ''[[The Avengers (2012 film)|The Avengers]]'' (2012) and its sequel ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]'' (2015). He also co-wrote the [[DC Extended Universe]] superhero film ''[[Justice League (film)|Justice League]]'' (2017), for which he also served as director for re-shoots, replacing [[Zack Snyder]] (who retained directorial credit).

Whedon has also worked as a composer (notably for the ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' musical episode "[[Once More, with Feeling (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)|Once More, with Feeling]]" and ''Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog'') and comic book writer, both for comic book continuations of television series he created and for established franchises, such as ''[[Astonishing X-Men]]''.

Beginning in July 2020, multiple actors, producers, and writers have spoken out against Whedon about the [[toxic workplace environment]]s he had allegedly created in many of his projects. Whedon has denied any wrongdoing, while acknowledging that he can be "confrontational".<ref>{{Cite web|first=Jason |last=Guerrasio |date=April 10, 2021 |title='Justice League' writer Joss Whedon is facing a slew of allegations from A-list actors. Here's a timeline of the controversy. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/joss-whedon-controversy-scandals-timeline-explained |access-date=April 12, 2024 |website=Business Insider |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412005902/https://www.businessinsider.com/joss-whedon-controversy-scandals-timeline-explained |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Lila |last=Shapiro |date=January 17, 2022 |title=The Undoing of Joss Whedon The Buffy creator, once an icon of Hollywood feminism, is now an outcast accused of misogyny. How did he get here? |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/joss-whedon-allegations.html |access-date=April 12, 2024 |website=Vulture |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412004306/https://www.vulture.com/article/joss-whedon-allegations.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Early life==
Born on June 23, 1964, in New York City and raised on the [[Upper West Side]] as Joseph{{ref|1|1}} Hill Whedon,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=John |title=Shakespeare gets black and white Californian treatment |url=https://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/cinema/84339/shakespeare-gets-black-and-white-californian-treatment.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |newspaper=[[Henley Standard]] |date=July 15, 2013 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=biography.com>{{cite web|url=http://www.biography.com/people/joss-whedon-17181746|title=Joss Whedon Biography: Screenwriter (1964–)|publisher=[[Biography.com]] ([[FYI (TV network)|FYI]] / [[A&E Networks]])|access-date=March 30, 2017|archive-date=May 9, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150509110239/http://www.biography.com/people/joss-whedon-17181746|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="born as jhw">{{cite web|url=http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/004080455.cfm|title=Joss Whedon: A to Z|first=Paul|last=Florez|date=April 2, 2007|publisher=Wizard Entertainment|access-date=May 14, 2015|archive-date=May 9, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509045317/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/004080455.cfm|url-status=dead}}</ref> he would later become a third-generation TV writer<ref name="3gTV">{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/interviews/joss-whedon/|publisher=[[PBS]]|title=Writer-director Joss Whedon|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=June 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609133340/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/interviews/joss-whedon/|url-status=dead}}</ref> as a son of [[Tom Whedon]], a screenwriter for ''[[Alice (American TV series)|Alice]]'' in the 1970s and ''[[The Golden Girls]]'' in the 1980s, and a grandson of [[John Whedon]], who worked on ''[[The Donna Reed Show]]'' in the 1950s and ''[[The Dick Van Dyke Show]]'' and ''[[That Girl]]'' in the 1960s, as well as writing for radio shows such as ''[[The Great Gildersleeve]]''.<ref name="NYT-2002">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/22/magazine/must-see-metaphysics.html|date=September 22, 2002|author=Nussbaum, Emily|title=Must-See Metaphysics|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=April 16, 2012|archive-date=January 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101054228/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/22/magazine/must-see-metaphysics.html?|url-status=live}}</ref> His mother, Ann Lee (née Jeffries) Stearns, originally from [[Kentucky]], was an activist and a teacher at [[Riverdale Country School]] as Lee Whedon,<ref>''Riverdalian'', (Riverdale Country School, the Bronx, yearbook), 1971, p. 17; and 1972, p. 22</ref><ref name="bookrf1">{{cite book |title=Joss Whedon: The Biography|last=Pascale|first=Amy|date=2014|publisher=Chicago Review Press|pages=9–13|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jhECBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA9|isbn=978-1-61374-104-7|access-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> in addition to being an aspiring novelist.<ref name="NYT-2002" /> [[Jessica Neuwirth]], a former student of Stearns, has often cited her as her inspiration, describing her as a "visionary feminist".<ref name="Vulture2021">{{cite web |last1=Shapiro |first1=Lila |title=The Undoing of Joss Whedon The Buffy creator, once an icon of Hollywood feminism, is now an outcast accused of misogyny. How did he get here? |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/joss-whedon-allegations.html |website=Vulture |date=January 17, 2022 |publisher=Vox Media Network |access-date=January 17, 2022 |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412004306/https://www.vulture.com/article/joss-whedon-allegations.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His parents both acted, appearing in a play together at the [[Harvard Radcliffe Dramatic Club]].<ref name="bookrf1" /> The family would spend vacations reciting Shakespeare.<ref name="Vulture2021" />

Whedon is the younger sibling of Samuel and Matthew Whedon and the older sibling of writers [[Jed Whedon|Jed]] and [[Zack Whedon]].<ref>Rochell D. Thomas. "Is ''Dollhouse'' a family affair?" ''[[TV Guide]]'' March 16, 2009; p. 19</ref> Whedon stated that his parents expected constant creativity from their children and were often verbally [[demeaning]] and gave them the [[silent treatment]] if he and his brothers were not amusing or  entertaining, or if they simply disagreed with them. He stated, however, that he was more afraid of his older brothers who constantly bullied him. At the age of 5, a friend (age 4) [[drowning|died by drowning]] in a pond on the Whedons' [[Upstate New York|upstate]] property. His parents divorced when he was 9. Whedon cited his [[childhood trauma]] as having a direct influence in his relationships, addictions and behaviors into adulthood and has stated that he suffers from [[Complex post-traumatic stress disorder|complex post traumatic stress disorder]].<ref name="Vulture2021" />

At a young age, he showed great interest in British television series shows like ''[[Masterpiece (TV series)|Masterpiece]]'' and comedy group ''[[Monty Python]]''.<ref name="british television">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/jun/02/joss-whedon-reading-comics-pay-off|title=Joss Whedon: 'I kept telling my mum reading comics would pay off'|first=Emma|last=John|date=June 2, 2013|work=[[The Guardian]]|location =UK|access-date=May 4, 2015|archive-date=December 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223120511/http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/jun/02/joss-whedon-reading-comics-pay-off|url-status=live}}</ref> 
Whedon attended Riverdale Country School in New York City where his mother taught history.<ref name="ROOKIE">{{cite web|url=http://rookiemag.com/2011/09/higher-learning/|title=Rookie – Higher Learning|date=September 5, 2011|publisher=rookiemag.com|access-date=July 14, 2014|archive-date=September 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927184746/http://rookiemag.com/2011/09/higher-learning/|url-status=live}}</ref> Starting at age 15, he spent three years at [[Winchester College]],<ref name="three years">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/joss-whedon--and-they-call-it-buffy-love-1687099.html|title=Joss Whedon – And they call it Buffy love|date=May 19, 2009|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=April 27, 2015|archive-date=August 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826213037/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/joss-whedon--and-they-call-it-buffy-love-1687099.html|url-status=live|location=London}}</ref> a boarding school in [[England]]. There, taking note of omnipresent bullying, he concluded, "it was clear to me from the start that I must take an active role in my survival".<ref name="ROOKIE" /> Whedon graduated from [[Wesleyan University]] in 1987, where he was awarded an honorary [[Doctor of Letters]] in 2013.<ref name="decades later">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/29/joss-whedon-commencement_n_3349743.html|title=Joss Whedon Wesleyan Commencement Address: 'You Are All Going To Die' (Video)|date=May 29, 2013|work=HuffPost|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=May 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530122208/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/29/joss-whedon-commencement_n_3349743.html|url-status=live}}</ref> There, he also studied under renowned academic [[Richard Slotkin]].<ref name="slotkin">{{cite magazine|url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/63120/qa-joss-whedon-super-heroes-killing-characters-and-existing-outside-pop-culture|title=Q&A: Joss Whedon on Super Heroes, Killing Characters, and Existing Outside the Pop Culture Mainstream|first=Dana|last=Schwartz|date=April 15, 2015|magazine=Mental Floss|access-date=April 15, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417001411/http://mentalfloss.com/article/63120/qa-joss-whedon-super-heroes-killing-characters-and-existing-outside-pop-culture|archive-date=April 17, 2015}}</ref> It was at Wesleyan he would meet [[Jeanine Basinger]], a [[film scholar]] who became his mentor.<ref name="Vulture2021" /> After leaving Wesleyan, Whedon conceived the first incarnation of [[Buffy Summers]], "Rhonda, the Immortal Waitress".<ref name="The Courant">{{cite web|url=https://www.courant.com/2009/06/02/writer-joss-whedon-speaks-at-wesleyan/|title=Writer Joss Whedon Speaks at Wesleyan|first=Susan|last=Dunne|date=June 2, 2009|publisher=courant.com|access-date=July 14, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714153633/http://articles.courant.com/2009-06-02/news/nujavawhedon.art_1_joss-whedon-buffy-tv-character|url-status=live}}</ref>

==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, though these rumors were shut down by those involved in ''Serenity'' in 2025.<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><ref>{{Cite web |last=Patton |first=Joshua M. |date=2025-08-28 |title=The Real Reason We Aren't Getting a Serenity Reboot Has Been Hiding in Plain Sight |url=https://www.cbr.com/serenity-reboot-not-happening-explained/ |access-date=2025-08-31 |website=CBR |language=en}}</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/|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=dead}}</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>

==Accusations of workplace harassment==
In July 2020, ''Justice League'' actor [[Ray Fisher (actor)|Ray Fisher]] accused Whedon of showing "gross, abusive, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable" behavior toward the cast and crew of the film,<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Adam B.|last=Vary|date=July 1, 2020|title=Ray Fisher Accuses Joss Whedon of 'Abusive, Unprofessional' Behavior on 'Justice League' Set|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/ray-fisher-joss-whedon-justice-league-1234695831/|access-date=July 26, 2020|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|archive-date=March 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326234251/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/ray-fisher-joss-whedon-justice-league-1234695831/|url-status=live}}</ref> going so far as to invite Whedon to sue him for [[slander]] if he believed the allegations were untrue.<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam B.|last=Vary|date=July 25, 2020|title=Ray Fisher to Joss Whedon: 'Sue Me for Slander' if 'Justice League' Abuse Allegations Are Untrue|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/ray-fisher-joss-whedon-justice-league-process-1234716620/|access-date=July 26, 2020|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|archive-date=July 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725232926/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/ray-fisher-joss-whedon-justice-league-process-1234716620/|url-status=live}}</ref> A virtual panel for the 2020 at-home [[San Diego Comic-Con]] focusing on Whedon's work was cancelled following Fisher's statements.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jennifer|last=Maas|date=July 24, 2020|title=Joss Whedon's Solo Comic-Con@Home Panel Quietly Removed From Schedule|url=https://www.thewrap.com/joss-whedon-comic-con-at-home-panel-quietly-pulled-schedule/|access-date=July 26, 2020|website=[[The Wrap]]}}</ref> The following month, it was reported that [[WarnerMedia]] had begun an investigation into Whedon's behavior during the production of ''Justice League''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|date=August 20, 2020|title=WarnerMedia Investigating 'Justice League' Production Following Ray Fisher's Comments|url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/warnermedia-investigating-justice-league-production-following-ray-fishers-comments-1203019064/|access-date=August 20, 2020|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821055048/https://deadline.com/2020/08/warnermedia-investigating-justice-league-production-following-ray-fishers-comments-1203019064/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jason Momoa]] posted in support of Fisher, writing about "the shitty way [they] were treated" on ''Justice League'' reshoots and saying that "serious stuff went down".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sidhum |first1=Tonja Renée |title=Ray Fisher and Jason Momoa Claim Warner Bros. Is Using 'PR Tactics' to Distract From Work Abuse Investigation |url=https://thegrapevine.theroot.com/ray-fisher-and-jason-momoa-claim-warner-bros-is-using-1845077120 |website=[[The Root (magazine)|The Root]] |access-date=February 11, 2021 |date=September 16, 2020 |archive-date=February 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216211120/https://thegrapevine.theroot.com/ray-fisher-and-jason-momoa-claim-warner-bros-is-using-1845077120 |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2020, WarnerMedia announced that its investigation had concluded and that "remedial action" had been taken.<ref>{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Stedman|date=December 11, 2020|title='Justice League': WarnerMedia Says It's Concluded Investigation, 'Remedial Action' Taken|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/justice-league-investigation-warnermedia-ray-fisher-joss-whedon-1234852206/|access-date=February 10, 2021|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210215136/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/justice-league-investigation-warnermedia-ray-fisher-joss-whedon-1234852206/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Fisher also claimed that Whedon's exit from the [[HBO Max]] series ''[[The Nevers]]'' was a result of HBO parent company WarnerMedia's inquiry. He said on Twitter that "I have no intention of allowing Joss Whedon to use the old Hollywood tactic of 'exiting{{'"}} and claimed, "This is undoubtedly a result of [the investigation]."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kemp |first1=Ella |title=Joss Whedon leaves HBO series 'The Nevers' following investigation, Ray Fisher claims |url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/film/joss-whedon-leaves-hbo-series-the-nevers-following-investigation-ray-fisher-claims-2827441 |website=NME |access-date=February 11, 2021 |date=November 27, 2020 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126192535/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/film/joss-whedon-leaves-hbo-series-the-nevers-following-investigation-ray-fisher-claims-2827441 |url-status=live }}</ref> HBO had announced on November 25, 2020, that the company had "parted ways" with Whedon, and Whedon released his own statement, claiming the departure was due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Chris Murphy|date=November 25, 2020|title=Joss Whedon Bows Out of Forthcoming HBO Series The Nevers|url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/11/joss-whedon-exits-hbo-series-the-nevers-amid-allegations.html|access-date=February 10, 2021|archive-date=February 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203154957/https://www.vulture.com/2020/11/joss-whedon-exits-hbo-series-the-nevers-amid-allegations.html|url-status=live}}</ref> HBO chief Casey Bloys declined to elaborate on the decision to part ways,<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Hibberd |first1=James |title=HBO boss breaks silence on Game of Thrones plans, Joss Whedon controversy, more |url=https://ew.com/tv/hbo-max-boss-breaks-silence-game-thrones-joss-whedon-controversy/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=February 11, 2021 |date=February 10, 2021 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308122105/https://ew.com/tv/hbo-max-boss-breaks-silence-game-thrones-joss-whedon-controversy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but said HBO had received no complaints about Whedon's behavior.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maas |first1=Jennifer |title=HBO Received 'No Complaints' About Joss Whedon Before He Exited 'The Nevers', Casey Bloys Says |url=https://www.thewrap.com/joss-whedon-the-nevers-hbo-no-complaints-exit/ |website=The Wrap |access-date=February 11, 2021 |date=February 10, 2021 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413043523/https://www.thewrap.com/joss-whedon-the-nevers-hbo-no-complaints-exit/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nonetheless, in what Bloys acknowledged was an unusual step, Whedon's name has not been used in marketing for the series,<ref name="cbr.com">{{cite web|last1=Schaefer|first1=Sandy|date=February 11, 2021|title=Joss Whedon Scrubbed From The Nevers Marketing as Buffy Cast Speaks Out|url=https://www.cbr.com/hbo-joss-whedon-scrubbed-from-the-nevers/|access-date=February 11, 2021|website=CBR|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211235004/https://www.cbr.com/hbo-joss-whedon-scrubbed-from-the-nevers/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="hollywoodreporter.com">{{cite web|last1=Goldberg|first1=Leslie|date=February 10, 2021|title=HBO and HBO Max Chief Details 'Game of Thrones' Expansion Plans|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/hbo-and-hbo-max-chief-details-game-of-thrones-expansion-plans|access-date=February 11, 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211152133/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/hbo-and-hbo-max-chief-details-game-of-thrones-expansion-plans|url-status=live}}</ref> though he remained credited in the series itself.

[[Gal Gadot]] told the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' in December 2020 that her experience with Whedon had not been "the best" but that she had taken it "to the higher-ups and they took care of it".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kelley |first1=Sonaiya |title=Gal Gadot knows this year was rough. She hopes 'Wonder Woman 1984' will end it on a high |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-12-17/gal-gadot-wonder-woman-1984 |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=February 11, 2021 |date=December 17, 2020 |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213035938/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-12-17/gal-gadot-wonder-woman-1984 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Grace Randolph]] later reported that Whedon had asked Gadot to film a sexually charged scene in ''Justice League'', but that Gadot had refused and a body double was used in her place.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Daniel |first1=Katherine |title=Did Gal Gadot Refuse to Shoot a Sexulized Scene in 'Justice League'? |url=https://hers-magazine.com/did-gal-gadot-refuse-to-shoot-a-sexulized-scene-in-justice-league/ |website=Hers Magazine |access-date=February 11, 2021 |date=July 11, 2020 |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114153042/https://hers-magazine.com/did-gal-gadot-refuse-to-shoot-a-sexulized-scene-in-justice-league/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Gal Gadot refused to film a sexualised scene in 'Justice League'; director Joss Whedon insisted and used a body double instead | website=WION | date=July 9, 2020 | url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/gal-gadot-refused-to-film-a-sexualised-scene-in-justice-league-director-joss-whedon-insisted-and-used-a-body-double-instead-311826 | access-date=February 12, 2021 | archive-date=April 8, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408211849/https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/gal-gadot-refused-to-film-a-sexualised-scene-in-justice-league-director-joss-whedon-insisted-and-used-a-body-double-instead-311826 | url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 2021, ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'' and ''[[Angel (1999 TV series)|Angel]]'' actress [[Charisma Carpenter]] alleged that Whedon had "abused his power on numerous occasions", calling him a "vampire" and "casually cruel". In a tweeted statement, Carpenter said that Whedon had called her "fat" and asked her "if [she] was going to keep it" upon learning of her pregnancy, mocked her religious faith, and repeatedly threatened to fire her, which he ultimately did. Carpenter also revealed that she had participated in WarnerMedia's ''Justice League'' investigation.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Adam B.|last=Vary|date=February 10, 2021|title=Charisma Carpenter Alleges Joss Whedon 'Abused His Power' on 'Buffy' and 'Angel': 'Joss Was the Vampire'|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/charisma-carpenter-joss-whedon-abuse-of-power-allegations-1234904995/|access-date=February 10, 2021|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

''Buffy'' co-stars [[Amber Benson]] and [[Michelle Trachtenberg]] corroborated Carpenter's allegations. On social media, Benson wrote: "''Buffy'' was a toxic environment and it starts at the top. [Carpenter] is speaking truth". Trachtenberg wrote that "we know what he did" and alleged that his behavior toward her when she was a teenager was, "Very. Not. Appropriate." Trachtenberg later stated on social media that there was a rule on set preventing Whedon from being in a room alone with her.<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 12, 2021|title=Joss Whedon Was Forbidden from Being Alone with Michelle Trachtenberg on the Buffy Set|url=https://www.cbr.com/joss-whedon-buffy-forbidden-alone-with-michelle-trachtenberg/|access-date=February 12, 2021|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|language=en-US|archive-date=February 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212020617/https://www.cbr.com/joss-whedon-buffy-forbidden-alone-with-michelle-trachtenberg/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Buffy'' star [[Sarah Michelle Gellar]] also lent her support and distanced herself from Whedon.<ref>{{cite web|first=Dominic|last=Patten|date=February 10, 2021|title='Buffy' Star Sarah Michelle Gellar Pushes Away From Joss Whedon, Stands 'With All Survivors Of Abuse'; Follows Co-Star Charisma Carpenter's Claims Series Creator Was Abusive|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/sarah-michelle-gellar-abuse-claims-response-charisma-carpenter-joss-whedon-buffy-1234691481/|access-date=February 10, 2021|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Mira|last=Jacobs|date=February 10, 2021|title=Buffy's Michelle Trachtenberg Also Alleges Joss Whedon's Inappropriate Behavior|url=https://www.cbr.com/michelle-trachtenberg-buffy-joss-whedon-accusation/|access-date=February 10, 2021|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210215716/https://www.cbr.com/michelle-trachtenberg-buffy-joss-whedon-accusation/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jose Molina (writer)|Jose Molina]], a writer on ''[[Firefly (TV series)|Firefly]]'', also spoke out against Whedon's behavior saying that "casually cruel" was a "perfect" description and that "He thought being mean was funny. Making female writers cry during a notes session was especially hysterical. He actually liked to boast about the time he made one writer cry twice in one meeting."<ref>{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Haring|date=February 12, 2021|title=More Voices Speak Out Against 'Buffy' Producer Joss Whedon's Conduct|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/more-speak-out-against-buffy-producer-joss-whedon-1234693460/|access-date=February 13, 2021|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213042052/https://deadline.com/2021/02/more-speak-out-against-buffy-producer-joss-whedon-1234693460/|url-status=live}}</ref> Other ''Buffy'' and ''Angel'' costars voiced their support for the alleged victims including [[David Boreanaz]], [[James Marsters]], [[Anthony Stewart Head]], [[Eliza Dushku]], [[J. August Richards]], and [[Amy Acker]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv/buffy-angel-stars-support-charisma-carpenter-claims-against-joss-whedon/ |title=Buffy and Angel stars speak out in support of Charisma Carpenter's claims against Joss Whedon |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |last=Klnane |first=Ruth |date=February 15, 2021 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053953/https://ew.com/tv/buffy-angel-stars-support-charisma-carpenter-claims-against-joss-whedon/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/AmyAcker/status/1361367185415802880 |title=I will always be proud of the work we all did on Angel |number=1361367185415802880 |user=AmyAcker |date=February 15, 2021 |access-date=July 29, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/jaugustrichards/status/1360052253546090497 |title=Sending you my love, @allcharisma. |number=1360052253546090497 |user=jaugustrichards |date=February 11, 2021 |access-date=July 29, 2021}}</ref> Marsters said, however, that he thought that Whedon's intensity toward the ''Buffy'' cast was because "he put an enormous amount of pressure on himself ... trying to accomplish something that was a very high bar".<ref name="insideofyou20210922">{{Cite podcast |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hynZ2j9M9IE |title=Was JAMES MARSTERS Aware of the JOSS WHEDON Toxic Workplace on BUFFY?!? |website=Inside of You |publisher=YouTube |last=Rosenbaum |first=Michael |date=September 22, 2021 |access-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428185803/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hynZ2j9M9IE |url-status=live }}</ref>

In April 2021, in light of Fisher's accusations, Gadot told ''The Hollywood Reporter'' that "I had my issues with Whedon and Warner Bros handled it in a timely manner."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Justice League Star Gal Gadot Breaks Silence on Issues With Joss Whedon|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/justice-league-gal-gadot-joss-whedon-statement-ray-fisher/|access-date=April 8, 2021|website=DC|date=April 8, 2021|language=en|archive-date=April 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408162729/https://comicbook.com/dc/news/justice-league-gal-gadot-joss-whedon-statement-ray-fisher/|url-status=live}}</ref> A knowledgeable source stated that Gadot "had multiple concerns with the revised version of the film, including issues about her character being more aggressive than her character in ''[[Wonder Woman (2017 film)|Wonder Woman]]''. She wanted to make the character flow from one movie to the next,{{'"}} the report said. "The biggest clash, sources say, came when Whedon pushed Gadot to record lines she didn't like, threatened to harm Gadot's career and disparaged ''Wonder Woman'' director [[Patty Jenkins]]."<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 6, 2021|title=Ray Fisher Opens Up About 'Justice League,' Joss Whedon and Warners: 'I Don't Believe Some of These People Are Fit for Leadership'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/ray-fisher-opens-up-about-justice-league-joss-whedon-and-warners-i-dont-believe-some-of-these-people-are-fit-for-leadership|access-date=April 8, 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423102246/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/ray-fisher-opens-up-about-justice-league-joss-whedon-and-warners-i-dont-believe-some-of-these-people-are-fit-for-leadership|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, Gadot added that Whedon "threatened" her career during the reshoots, saying, "if I did something, he would make my career miserable and I just took care of it instead."<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=May 9, 2021|title=Gal Gadot confirms Joss Whedon 'threatened' her career during Justice League reshoot|url=https://ew.com/movies/gal-gadot-confirms-joss-whedon-threatened-career-justice-league/|access-date=May 10, 2021|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|language=en}}</ref> In October of that year, Gadot went on to say that she was "shocked" by the way Whedon spoke to her, adding, "You're dizzy because you can't believe this was just said to you. And if he says it to me, then obviously he says it to many other people."<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 18, 2021|title=Gal Gadot Says She Was 'Shocked' by the Way Joss Whedon Spoke to Her on 'Justice League' Set|url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/gal-gadot-joss-whedon-shocked-1234858052/|access-date=December 20, 2021|website=Deadline Hollywood|language=en|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019034934/https://deadline.com/2021/10/gal-gadot-joss-whedon-shocked-1234858052/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2022, Whedon claimed Gadot "misunderstood" him due to English not being her first language and called Fisher a "bad actor in both senses". He also said he had never worked with "a ruder group of people" than the rest of the ''Justice League'' cast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/article/joss-whedon-allegations.html|url-access=limited|title=The Undoing of Joss Whedon|date=January 17, 2022|first=Lila|last=Shapiro|website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]|access-date=January 18, 2022|archive-date=April 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412004306/https://www.vulture.com/article/joss-whedon-allegations.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Gadot responded to this by stating that she "understood perfectly" and would not work with Whedon again in the future.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/gal-gadot-vows-never-work-joss-whedon/|title=Gal Gadot Vows to Never Work with Joss Whedon Again|date=January 18, 2022|website=MovieWeb|access-date=January 19, 2022|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119030423/https://movieweb.com/gal-gadot-vows-never-work-joss-whedon/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2023, screenwriter [[Zak Penn]] wrote in the book ''MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios'' that during the process of writing the script for ''[[The Avengers (2012 film)|The Avengers]]'' and finding a director for the project, "All the other directors we had been talking about, Joss wasn't on the list. I heard he was going to rewrite the script himself. He didn't even want to meet with me – which, by the way, I always call the writer I'm replacing. I feel like that's courtesy." When Penn reached out to Whedon personally, "He said to me, 'No, it's not awkward for me. I'm rewriting you.' It became pretty apparent that he had less than zero interest in, in any way, having me involved with the movie." Penn also called Whedon, "a d*ck" {{sic}} as well as "a bad person."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/zak-whedon-on-joss-whedon-the-avengers/|title=Joss Whedon Put on Blast by Original Writer for The Avengers: 'He's a Bad Person'|date=October 23, 2023|website=CBR|access-date=October 26, 2023|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119030448/https://www.cbr.com/zak-whedon-on-joss-whedon-the-avengers/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Unrealized projects==
{{main|Joss Whedon's unrealized projects}}

Early in his career, Whedon sold two [[spec script]]s that were not produced, ''Suspension'' and ''Afterlife''. He sold ''Suspension'' for $750,000, with an additional $250,000 if production had commenced.<ref name="suspension afterlife">{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/1993/film/news/suspension-toll-1-mil-from-largo-108182/|title='Suspension' toll: $ 1 mil from Largo|first=John|last=Brodie|date=June 25, 1993|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=December 15, 2009|archive-date=November 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109010548/http://www.variety.com/article/VR108182?refCatId=13|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2014, ''[[Empire (film magazine)|Empire]]'' suggested the script was being made, with [[Liam Neeson]] attached to the project.<ref name="EMPIRE; suspension">{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=42213|title=Liam Neeson Is Up For Suspension|first=Chris|last=Hewit|date=September 19, 2014|work=Empire (film magazine)|access-date=September 19, 2014|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129083417/http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=42213|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1994, he sold ''Afterlife'' for $1.5&nbsp;million, with an additional $500,000 if production had commenced. In 2000, [[Andy Tennant]] was in talks to direct and rewrite.<ref name="afterlife sold">{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/helmer-tennant-believes-in-an-afterlife-with-sony-1117779442/|title=Helmer Tennant believes in an 'Afterlife' with Sony|first1=Claude|last1=Brodesser|first2=Paul F.|last2=Duke|date=March 14, 2000|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=December 15, 2009|archive-date=November 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109010613/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117779442?refCatId=13|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''Afterlife'' there were precursors to themes Whedon would later explore in ''Dollhouse''. The script was about Daniel Hoffstetter, a government scientist, who awakes after dying to discover his mind has been imprinted on a mind-wiped body.<ref name="afterlife script">{{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=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006103304/http://io9.com/5374621/the-mind-transplant-script-whedon-wrote-before-dollhouse|url-status=live}}</ref>

Whedon had a number of planned [[Undeveloped Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoffs|''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' spinoffs]] that became stuck in development or terminally stalled. Among these were ''[[Buffy the Animated Series]]'', a set of television movies for The WB based on ''Angel'' and ''Buffy'' characters,<ref name="buffy the animated series">{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1889839|title=Dialogue with 'Buffy' creator Joss Whedon|first=Steve|last=Hockensmith|date=May 16, 2003|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=April 21, 2015|archive-date=September 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930204043/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1889839|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="television movies">{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/movies/411mania-interviews-james-marsters-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-angel/|title=411mania Interviews: James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel)|first=Al|last=Norton|date=March 10, 2012|publisher=411MANIA|access-date=April 21, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518072159/http://411mania.com/movies/411mania-interviews-james-marsters-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-angel/|archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref> a [[Spike (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)|Spike]] spin-off film,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/000495675.cfm?page=2 |title=''Wizard Universe'' – Whedon says that "money is standing in the way" of the project |date=August 5, 2006 |access-date=March 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060805103806/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/000495675.cfm?page=2 |archive-date=August 5, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syfyportal.com/news.php?id=2584 |title=''Syfyportal.com '' – Amy Acker confirms that the project will not be going ahead. |author=Leigh Christian Ashton |access-date=October 27, 2014 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614164001/http://www.syfyportal.com/news.php?id=2584 |archive-date=June 14, 2006}}</ref> and ''Ripper'', a proposed BBC pilot about [[Rupert Giles]].<ref name="ripper">{{cite web|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/808/808993p1.html |title=IGN: SDCC 07: Whedon Says Buffy Spinoff Ripper Still Planned |website=IGN |date=July 28, 2007 |access-date=October 20, 2008|archive-date=April 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415020306/http://tv.ign.com/articles/808/808993p1.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

''Goners'' was announced in 2005. According to ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' magazine, it was a fantasy thriller under development by [[Universal Pictures]], and was to be produced by [[Mary Parent]] and [[Scott Stuber]].<ref name="Fleming">{{cite news | author=Michael Fleming | url=https://variety.com/2005/film/features/whedon-s-a-goner-for-u-1117929558/ | title=Whedon's a goner for U | work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=September 23, 2005 | access-date=February 6, 2007| archive-date=December 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091209092409/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117929558.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1&s=h&p=0 |url-status=live}}</ref> From a 2006 interview with ''Fanboy Radio'': "I've been seeing a lot of horror movies that are [[Splatter film|torture porn]], where kids we don't care about are mutilated for hours, and I just cannot abide them... it's an antidote to that very kind of film, the horror movie with the expendable human beings in it. Because I don't believe any human beings are".<ref name="Fanboy">{{cite news | url=http://fanboyradio.libsyn.com/fanboy_radio_352_joss_whedon_live | title=Fanboy Radio #352 – Joss Whedon LIVE | publisher=Fanboy Radio | date=November 26, 2006 | access-date=July 13, 2014 | archive-date=July 14, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714194833/http://fanboyradio.libsyn.com/fanboy_radio_352_joss_whedon_live | url-status=dead}}</ref>

Whedon was hired to write and direct a [[Warner Bros.]] adaptation of ''[[Wonder Woman]]''. However, in February 2007, Whedon announced that he would no longer be involved with the project. "We just saw different movies, and at the price range this kind of movie hangs in, that's never gonna work. Non-sympatico. [sic] It happens all the time".<ref name="MTV news; ww">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1551562/joss-whedon-wont-write-direct-wonder-woman-despite-doing-a-lot-of-legwork/|title=Joss Whedon Won't Write, Direct 'Wonder Woman'—Despite Doing 'A Lot of Legwork'|first=Jennifer|last=Vineyard|date=February 2, 2007|publisher=MTV|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=October 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007184245/http://www.mtv.com/news/1551562/joss-whedon-wont-write-direct-wonder-woman-despite-doing-a-lot-of-legwork/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Conversely, he stated, "the fact of the matter is, it was a waste of my time. We never [wanted] to make the same movie; none of us knew that".<ref name="Entertainment WEEKLY; Wonder Woman">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2007/08/02/joss-whedon-life-after-wonder-woman/ |title=Joss Whedon on life after 'Wonder Woman' |first=Nisha |last=Gopalan |date=August 2, 2007 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=November 23, 2014 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006102553/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20399642_20049318%2C00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon also pitched a screenplay to adapt [[Batman]] for the same company as development started on what would eventually become ''[[Batman Begins]]''.<ref name="batman begins">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2592675/joss-whedon-talks-about-his-batman-movie-that-never-was-2/|title=Joss Whedon Talks About His 'Batman' Movie That Never Was|first=Casey|last=Seijas|date=August 11, 2008|publisher=MTV|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010111805/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/08/11/joss-whedon-talks-about-his-batman-movie-that-never-was/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was described as having included a new, "more of a '[[Hannibal Lecter]]' type" villain, and portrayed Bruce Wayne as "a morbid, death-obsessed kid" whose grief was overcome by protecting a girl from being bullied in an alley similar to where his parents were murdered.<ref name="death-obsessed">{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/joss-whedon-rejected-batman-script-2015-4|title=Here's the Batman movie script 'Avengers' director Joss Whedon wrote and Warner Bros. shot down|first=Kirsten|last=Acuna|date=April 29, 2015|website=Business Insider|access-date=May 1, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501183828/http://www.businessinsider.com/joss-whedon-rejected-batman-script-2015-4|archive-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref> In March 2017, Whedon was in negotiations to direct, write, and produce ''Batgirl'' set in the [[DC Extended Universe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/batgirl-movie-joss-whedon-warner-bros-1202018544/|title='Batgirl' Movie: Joss Whedon to Direct Standalone Film|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|first=Dave|last=McNary|date=March 30, 2017|access-date=June 4, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606005352/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/batgirl-movie-joss-whedon-warner-bros-1202018544/|archive-date=June 6, 2017}}</ref> He withdrew from the project in February 2018, saying he didn't have a story for the movie.<ref name="variety-batgirl-exit">{{Cite news |url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/joss-whedon-batgirl-movie-exits-1202708059/ |title=Joss Whedon Exits as 'Batgirl' Movie Director |last=McNary |first=Dave |date=February 22, 2018 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=February 22, 2018 |quote='Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realize I really didn't have a story,' Whedon said in a statement. |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324232825/http://variety.com/2018/film/news/joss-whedon-batgirl-movie-exits-1202708059/ |archive-date=March 24, 2018}}</ref>

The sequel to ''[[Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog]]'' has been shelved on multiple occasions. In 2009, Whedon remarked upon the possibility of presenting it in the form of another miniseries or a feature film.<ref name="in the form of">{{cite web|url=http://www.blastr.com/2009/04/joss_co_reveal_plans_for.php|title=Joss & Co. reveal plans for a Dr. Horrible sequel: Maybe a movie?|work=Blastr |date=April 15, 2009|access-date=April 21, 2015|archive-date=April 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428024242/http://www.blastr.com/2009/04/joss_co_reveal_plans_for.php|url-status=live}}</ref> The script was planned to be written in summer 2012 and the principal photography to take place the following year.<ref name="horrible script">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/03/whedon-new-dr-horrible/|title=Wait Is Almost Over for New Dr. Horrible, Joss Whedon Says|first=Angela|last=Watercutter|date=March 15, 2012|magazine=Wired|access-date=April 21, 2015|archive-date=April 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406205605/http://www.wired.com/2012/03/whedon-new-dr-horrible/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="horrible shoot">{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/725951/joss-whedon-on-dr-horrible-2-and-much-ado-about-nothing-from-comic-con-2012-panel/|title=Joss Whedon on Dr. Horrible 2 And Much Ado About Nothing From Comic-Con 2012 Panel|first=Moye|last=Ishimoto|date=July 14, 2012|publisher=G4TV|access-date=April 21, 2015|archive-date=December 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230071250/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/725951/joss-whedon-on-dr-horrible-2-and-much-ado-about-nothing-from-comic-con-2012-panel/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, production was delayed because of his commitment to projects at [[Marvel Studios]].<ref name="horrible marvel">{{cite web|url=http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/joss_whedon_wont_have_time_for_dr_horrible_2_until_after_the_avengers_2-2013-04|title=Joss Whedon won't have time for 'Dr. Horrible 2' until after 'The Avengers 2'|first=Terri|last=Schwartz|date=April 17, 2013|publisher=Zap2it|access-date=April 21, 2015|archive-date=December 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203103901/http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/joss_whedon_wont_have_time_for_dr_horrible_2_until_after_the_avengers_2-2013-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>

''Wastelanders'', a web-based "end-of-the-world" project, once in development with author [[Warren Ellis]], was postponed due to Whedon's preoccupation with ''[[The Avengers (2012 film)|The Avengers]]''.<ref name="Entertainment WEEKLY; Wastelanders">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/09/23/joss-whedon-plots-his-return-web/ |title=Joss Whedon Plots His Return to the Web |first=Anthony |last=Breznican |date=September 23, 2011 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092138/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20532292%2C00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Themes, style and influences==
{{quote box
|width=30%
|quote=Everybody has a perspective. Everybody in your scene, including the thug flanking your bad guy, has a reason. They have their own voice, their own identity, their own history. If anyone speaks in such a way that they're just setting up the next person's lines, then you don't get dialogue: you get soundbites.
|source=—Whedon on giving each character a distinct voice.<ref name="HUFF POST; quote">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/in-the-writing-6-parallel_b_5454023|title=In the Writing #6: Parallel Plotting and Empathy in Game of Thrones|first=Jesse|last=Damiani|date=June 5, 2014|work=HuffPost|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=June 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610044401/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entertainment/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
Thematically, Whedon's work often explores perspectives on [[existentialism]],<ref name="DEN of GEEK!; religious and philosophical views" /> [[anti-authoritarianism]],<ref name="CULTURE MASS" /> [[free will]],<ref>{{cite book|last1=Davidson|first1=Joy|last2=Wilson|first2=Leah|title=The Psychology of Joss Whedon: An Unauthorized Exploration of Buffy, Angel, and Firefly|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i_pfs_4vQooC&pg=PA35|publisher=Ben Bella Books|access-date=February 11, 2017|isbn=978-1-933771-25-0|year=2007}}</ref> [[Power (social and political)|power]],<ref name="metroactive" /> powerlessness, [[Human sexuality|sexuality]],<ref name="human sexuality">{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100601869|title=Joss Whedon: Slayers, Dolls And Singing Villains|first=David|last=Bianculli|date=February 12, 2009|publisher=NPR|access-date=April 21, 2015|archive-date=August 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825151014/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100601869|url-status=live}}</ref> [[adult]]hood, [[sacrifice]], [[atheism]], [[misogyny]] and [[feminism]].<ref name="heraldscotland" /><ref name="GQ; The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth, Page 2">{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201205/joss-whedon-interview-avengers-buffy-firefly-dr-horrible-sing-along-blog?currentPage=2|title=The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth|first=Alex|last=Pappademas|date=May 2012|work=GQ|access-date=February 22, 2013|archive-date=April 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417202941/http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201205/joss-whedon-interview-avengers-buffy-firefly-dr-horrible-sing-along-blog?currentPage=2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="misogyny 1" /><ref name="AFTERELLEN; feminism" /> His projects usually revolve around an ensemble of [[protagonist]]s,<ref name="Los Angeles Times">{{cite news|url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/avengers-joss-whedon-talks-sequel-buffy-and-x-men-parallels/|title='Avengers': Joss Whedon talks sequel, 'Buffy' and 'X-Men' parallels|first=Noelene|last=Clark|date=May 15, 2012|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=February 22, 2013|archive-date=December 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219053831/http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/avengers-joss-whedon-talks-sequel-buffy-and-x-men-parallels/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Forbes">{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolpinchefsky/2012/08/10/what-to-expect-from-joss-whedons-upcoming-marvel-tv-series/|title=What to Expect from Joss Whedon's Upcoming Marvel TV Series|first=Carol|last=Pinchefsky|date=August 10, 2012|work=Forbes|access-date=February 21, 2013|archive-date=August 13, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120813042238/http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolpinchefsky/2012/08/10/what-to-expect-from-joss-whedons-upcoming-marvel-tv-series|url-status=live}}</ref> primarily focused on a [[loner]] [[hero]] who ends up working with others to accomplish a goal.<ref name="Journal Star">{{cite web|url=http://journalstar.com/entertainment/movies/the-wonderful-and-complex-world-of-joss-whedon/article_0e5cc972-86ca-5a35-b6b4-1cb24327767a.html|title=The wonderful (and complex) world of Joss Whedon|first=Jeff|last=Korbelik|date=April 28, 2012|publisher=journalstar.com|access-date=February 21, 2013|archive-date=April 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430191113/http://journalstar.com/entertainment/movies/the-wonderful-and-complex-world-of-joss-whedon/article_0e5cc972-86ca-5a35-b6b4-1cb24327767a.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He says of the recurring aspects of community, "Everything I write tends to turn into a superhero team, even if I didn't mean for it to. I always start off wanting to be solitary, because a) it's simpler, and b) that isolation is something that I relate to as a storyteller. And then no matter what, I always end up with a team".<ref name="GQ; The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth, Page 4">{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201205/joss-whedon-interview-avengers-buffy-firefly-dr-horrible-sing-along-blog?currentPage=4|title=The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth|first=Alex|last=Pappademas|date=May 2012|work=GQ|access-date=February 22, 2013|archive-date=May 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505225403/http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201205/joss-whedon-interview-avengers-buffy-firefly-dr-horrible-sing-along-blog?currentPage=4|url-status=live}}</ref> Examining a typical motif, he says, "I tend to write about people who are helpless or out of control who then regain or retake control".<ref name="heraldscotland">{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts-ents/film/too-much-of-a-good-thing.20203483|title=Too much of a good thing?|first=Teddy|last=Jamieson|date=February 17, 2013|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|access-date=February 22, 2013|archive-date=February 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221010139/http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts-ents/film/too-much-of-a-good-thing.20203483|url-status=live}}</ref>

Articulating his approach to screenwriting, Whedon has noted outlining and [[act structure]] as the hardest parts of storytelling, but emphasizes that he feels they are "completely essential".<ref name="W I R E D; style, themes and influences">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/05/joss-whedon/all/1|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=July 12, 2014|archive-date=May 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503021301/http://www.wired.com/2012/05/joss-whedon/all/1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FSR">{{cite web|url=https://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/6-filmmaking-tips-from-joss-whedon.php|title=6 Filmmaking Tips From Joss Whedon|first=Scott|last=Beggs|date=September 26, 2012|publisher=filmschoolrejects.com|access-date=February 21, 2013|archive-date=September 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926180610/http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/6-filmmaking-tips-from-joss-whedon.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> Many of Whedon's altered phrases and heavily popularized words have entered a common usage called "[[Slayer Slang]]", which [[PBS]] included an entire section of in their article series ''[[Do You Speak American?]]''.<ref name="PBS">{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/speak/words/sezwho/buffy/|title=Slayer Slang|publisher=PBS|access-date=February 22, 2013|archive-date=February 3, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050203004934/http://www.pbs.org/speak/words/sezwho/buffy/|url-status=live}}</ref> In an issue of ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight]]'', where Buffy travels to the future, Whedon writes Buffy's reaction to the future dialect of Manhattan; this allows Whedon to comment on the series' distinctive style of dialogue; "Buffy blames herself for what's happened to the English language, and there's a lot of hubris in that joke. I like to think that adding Y's to words that don't usually have Y's is going to destroy the whole fabric of our society".<ref name="MTV.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1590279/buffy-heads-future-new-season-eight-comic.jhtml|title=Joss Whedon Sends Buffy Back to the Future in New Season-Eight Comic|first=Jennifer|last=Vineyard|date=July 2, 2008|publisher=MTV|access-date=February 22, 2013|archive-date=October 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024071935/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1590279/buffy-heads-future-new-season-eight-comic.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> His use of self-aware dialogue to humanize characters,<ref name="Entertainment WEEKLY; self-aware dialogue">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20302134_20738454_30025734,00.html#30025732 |title=Self-Aware Dialogue |first=Darren |last=Franich |date=September 24, 2013 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=July 12, 2014 |archive-date=January 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122014654/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0%2C%2C20302134_20738454_30025732%2C00.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> which relies heavily on dry humor and [[subtext]],<ref name="self-referential">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/28/why-the-avengers-belongs-to-joss-whedon|title=Why The Avengers Belongs to Joss Whedon|first=Lucy|last=O'Brien|date=May 27, 2012|website=IGN|access-date=April 27, 2015|archive-date=May 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531040451/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/28/why-the-avengers-belongs-to-joss-whedon|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="heavy emphasis">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/18/joss-whedon-avengers-age-of-ultron|title=Joss Whedon: 'Making The Avengers is tough. I may die…'|first=Jonathan|last=Bernstein|date=April 18, 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=April 27, 2015|archive-date=April 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422195813/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/18/joss-whedon-avengers-age-of-ultron|url-status=live}}</ref> treating clichés subversively,<ref name="Entertainment WEEKLY; subversive storytelling">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/gallery/12-signs-its-joss-whedon-project/ |title= 12 Signs It's a Joss Whedon Project|first=Darren |last=Franich |date=September 24, 2013 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-date=January 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122183858/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0%2C%2C20302134_20738454_30025733%2C00.html}}</ref> using misogyny to define the trait of a villain,<ref name="misogyny 1">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a578638/top-15-joss-whedon-characters-the-best-of-the-buffy-angel-firefly-bunch/ |title=Top 15 Joss Whedon characters: The best of the Buffy, Angel, Firefly bunch |first=Emma |last=Dibdin |date=June 21, 2014 |website=Digital Spy |access-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-date=April 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416072404/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/feature/a578638/top-15-joss-whedon-characters-the-best-of-the-buffy-angel-firefly-bunch.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="misogyny 2">{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/buffyverse-characters-ranked-worst-to-best |title=117 Buffyverse Characters, Ranked From Worst To Best |first=Adam |last=B. Vary |date=January 9, 2014 |publisher=BuzzFeed |access-date=April 21, 2015 |archive-date=February 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219140157/http://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/buffyverse-characters-ranked-worst-to-best |url-status=live}}</ref> and the recurring theme of self-sacrifice led by subverting moral [[icon]]s have been defining to his style of storytelling.<ref name="Entertainment WEEKLY; subversive storytelling"/>

His penchant to kill off characters has been widely acknowledged.<ref name="CBR; style, themes and influences">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/the-ten-cruelest-things-joss-whedon-has-done-to-his-characters/|title=The Ten Cruelest Things Joss Whedon Has Done To His Characters|first=Emmet|last=O'Brien|date=May 21, 2012|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|access-date=June 10, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712041728/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=38763|archive-date=July 12, 2014}}</ref><ref name="io9; style, themes and influences">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/why-does-joss-whedon-always-kill-the-characters-we-love-5905802|title=Why does Joss Whedon always kill the characters we love?|first=Kristin M.|last=Barton|date=April 27, 2012|publisher=Gizmodo|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=April 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430030616/http://io9.com/5905802/why-does-joss-whedon-always-kill-the-characters-we-love|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon responded to the criticism,<ref name="AVClub2015" /><ref name="tiredness">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1853074/50-joss-whedon-quotes-for-his-50th-birthday/|title=50 Joss Whedon Quotes For His 50th Birthday|first=Kevin P.|last=Sullivan|date=June 23, 2014|publisher=MTV|access-date=April 27, 2015|archive-date=December 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206052322/http://www.mtv.com/news/1853074/50-joss-whedon-quotes-for-his-50th-birthday/|url-status=dead}}</ref> saying, "The percentage of people who die... is a lot. I think it's pretty near everybody. The percentage of people that I kill—not so many. I think the reason that my rep is so nasty is that I tend to do it... unexpectedly, or to someone people are recently invested in, and that is a real mission statement for me, because, death doesn't leave a card. Death doesn't take Hitler. It doesn't work according to story plans, and when a death feels like a loss, gives you grief... then you have told a story that involves death."<ref name="NERD MACHINE">{{cite web|url=http://www.thenerdmachine.com/nerd-hq-on-demand-joss-whedon/|title=Nerd HQ On-Demand: Joss Whedon|date=July 15, 2012|publisher=thenerdmachine.com|access-date=February 21, 2013|archive-date=April 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420070135/http://www.thenerdmachine.com/nerd-hq-on-demand-joss-whedon/|url-status=live}}</ref> Dramatic effect is used to convey the sense of [[Realism (arts)|realism]] and [[Shock value#Shock value in television and movies|shock value]] that comes from fatal circumstances.<ref name="io9; style, themes and influences" />

Whedon has kept ambivalent on whether to shoot on [[Film stock|film]] or [[digital video]], saying that he has "no allegiance to film as film. If the story is in front of me, I'm fine".<ref name="COLLIDER.com">{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/joss-whedon-the-avengers-interview/|title=Director Joss Whedon THE AVENGERS Set Visit Interview|first=Steve|last=Weintraub|date=April 2, 2012|publisher=collider.com|access-date=February 22, 2013|archive-date=April 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405204937/http://collider.com/joss-whedon-the-avengers-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> In terms of visual aesthetics, he prefers to incorporate as many [[practical effect]]s as possible when using [[computer-generated imagery]], so people "really don't know where one begins and the other ends".<ref name="msn entertainment">{{cite web|url=http://social.entertainment.msn.com/movies/blogs/the-hitlist-blogpost.aspx?post=e00ff786-3518-4d3d-83d1-5c9f3f3fadb7|title=Interview: Director Joss Whedon of 'The Avengers'|first=James|last=Rocchi|date=May 1, 2012|publisher=MSN|access-date=February 22, 2013|archive-date=May 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511232338/http://social.entertainment.msn.com/movies/blogs/the-hitlist-blogpost.aspx?post=e00ff786-3518-4d3d-83d1-5c9f3f3fadb7|url-status=dead}}</ref> On working with [[Film budgeting|high or low budgets]], he remarked that both offer "the exact same job" and whether one has $100&nbsp;million or $100,000, "you're trying to hit someone in the gut with an emotional moment."<ref name="A.V. CLUB; style, themes and influences">{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/joss-whedon-1798212344|title=Joss Whedon|first=Tasha|last=Robinson|date=August 8, 2007|publisher=[[The A.V. Club]]|access-date=April 25, 2014|archive-date=January 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122093529/http://www.avclub.com/article/joss-whedon-14136|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon determines that, although giving actors notes for guidance, he also aims to assuage their concerns when communicating the reasons and outcomes of a scene.<ref name="NOW; Much Ado">{{cite web|url= https://nowtoronto.com/movies/features/joss-whedon/|title=Joss Whedon|first=Norman|last=Wilner|date=June 2013|publisher=nowtoronto.com|access-date=June 10, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809041430/http://www.nowtoronto.com/movies/story.cfm?content=193026|url-status=live}}</ref>

Whedon has cited [[Ray Bradbury]],<ref name="bradbury">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2009/apr/28/ursula-k-le-guin-nebula?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487|title=Ursula K Le Guin wins sixth Nebula award|first=Allison|last=Flood|date=April 28, 2009|work=The Guardian|access-date=September 18, 2011|archive-date=February 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218093145/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/28/ursula-k-le-guin-nebula?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487|url-status=live|location=London}}</ref> [[James Cameron]],<ref name="cameron">{{cite web |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/film-interview-joss-whedon-writer-director-the-avengers/ |title=/Film Interview: Joss Whedon, Writer and Director of 'The Avengers' |publisher=/Film |first=Germain |last=Lussier |date=April 23, 2012 |access-date=July 16, 2012|archive-date=April 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426222010/http://www.slashfilm.com/film-interview-joss-whedon-writer-director-the-avengers|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Rod Serling]],<ref name="heroes">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfx.co.uk/2012/03/06/joss-whedon-heroes-and-inspirations |title=Joss Whedon: Heroes And Inspirations |publisher=SFX.co.uk |date=March 6, 2012 |access-date=September 20, 2012|archive-date=October 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023190058/http://www.sfx.co.uk/2012/03/06/joss-whedon-heroes-and-inspirations/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[William Shakespeare]],<ref name="RANDOM HOUSE OF CANADA; i">{{cite web|url=http://www.randomhouse.ca/hazlitt/feature/shakespeare-helps-us-fumble-through-life|title=Shakespeare Helps Us Fumble Through Life|first=Simon|last=Lewsen|date=June 3, 2013|publisher=randomhouse.ca|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=December 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229060754/http://www.randomhouse.ca/hazlitt/feature/shakespeare-helps-us-fumble-through-life|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Stephen Sondheim]],<ref name="sondheim">{{cite web|author=Smith, Nigel M. |url=https://www.indiewire.com/article/joss-whedon-talks-cabin-avengers-much-ado-and-his-love-for-stephen-sondheim |title=Joss Whedon: 'I want to make things that are small, pure and odd.' |publisher=IndieWire.com |date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=September 20, 2012 |archive-date=March 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314205437/http://www.indiewire.com/article/joss-whedon-talks-cabin-avengers-much-ado-and-his-love-for-stephen-sondheim |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Steven Spielberg]],<ref name="spielberg">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/apr/15/joss-whedon-film-changed-spielberg |title=Joss Whedon: the film that changed my life |work=The Guardian |first=Gemma |last=Kappala-Ramsamy |date=April 15, 2012 |access-date=March 31, 2013|archive-date=April 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415044414/http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2012/apr/15/joss-whedon-film-changed-spielberg|url-status=live|location=London}}</ref> [[Charles Dickens]], [[Stan Lee]], [[Robert Klein]], [[Jerome Robbins]], [[Frank Borzage]], [[Steve Gerber]], [[Steven Bochco]], [[Frances Hodgson Burnett]] and [[John Williams]] as influences.<ref name="heroes" /> When asked about his five favorite films, Whedon listed ''[[The Matrix]]'', ''[[Once Upon a Time in the West]]'', ''[[The Bad and the Beautiful]]'', ''[[Magnolia (film)|Magnolia]]'' and ''[[The Court Jester]]''.<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes; favorite films">{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1927671/news/1927671/five-favorite-films-with-joss-whedon/|title=Five Favorite Films with Joss Whedon|first=Grae|last=Drake|date=June 14, 2013|publisher=rottentomatoes.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=June 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617083110/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1927671/news/1927671/five-favorite-films-with-joss-whedon/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Feminism===
Elements of feminism are present throughout much of Whedon's work<ref name="AFTERELLEN; feminism" /><ref name="Mother Jones; feminism" /> and he gives his mother credit for inspiring this.<ref name="theage">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/09/22/1126982178268.html|title=The ladies' man|date=September 25, 2005|newspaper=The Age|access-date=February 21, 2013|archive-date=January 7, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060107191718/http://theage.com.au/articles/2005/09/22/1126982178268.html|url-status=live|location=Melbourne}}</ref> The character [[Kitty Pryde]] from the ''[[X-Men]]'' comics was an early model for Whedon's strong teenage girl characters.<ref name="DigitalSpy.; kp">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/comics/news/a380170/joss-whedon-kitty-pryde-was-the-mother-of-buffy.html|title=Joss Whedon: 'Kitty Pryde was the mother of Buffy'|first=Hugh|last=Armitage|work=Digital Spy|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=May 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508030332/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/comics/news/a380170/joss-whedon-kitty-pryde-was-the-mother-of-buffy.html|url-status=live|date=May 5, 2012}}</ref> He said, "If there's a bigger influence on Buffy than Kitty, I don't know what it was. She was an adolescent girl finding out she has great power and dealing with it."<ref name="New York">{{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=July 13, 2014|archive-date=March 22, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070322213851/http://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/9218/|url-status=live}}</ref> Kitty Pryde later played a central role in Whedon's run on ''[[Astonishing X-Men]]''.<ref name="digital spy">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/comics/news/a380170/joss-whedon-kitty-pryde-was-the-mother-of-buffy.html|title=Joss Whedon: 'Kitty Pryde was the mother of Buffy'|first=Hugh|last=Armitage|date=May 5, 2012|work=Digital Spy|access-date=February 21, 2013|archive-date=May 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508030332/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/comics/news/a380170/joss-whedon-kitty-pryde-was-the-mother-of-buffy.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 

In college, Whedon studied a theory called "[[Womb and vagina envy|womb envy]]",<ref name="AFTERELLEN; feminism" /> a concept he says observes "a fundamental thing that women have something men don't, the obvious being an ability to bear children. Men not only don't get what's important about what women are capable of, but in fact they fear it, and envy it, and want to throw stones at it, because it's the thing they can't have."<ref name="Mother Jones; feminism">{{cite web|url=https://www.motherjones.com/media/2008/11/mojo-interview-joss-whedon|title=The MoJo Interview: Joss Whedon|first=Sheerly|last=Avni|date=November–December 2008|work=Mother Jones|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=February 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214134655/https://www.motherjones.com/media/2008/11/mojo-interview-joss-whedon|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2007, Whedon expressed his outrage over the [[murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad]], and because the act was caught on video, was prompted to attack the underlying attitude he felt led to the murder, comparing the video to [[Splatter film|torture porn]].<ref name="AFTERELLEN; feminism">{{cite web|url=http://www.afterellen.com/joss-whedon-on-feminism-sexism-and-popular-culture/05/2007/|title=Joss Whedon on feminism, sexism and popular culture|first=Dorothy|last=Snarky|date=May 21, 2007|publisher=afterellen.com|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=November 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102045105/http://www.afterellen.com/joss-whedon-on-feminism-sexism-and-popular-culture/05/2007/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="thestar.com; feminism">{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/2007/05/22/violent_videos_made_me_snap_whedon.html|title=Violent videos made me 'snap': Whedon|first=Malene|last=Arpe|date=May 22, 2007|work=Toronto Star|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714174708/http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/2007/05/22/violent_videos_made_me_snap_whedon.html|url-status=live|location=Toronto}}</ref>

In late 2013, Whedon spoke at an Equality Now event, where he issued a pointed dissection of the word "[[:wikt:feminist|feminist]]". He begins to say, "I have the privilege living my life inside of words ... but part of being a writer is also living in the very smallest part of every word." Arguing against the suffix "[[:wikt:-ist|-ist]]", he continues, "you can't be born an –ist. It's not natural." Whedon explains that because of this, the word "includes the idea that believing men and women to be equal ... is not a natural state. That we don't emerge assuming that everybody in the human race is a human. That the idea of equality is just an idea that's imposed on us..."<ref name="The Atlantic; feminism">{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/11/what-joss-whedon-gets-wrong-about-the-word-feminist/281305/|title=What Joss Whedon Gets Wrong About the Word 'Feminist'|first=Noah|last=Berlatsky|date=November 8, 2013|work=The Atlantic|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=November 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109005856/http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/11/what-joss-whedon-gets-wrong-about-the-word-feminist/281305/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TOR*COM; feminism">{{cite news|url=http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/11/joss-whedon-hates-the-word-feminist-so-what-does-that-mean|title=Joss Whedon Hates the Word Feminist! So... What Does That Mean?|first=Emmet|last=Asher-Perrin|date=November 11, 2013|newspaper=tor.com|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=November 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114153327/http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/11/joss-whedon-hates-the-word-feminist-so-what-does-that-mean|url-status=live}}</ref> This sparked an unfavorable reaction from the feminist community,<ref name="SALON; feminism">{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/2013/11/11/no_joss_whedon_feminist_is_not_a_dirty_word/|title=No, Joss Whedon, "feminist" is not a dirty word|first=Katie|last=McDonough|date=November 11, 2013|work=Salon|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=November 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111200306/http://www.salon.com/2013/11/11/no_joss_whedon_feminist_is_not_a_dirty_word/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DAILY LIFE; feminism">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailylife.com.au/news-and-views/dl-culture/joss-whedon-just-said-some-really-dumb-things-about-feminism-20131110-2xa94.html|title=Joss Whedon just said some really dumb things about feminism|first=Clem|last=Bastow|work=Daily Life |date=November 11, 2013|publisher=dailylife.com.au|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=November 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112193752/http://www.dailylife.com.au/news-and-views/dl-culture/joss-whedon-just-said-some-really-dumb-things-about-feminism-20131110-2xa94.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but also an appreciation for Whedon's arguments' thought provocation.<ref name="HUFFPOST; feminism">{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/joss-whedon-feminist_n_4240214|title=Joss Whedon: 'I Hate Feminist' (Video)|date=November 11, 2013|work=HuffPost|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714155058/http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/11/08/joss-whedon-feminist_n_4240214.html?just_reloaded=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CRUSHABLE; feminism">{{cite web|url=http://www.crushable.com/2013/11/08/entertainment/joss-whedon-feminist-speech-equality-now/|title=Joss Whedon's Awesome Speech About Why He Hates The Word 'Feminist' Will Make You Think|publisher=crushable.com|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=November 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112211156/http://www.crushable.com/2013/11/08/entertainment/joss-whedon-feminist-speech-equality-now/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

News website [[Digital Spy]] released in early 2015 an interview they had conducted with Whedon, during which he criticized the entertainment industry for its "genuine, recalcitrant, intractable sexism, and old-fashioned quiet misogyny".<ref name="onset">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a624908/joss-whedon-criticises-comic-book-movie-industry-for-intractible-sexism/ |title=Joss Whedon criticises comic book movie industry for 'intractible sexism' |first=Emma |last=Dibdin |date=January 28, 2015 |website=Digital Spy |access-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128192210/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/news/a624908/joss-whedon-criticises-comic-book-movie-industry-for-intractible-sexism.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon offered ''[[The Hunger Games (film series)|The Hunger Games]]'' film series as an argument for female-led franchises, and hoped [[Marvel Studios]] would pursue production of more such franchises.<ref name="quiet misogyny">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joss-whedon-female-superhero-movies_n_6570786|title=Joss Whedon: 'Quiet Misogyny' Within Industry Prevents Growth Of Female Superheroes|first=Christopher|last=Rosen|date=January 29, 2015|work=HuffPost|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131002243/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/29/joss-whedon-female-superhero-movies_n_6570786.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, critics noted an almost stereotypical lack of feminist ideals in his writing decisions and portrayal of [[Natasha Romanoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Black Widow]], one of two female protagonists in Marvel's 2015 ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]'', played by [[Scarlett Johansson]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/black-widow-this-is-why-we-can-t-have-nice-things-1702333037|title=Black Widow: This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things|last=Woerner|first=Meredith|date=May 15, 2015|website=Gizmodo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505045157/https://io9.gizmodo.com/black-widow-this-is-why-we-can-t-have-nice-things-1702333037|archive-date=May 5, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/04/21/review-avengers-age-of-ultron-is-a-galactus-sized-disappointment|title=Review: 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron' Is A Galactus-Sized Disappointment|last=Mendelson|first=Scott|date=April 21, 2015|website=Forbes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423125407/http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/04/21/review-avengers-age-of-ultron-is-a-galactus-sized-disappointment/#481b46ea20bd|archive-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Frequent collaborators==
Whedon has repeatedly hired the same actors for his projects<ref name="Digital Spy.">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a464250/joss-whedons-much-ado-actors-where-you-know-them-from/|title=Joss Whedon's 'Much Ado' actors: Where you know them from|first=Emma|last=Dibdin|date=June 11, 2013|work=Digital Spy|access-date=June 10, 2020|archive-date=June 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614043619/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/at-the-movies/a464250/joss-whedons-much-ado-actors-where-you-know-them-from.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and has been described as "the gravitational center of the Whedonverse, a galaxy that spins recurring actors and themes through an orbital system of TV shows, films and comic books that all share similar traits: a unique brand of witty dialogue, relatable characters and fantasy/sci-fi mythology".<ref name="THE Hollywood REPORTER; cast">{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/joss-whedon-whedonverse-cult-hero-avengers-buffy-firefly-314554|title=Exploring the Whedonverse: Inside the Cult Hero Fame of 'Avengers' Director Joss Whedon|first=Jordan|last=Zakarin|date=April 24, 2012|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=March 16, 2014|archive-date=September 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913094756/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/joss-whedon-whedonverse-cult-hero-avengers-buffy-firefly-314554|url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:100%;vertical-align:center;font-size:80%" <!-- NOTE: ONLY ACTORS PLAYING 3 OR MORE UNIQUE ROLES ARE INCLUDED -->
|-
! Actor
<!--Buf-->! ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]''<br>(1997–2003)
<!--Ang-->! ''[[Angel (1999 TV series)|Angel]]''<br>(1999–2004)
<!--Fir-->! ''[[Firefly (TV series)|Firefly]]''<br>(2002)
<!--Ser-->! ''[[Serenity (2005 film)|Serenity]]''<br>(2005)
<!--DrH-->! ''[[Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog]]''<br>(2008)
<!--Dol-->! ''[[Dollhouse (TV series)|Dollhouse]]''<br>(2009–10)
<!--Cab-->! ''[[The Cabin in the Woods]]''<br>(2011) <!---Joss Whedon did not direct The Cabin In The Woods, only serving as co-writer and producer--->
<!--Ave-->! ''[[The Avengers (2012 film)|The Avengers]]''<br>(2012)
<!--Ado-->! ''[[Much Ado About Nothing (2012 film)|Much Ado About Nothing]]''<br>(2012)
<!--AoS-->! ''[[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.]]''<br>(2013–2020)
<!--AoU-->! ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]''<br>(2015)
<!--TNv-->! ''[[The Nevers]]''<br>(2021)
<!--Sum-->! Total roles
<!--Ref-->!class="unsortable"| {{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
! [[Amy Acker]]
<!--Buf-->|
<!--Ang-->| {{ya}}
<!--Fir-->|
<!--Ser-->|
<!--DrH-->|
<!--Dol-->| {{ya}}
<!--Cab-->| {{ya}}
<!--Ave-->|
<!--Ado-->| {{ya}}
<!--AoS-->| {{ya}}
<!--AoU-->| 
<!--TNv-->| 
<!--Sum-->| 5
<!--Ref-->|<ref name="acker">{{cite web|url=http://www.blastr.com/2014-4-22/angel-alum-amy-acker-talks-shield-says-fred-gift-keeps-giving|title=Angel alum Amy Acker talks S.H.I.E.L.D., says, 'Fred is the gift that keeps giving'|first=Carol|last=Pinchefsky|date=April 22, 2014|publisher=Blastr|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-date=June 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628001459/http://www.blastr.com/2014-4-22/angel-alum-amy-acker-talks-shield-says-fred-gift-keeps-giving|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! [[Adam Baldwin]]
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<!--Ref-->|<ref>{{cite web |  title=Adam Baldwin's acting career is hardly bare "Bones" | website=The Denver Post | date=March 13, 2006 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2006/03/13/adam-baldwins-acting-career-is-hardly-bare-bones/ | access-date=August 18, 2022}}</ref>
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! [[Felicia Day]]
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<!--Ref-->|<ref name="lenk day kranz">{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/what-its-like-to-live-in-the-whedonverse|title=Life Inside The Whedonverse|first=Adam B.|last=Vary|date=June 5, 2013|publisher=BuzzFeed|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-date=November 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107022706/http://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/what-its-like-to-live-in-the-whedonverse|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! |[[Alexis Denisof]]
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<!--Ref-->|<ref name="denisof">{{cite magazine|url=https://thedissolve.com/features/interview/219-alexis-denisof-on-channelling-shakespeare-through-/|title=Alexis Denisof on channelling Shakespeare through Joss Whedon|first=Tasha|last=Robinson|date=October 16, 2013|magazine=The Dissolve|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-date=March 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329160837/https://thedissolve.com/features/interview/219-alexis-denisof-on-channelling-shakespeare-through-/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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! [[Reed Diamond]]
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<!--Ref-->|<ref name="diamond">{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/marvels-agents-of-shield/31485/new-roles-for-marvels-agents-of-shield-season-2|title=New roles for Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 2|first=Louisa|last=Mellor|date=July 28, 2014|publisher=Den of Geek|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-date=September 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901075501/http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/marvels-agents-of-shield/31485/new-roles-for-marvels-agents-of-shield-season-2|url-status=live}}</ref>
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! [[Eliza Dushku]]
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! [[Nathan Fillion]]
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<!--Ref-->|<ref name="fillion">{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Read-Nathan-Fillion-Wonderful-Foreword-Joss-Whedon-Biography-66623.html|title=Read Nathan Fillion's Wonderful Foreword To Joss Whedon's Biography|first=Eric|last=Eisenberg|year=2014|publisher=CINEMABLEND|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-date=October 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030112438/http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Read-Nathan-Fillion-Wonderful-Foreword-Joss-Whedon-Biography-66623.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
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! [[Enver Gjokaj]]
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! [[Ron Glass]]
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! [[Summer Glau]]
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! [[Clark Gregg]]
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! [[Chris Hemsworth]]
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! [[Carlos Jacott]]
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! [[Ashley Johnson (actress)|Ashley Johnson]]
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|-
! [[Fran Kranz]]
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! [[Dichen Lachman]]
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! [[Tom Lenk]]
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! [[Damion Poitier]]
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! [[Jeremy Renner]]
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! [[Gina Torres]]
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! [[Alan Tudyk]]
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! [[Paul Bettany]]
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! [[Andy Umberger]]
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! [[Olivia Williams]]
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! [[Patton Oswalt]]
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! [[Jonathan M. Woodward]]
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<!--Ref-->|<ref name="woodward">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/buffy/indetail/conversations/trivia.shtml|title=Conversations with Dead People|publisher=BBC|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-date=November 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109050141/http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/buffy/indetail/conversations/trivia.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
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! [[Chris Evans (actor)|Chris Evans]]
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! [[Robert Downey Jr.]]
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! [[Mark Ruffalo]]
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! [[Scarlett Johansson]]
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! [[Samuel L. Jackson]]
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! [[Cobie Smulders]]
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! [[Stellan Skarsgård]]
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|}

'''Note:''' Due to Whedon's frequent casting of the same actors in various projects, the above list only includes those who have played two or more different roles in Whedon productions; actors that only played one role in multiple Whedon productions are not included. <!-- Stan Lee's parts are cameos, similar to those he has had in many other Marvel productions. -->

== Personal life ==
In 2013, Whedon said that he is a [[workaholic]]. This arose during the time that followed the completion of ''Much Ado About Nothing'', which was made in the span of a two-week vacation from ''The Avengers'',<ref name="Indiewire; pl">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2013/06/from-avengers-to-shakespeare-if-joss-whedon-can-do-it-all-5-film-projects-wed-love-to-see-him-tackle-97324/|title=From 'Avengers' To Shakespeare: If Joss Whedon Can Do It All, 5 Film Projects We'd Love To See Him Tackle|first=Drew|last=Taylor|date=June 4, 2013|publisher=IndieWire.com|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=June 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611082925/http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/from-avengers-to-shakespeare-if-joss-whedon-can-do-it-all-5-film-projects-wed-love-to-see-him-tackle-20130604|url-status=dead}}</ref> and after making the pilot for ''Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' amidst the pre-production for ''Avengers: Age of Ultron''. "It is actually a problem. Sometimes it's adorable ... and sometimes it's not ... Not to get all dark and weird, but it is something I need to address."<ref name="TimeOut London; pl">{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/joss-whedon-interview-from-buffy-to-the-bard|title=Joss Whedon interview: from Buffy to the Bard|first=Tom|last=Huddleston|date=June 10, 2013|work=Time Out|access-date=July 15, 2014|archive-date=December 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213201834/http://www.timeout.com/london/film/joss-whedon-interview-from-buffy-to-the-bard|url-status=live}}</ref> He has been a member of the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] in its Writers' branch since 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stedman|first=Alex|date=June 28, 2017|title=Academy Invites Record 774 New Members|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/academy-new-members-class-of-2017-1202481404/|access-date=February 16, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Marriages===
In 1995, Whedon married Kai Cole, an architect, producer and co-founder of [[Bellwether Pictures]].<ref name="vulture-kai">{{Cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/08/joss-whedons-ex-wife-calls-him-a-feminist-hypocrite.html |title=Joss Whedon's Ex-Wife Writes Essay Accusing Him of Feminist 'Hypocrisy' |last=Kiefer |first=Halle |date=August 20, 2017 |publisher=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture.com]]  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170821014556/http://www.vulture.com/2017/08/joss-whedons-ex-wife-calls-him-a-feminist-hypocrite.html |archive-date=August 21, 2017 |url-status=live|access-date=August 22, 2017}}</ref> They have two children together.<ref name="The Telegraph; personal life">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/8157067/Joss-Whedon-The-man-behind-the-Buffy-series.html|title=Joss Whedon: The man behind the Buffy series|first=Daisy|last=Dunn|date=November 24, 2010|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]| access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=November 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127164249/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/8157067/Joss-Whedon-The-man-behind-the-Buffy-series.html|url-status=live|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2013-may-31-la-et-mn-ca-much-ado-house-20130602-story.html| title='Much Ado About Nothing': A DIY film project at Joss Whedon's home| date=May 31, 2013|first= Rebecca|last= Keegan|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date= August 22, 2017| archive-date= July 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708125838/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/may/31/entertainment/la-et-mn-ca-much-ado-house-20130602 | url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon and Cole separated in 2012 and divorced in 2016.<ref name="us-divorce">{{Cite news |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/avengers-director-joss-whedon-quietly-separated-from-his-wife-five-years-ago-w482770 |title=Avengers' Director Joss Whedon Quietly Separated From His Wife Five Years Ago |date=May 8, 2017 |work=[[Us Weekly]] |access-date=August 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170722043932/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/avengers-director-joss-whedon-quietly-separated-from-his-wife-five-years-ago-w482770 |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, Cole claimed that Whedon had repeatedly been unfaithful to her and that he "does not practice what he preaches" in regard to feminism.<ref name="kai-on-joss">{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/joss-whedon-feminist-hypocrite-infidelity-affairs-ex-wife-kai-cole-says/|title=Joss Whedon Is a 'Hypocrite Preaching Feminist Ideals', Ex-Wife Kai Cole Says (Guest Blog)|first=Kai|last=Cole|date=August 20, 2017|publisher=[[TheWrap.com]]|archive-date=August 20, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170820213216/https://www.thewrap.com/joss-whedon-feminist-hypocrite-infidelity-affairs-ex-wife-kai-cole-says/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Whedon married Canadian artist [[Heather Horton]] in February 2021.<ref>{{cite news | title=Joss Whedon facing immigration troubles for new wife | newspaper=Toronto Sun | date=May 10, 2021 | url=https://torontosun.com/entertainment/celebrity/joss-whedon-facing-immigration-troubles-for-new-wife | access-date=July 22, 2021}}</ref>

===Religious and philosophical views===
Whedon has identified himself as an [[atheism|atheist]].<ref name="The New York Times; religious and philosophical views">{{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=December 6, 2013}}</ref><ref name="absurdist">{{cite web|url=https://ffrf.org/news/day/dayitems/item/14791-joss-whedon|title=Joss Whedon|first=Eleanor|last=Wroblewski|website=Freedom From Religion Foundation|access-date=May 12, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100625/https://ffrf.org/news/day/dayitems/item/14791-joss-whedon|archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref><ref name="no">{{cite news|url=https://www.avclub.com/is-there-a-god-1798208251|title=Is There A God?|first=Stephen|last=Thompson|date=October 9, 2002|newspaper=The A.V. Club|access-date=June 10, 2020|archive-date=October 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019035241/http://www.avclub.com/article/is-there-a-god-1413|url-status=live}}</ref>
Whedon has identified as an [[Absurdism|absurdist]] and [[existentialist]].<ref name="absurdist"/> A committed [[Humanism|humanist]], Whedon was presented with the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism by the Humanist Chaplaincy at [[Harvard University]] in 2009.<ref name="boston.com; religious and philosophical views">{{cite news|first=Hayley|last=Kaufman|url=https://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/more_names/blog/2009/04/harvard_to_honor_buffy_creator.html|title=Harvard to honor 'Buffy' creator Joss Whedon|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=April 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414064429/http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/more_names/blog/2009/04/harvard_to_honor_buffy_creator.html|url-status=dead|date=April 10, 2009}}</ref> He has spoken about [[existentialism]], explaining in detail how it, and more specifically [[Jean-Paul Sartre]]'s ''[[Nausea (novel)|Nausea]]'', was used as a basis for the ''Firefly'' episode "[[Objects in Space]]". He called it "the most important book" he ever read,<ref name="DEN of GEEK!; religious and philosophical views">{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/21020/looking-back-at-firefly-episode-14-objects-in-space|title=Looking back at Firefly episode 14: Objects in Space|first=Caroline|last=Preece|date=December 1, 2011|website=Den of Geek|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=June 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610031311/http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/21020/looking-back-at-firefly-episode-14-objects-in-space|url-status=dead}}</ref> and said it was given to him right after he saw [[Steven Spielberg]]'s ''[[Close Encounters of the Third Kind]]'', whose impact, he recalls, had made him an existentialist.<ref name="theguardian; religious and philosophical views">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/apr/15/joss-whedon-film-changed-spielberg|title=Joss Whedon: the film that changed my life|first=Gemma|last=Kappala-Ramsamy|date=April 15, 2012|work=The Guardian|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=October 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030041610/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/apr/15/joss-whedon-film-changed-spielberg|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Political views===
In July 2012, at San Diego Comic-Con, in response to one woman who noted the [[Anti-corporate activism|anti-corporate]] themes in many of his films and asked him to give his [[Philosophy and economics|economic philosophy]] in 30 seconds or less, Whedon spoke out against [[capitalism]], saying that America is "turning into Tsarist Russia".<ref name="The Wrap">{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/tv/column-post/joss-whedon-america-turning-tsarist-russia-47756|title=Comic-Con 2012: Joss Whedon: America Is Turning into 'Tsarist Russia'|website=The Wrap|date=July 13, 2012|access-date=July 28, 2012|archive-date=April 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411065235/http://www.thewrap.com/tv/column-post/joss-whedon-america-turning-tsarist-russia-47756/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Endorsing [[Barack Obama]] in the [[2012 United States presidential election]],<ref name="HUFFINGTON POST">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joss-whedon-romney-ad-zombie-apocalypse-video_n_2036055|title=Joss Whedon's Romney Ad Endorses GOP Candidate Because of Power to Bring Forth Zombie Apocalypse (Video)|date=October 28, 2012|work=HuffPost|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=October 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030025257/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/28/joss-whedon-romney-ad-zombie-apocalypse-video_n_2036055.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon satirically equated [[Mitt Romney]]'s future as president with a [[zombie apocalypse]], quipping, "Romney is ready to make the deep rollbacks in health care, education, social services and reproductive rights that will guarantee poverty, unemployment, overpopulation, disease, rioting—all crucial elements in creating a nightmare zombie wasteland."<ref name="YouTube; Whedon on Romney">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TiXUF9xbTo|title=Whedon on Romney|via=YouTube|date=October 28, 2012|access-date=October 28, 2012|archive-date=October 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029141803/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TiXUF9xbTo|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Cinemablend; Whedon on Romney">{{cite news|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/pop/Watch-Joss-Whedon-Anti-Romney-Ad-Warns-Zombie-Apocalypse-48699.html|title=Watch: Joss Whedon Anti-Romney Ad Warns of a Zombie Apocalypse|website=Cinemablend|date=October 28, 2012|access-date=October 28, 2012|archive-date=November 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101232723/http://www.cinemablend.com/pop/Watch-Joss-Whedon-Anti-Romney-Ad-Warns-Zombie-Apocalypse-48699.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, Whedon signed a petition as part of a political campaign calling for [[Elizabeth Warren]] to run for President of the United States.<ref name="artists for warren 1">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/politics/2015/02/elizabeth-warren-running-for-president|title=Why Mark Ruffalo, Kim Gordon, and the Other Cool Kids Want Elizabeth Warren to Run|first=Joe|last=Pompeo|date=February 2, 2015|magazine=Vanity Fair|access-date=February 5, 2015|archive-date=February 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202105928/http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/2015/02/elizabeth-warren-running-for-president|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="artists for warren 2">{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/feb/4/sughed-elizabeth-warren-backed-hollywood-ed-norton/|title=Edward Norton, Mark Ruffalo Urge Elizabeth Warren to Run for President|first=Jessica|last=Chasmar|date=February 4, 2015|newspaper=The Washington Times|access-date=February 5, 2015|archive-date=March 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314085230/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/feb/4/sughed-elizabeth-warren-backed-hollywood-ed-norton/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2017, after actress [[Nicole Kidman]] publicly suggested that America should accept that [[Donald Trump]] is president, Whedon tweeted a photograph of plastic puppet [[Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward]] alongside an image of Kidman, an action some interpreted as mocking and objectifying Kidman's physical appearance.<ref name="ivankatrump1">{{cite news|last1=Bitette|first1=Nichole|title=Director Joss Whedon Under Fire for Comparing Ivanka Trump to a Dog|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/joss-whedon-fire-comparing-ivanka-trump-dog-article-1.2955312|quote=The controversial words come just days after the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' creator compared Nicole Kidman to a plastic Lady Penelope doll after she suggested Americans accept Trump as president.|access-date=January 26, 2017|newspaper=Daily News|location=New York|date=January 25, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126021048/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/joss-whedon-fire-comparing-ivanka-trump-dog-article-1.2955312|archive-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref> That same month, Whedon also received criticism for reportedly comparing [[Ivanka Trump]] to a dog and for wishing that [[Paul Ryan]] would be raped to death by a rhinoceros.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/fans-furious-over-joss-whedons-jared-kushner-and-ivanka-trump-tweet/ | title=Fans furious over Joss Whedon's Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump tweet|date=January 25, 2017 |access-date= August 22, 2017|publisher=[[Fox News Channel]]| archive-date= March 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322030135/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2017/01/25/filmmaker-joss-whedon-fires-after-at-first-family.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Avengers Director Joss Whedon Jokes About Death of US Republican Leader Paul Ryan|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2017/01/avengers-director-joss-whedon-jokes-about-death-of-us-republican-leader-paul-ryan.html|newspaper=Newshub|access-date=July 26, 2020|date=January 16, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211014014/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2017/01/avengers-director-joss-whedon-jokes-about-death-of-us-republican-leader-paul-ryan.html|archive-date=February 11, 2022}}</ref> Referring to Ivanka's husband [[Jared Kushner]] and Trump, he tweeted: "He's a [[Voldemort]] in training, & unlike the [[Pekingese]] he married under, can play the long game."<ref name="ivankatrump1" /><ref name="ivankatrump2">{{cite news|title=Joss Whedon Criticized for Comparing Ivanka Trump to a Dog|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/joss-whedon-compares-ivanka-trump-dog-968475?facebook_20170125|access-date=January 26, 2017|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 25, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127170135/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/joss-whedon-compares-ivanka-trump-dog-968475?facebook_20170125|archive-date=January 27, 2017}}</ref> Whedon stated that he had been referring to Donald Trump.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/joss/status/824703880722157568|title=Joss Whedon on Twitter|newspaper=Twitter|access-date=January 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128003940/https://twitter.com/joss/status/824703880722157568|archive-date=January 28, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Joss Whedon insists he didn't call Ivanka Trump a dog|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joss-whedon-ivanka-trump-dog-tweet/|access-date=February 17, 2025|work=CBS News|date=January 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111223906/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joss-whedon-ivanka-trump-dog-tweet/|archive-date=November 11, 2020}}</ref> In April 2017, Whedon took a shot at Republicans by criticizing the physical appearance of teenage cancer survivors who were visiting then–Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hollywood Director Demeans Teenage Cancer-Survivors' Looks to Take Shot at Republicans|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/27/joss-whedon-tweet-demeans-cancer-survivors-hit-rep/|first=Victor |last=Morton|newspaper=The Washington Times|access-date=July 26, 2020|date=April 26, 2017}}</ref> He later apologized on Twitter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a827116/avengers-joss-whedon-apologises-on-twitter-for-tasteless-gag-teenage-cancer-survivors/ |title=Joss Whedon Apologises on Twitter for 'Tasteless' Gag About Teenage Cancer Survivors |work=Digital Spy |last=Hegaty |first=Tasha |date=April 28, 2017 |access-date=July 29, 2021}}</ref>

==Bibliography==
===Dark Horse Comics===
*[[List of Buffy the Vampire Slayer comics|Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]:
**''[[Fray (comics)|Fray]]'' #1–8 (with [[Karl Moline]], 2001–2003) collected as ''Fray'' (tpb, 216 pages, 2003, {{ISBN|1-56971-751-6}})
**''Angel: Legacy Edition Book Two'' (tpb, 304 pages, [[Boom! Studios]], 2020, {{ISBN|1-68415-490-1}}) includes:
*** ''[[List of Angel comics|Angel]]'' vol. 2 #1–4 (co-written by Whedon and [[Brett Matthews]], art by [[Mel Rubi]], 2001–2002)
**** Also collected as ''Angel: Long Night's Journey'' (tpb, 104 pages, 2002, {{ISBN|1-56971-752-4}})
**** Also collected in ''Angel Omnibus'' (tpb, 480 pages, 2011, {{ISBN|1-59582-706-4}})
*** ''[[Dark Horse Extra]]'' #36–38 (untitled three-page story co-written by Whedon and Brett Matthews, art by Mel Rubi, 2001)
**''Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Tales'' (hc, 296 pages, 2011, {{ISBN|1-59582-644-0}}; tpb, 2018, {{ISBN|1-5067-0802-1}}) includes:
*** ''[[Tales of the Slayers]]'' ([[anthology]] [[graphic novel]], 96 pages, 2002, {{ISBN|1-56971-605-6}}) featured three short stories by Whedon:
**** "Prologue" (with [[Leinil Francis Yu]])
**** "Righteous" (with [[Tim Sale (artist)|Tim Sale]])
**** "Tales" (with Karl Moline)
*** ''[[Tales of the Vampires]]'' #1–5: "Tales of the Vampires" (with [[Alex Sanchez (artist)|Alex Sanchez]], leading feature in the anthology, 2003–2004)
**** In addition to the leading feature, Whedon also wrote "Stacy" (art by [[Cameron Stewart]]), a short story published in issue #1 (2003)
**** The entire 5-issue limited series was also collected as ''Tales of the Vampires'' (tpb, 144 pages, 2004, {{ISBN|1-56971-749-4}})
**''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight]]'':
*** ''Volume 1'' (hc, 304 pages, 2012, {{ISBN|1-59582-888-5}}) includes:
**** "[[The Long Way Home (Buffy comic)|The Long Way Home]]" (with [[Georges Jeanty]], in #1–4, 2007)
**** "[[The Chain (Buffy comic)|The Chain]]" (with Paul Lee, in #5, 2007)
**** "[[Anywhere but Here (Buffy comic)|Anywhere but Here]]" (with Cliff Richards, in #10, 2008)
**** ''[[MySpace Dark Horse Presents]]'' #24: "Always Darkest" (with [[Jo Chen]], [[digital comics|digital]] anthology, 2007)
*** ''Volume 2'' (hc, 320 pages, 2012, {{ISBN|1-59582-935-0}}) includes:
**** "[[A Beautiful Sunset]]" (with Georges Jeanty, in #11, 2008)
**** "[[Time of Your Life (Buffy comic)|Time of Your Life]]" (with Karl Moline, in #16–19, 2008)
**** ''[[Willow Rosenberg|Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow]]'' (with Karl Moline, [[one-shot (comics)|one-shot]], 2009)
*** ''Volume 4'' (hc, 320 pages, 2013, {{ISBN|1-61655-127-5}}) includes:
**** "Turbulence" (with Georges Jeanty, in #31, 2010)
**** "[[Last Gleaming]]" (with Georges Jeanty, in #36–40, 2010–2011)
**''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine]]'' #1: "Freefall, Part One" (with Georges Jeanty, 2011) collected in ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine Volume 1'' (hc, 304 pages, 2015, {{ISBN|1-61655-715-X}})
**''Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eleven: [[Rupert Giles|Giles]]'' #1–4 (co-written by Whedon and [[Erika Alexander]], art by [[Jon Lam]], 2018) collected as ''Giles: Girl Blue'' (tpb, 104 pages, 2018, {{ISBN|1-5067-0743-2}})
**''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Twelve]]'' #1–4 (scripted by [[Christos Gage]] from a plot by Whedon and Gage, art by Georges Jeanty, 2018)
*''[[Serenity (comics)|Serenity]]'' (plotted by Whedon, scripted by others):
**''Firefly: Legacy Edition Book One'' (tpb, 288 pages, [[Boom! Studios]], 2018, {{ISBN|1-68415-320-4}}) includes:
*** ''[[Serenity: Those Left Behind|Serenity]]'' #1–3 (written by Brett Matthews, drawn by Will Conrad, 2005) also collected as ''Serenity: Those Left Behind'' (tpb, 80 pages, 2006, {{ISBN|1-59307-449-2}}; hc, 96 pages, 2007, {{ISBN|1-59307-846-3}})
*** ''[[Serenity: Better Days]]'' #1–3 (written by Brett Matthews, drawn by Will Conrad, 2008) also collected as ''Serenity: Better Days'' (tpb, 80 pages, 2008, {{ISBN|1-59582-162-7}}; hc, 128 pages, 2010, {{ISBN|1-59582-561-4}})
*** ''[[Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale]]'' (written by [[Zack Whedon]], drawn by [[Chris Samnee]], graphic novel, 56 pages, 2010, {{ISBN|1-59582-561-4}})
*''[[MySpace Dark Horse Presents]]'' #1–3: "[[Sugarshock!]]" (with [[Fábio Moon]], digital anthology, 2007) collected in ''MySpace Dark Horse Presents Volume 1'' (tpb, 176 pages, 2008, {{ISBN|1-59307-998-2}})
*''[[Twist (comics)|Twist]]'' (unreleased 6-issue limited series starring "a [[Victorian era|Victorian]] female [[Batman]]" — initially announced in 2015)<ref>{{cite web |first=Jeff |last=Jensen |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/11/joss-whedon-creating-new-comic-book-dark-horse |title=Joss Whedon is creating a new comic book for Dark Horse |publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=July 11, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714002050/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/11/joss-whedon-creating-new-comic-book-dark-horse |archivedate=July 14, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Donna |last=Dickens |url=https://nerdist.com/joss-whedon-the-nevers-hbo/ |title=Thinking About the Future of Joss Whedon's New HBO Series, THE NEVERS |publisher=[[Nerdist]] |date=July 23, 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723231844/https://nerdist.com/joss-whedon-the-nevers-hbo/ |archivedate=July 23, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*''[[Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog|Dr. Horrible: Best Friends Forever]]'' (with [[José Maria Beroy]] and [[Sara Soler]], one-shot, 2018) collected in ''Dr. Horrible and Other Horrible Stories'' (tpb, 136 pages, 2019, {{ISBN|1-5067-1231-2}})

===Marvel Comics===
*[[X-Men]]:
**''[[Astonishing X-Men]]'' vol. 3 (with [[John Cassaday]], 2004–2008) collected as:
*** ''Ultimate Collection: Astonishing X-Men Volume 1'' (collects #1–12, hc, 320 pages, 2006, {{ISBN|0-7851-1733-4}}; tpb, 2012, {{ISBN|0-7851-6194-5}})
*** ''Ultimate Collection: Astonishing X-Men Volume 2'' (collects #13–24 and the ''Giant-Sized Astonishing X-Men'' one-shot special, hc, 344 pages, 2008, {{ISBN|0-7851-2253-2}}; tpb, 2012, {{ISBN|0-7851-6195-3}})
*** ''Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday Omnibus'' (collects #1–24 and the ''Giant-Sized Astonishing X-Men'' one-shot special, hc, 672 pages, 2009, {{ISBN|0-7851-3801-3}})
**''[[Giant-Size X-Men]]'' #3: "Teamwork" (with [[Neal Adams]], co-feature, 2005) collected in ''Giant-Size X-Men: 40th Anniversary'' (hc, 440 pages, 2015, {{ISBN|0-7851-9777-X}})
*''[[Stan Lee Meets Superheroes|Stan Lee Meets Spider-Man]]'': "Some Steves" (with [[Michael Gaydos]], co-feature in one-shot, 2006) collected in ''Stan Lee Meets...'' (hc, 240 pages, 2007, {{ISBN|0-7851-2272-9}})
*''[[Runaways (comics)|Runaways]]'' vol. 2 #25–30: "Dead-End Kids" (with [[Michael Ryan (artist)|Michael Ryan]], 2007–2008) collected in ''Runaways: The Complete Collection Volume 3'' (tpb, 528 pages, 2015, {{ISBN|0-7851-8917-3}})
*''[[Falcon (comics)|Captain America: Sam Wilson]]'' #7: "Presentation" (with John Cassaday, co-feature, 2016) collected in ''Captain America: Sam Wilson — The Complete Collection Volume 2'' (tpb, 504 pages, 2021, {{ISBN|1-302-92297-1}})

===Other publishers===
*''[[Superman/Batman]]'' #26 (with John Cassaday, two-page sequence among other writers and artists, [[DC Comics]], 2006) collected in ''Superman/Batman Volume 2'' (tpb, 336 pages, 2014, {{ISBN|1-4012-5079-3}})
*''[[Angel: After the Fall]]'' (scripted by [[Brian Lynch (writer)|Brian Lynch]] from plots by Whedon and Lynch, art by [[Franco Urru]], [[Tim Kane (comics)|Tim Kane]] (#6–8), [[Nick Runge]] (#9–12) and [[Stephen Mooney]] (#12–14), [[IDW Publishing]], 2007–2009) collected as:
**''Volume 1'' (collects #1–5, hc, 144 pages, 2008, {{ISBN|1-60010-181-X}}; tpb, 2009, {{ISBN|1-60010-343-X}})
**''Volume 2'' (collects #6–8, hc, 104 pages, 2008, {{ISBN|1-60010-231-X}}; tpb, 2009, {{ISBN|1-60010-393-6}})
**''Volume 3'' (collects #9–12, hc, 128 pages, 2009, {{ISBN|1-60010-377-4}}; tpb, 2010, {{ISBN|1-61377-059-6}})
**''Volume 4'' (collects #13–17, hc, 136 pages, 2010, {{ISBN|1-60010-461-4}}; tpb, 2011, {{ISBN|1-61377-100-2}})
**''Premiere Edition Volume 1'' (collects #1–17, hc, 432 pages, 2011, {{ISBN|1-60010-861-X}})

==Selected accolades==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Award
! Category
! Title of work
! Result
! {{Abbreviation|Ref.|References}}
|-
| 1995
| [[Academy Awards]]
| [[Academy Award for Best Writing (Original Screenplay)|Best Original Screenplay]]
| ''[[Toy Story]]''
| {{nom}}
|<ref name="academy toy">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/132294/Toy-Story/awards|title=Toy Story (1995)|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-date=January 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106085654/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/132294/Toy-Story/awards|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 2000
| [[Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series|Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series]]
| ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'' episode: "[[Hush (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)|Hush]]"
| {{nom}}
|<ref name="emmy buffy">{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/buffy-episode-hush-was-a-masterpiece-2014-7|title=Geek God Joss Whedon Faced An Epic Challenge in This Nearly Silent 'Buffy' Episode|first=Frank|last=Pallotta|date=July 28, 2014|website=Business Insider|access-date=May 6, 2015|archive-date=July 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728183809/http://www.businessinsider.com/buffy-episode-hush-was-a-masterpiece-2014-7|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 2006
|rowspan=3| [[Eisner Awards]]
| Best Continuing Series
| ''[[Astonishing X-Men]]''
| {{won}}
|<ref name="eisner x-men">{{cite web|url=http://www.comic-con.org/awards/2000s|title=2006 Eisner Awards (for works published in 2005)|date=December 2, 2012 |publisher=Comic-Con International: San Diego|access-date=July 12, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006153947/http://www.comic-con.org/awards/2000s|archive-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan=2| 2008
| Best New Series
| ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight]]''
| {{won}}
|<ref name="eisner sugarshock">{{cite web|url=http://www.comic-con.org/awards/2000s|title=2008 Eisner Awards (for works published in 2007)|date=December 2, 2012 |publisher=Comic-Con International: San Diego|access-date=July 12, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006153947/http://www.comic-con.org/awards/2000s|archive-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref>
|-
| Best Digital Comic/Webcomic
| ''[[Sugarshock!]]''
| {{won}}
|<ref name="eisner sugarshock"/>
|-
|rowspan=2| 2009
| [[Bradbury Award]]
| Outstanding Dramatic Presentation
| {{N/A}}
| {{won}}
|<ref name="bradbury" />
|-
| Emmy Awards
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series|Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program]]
| ''[[Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog]]''
| {{won}}
|<ref name="emmy blog">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/whedon-wins-emmy-dr-horrible-brusimm-25472/|title=Whedon Wins An Emmy For Dr. Horrible|first=Bruce|last=Simmons|year=2009|website=Screen Rant|access-date=May 6, 2015|archive-date=September 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923152401/http://screenrant.com/whedon-wins-emmy-dr-horrible-brusimm-25472|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan=3| 2013
|rowspan=2| [[Saturn Awards]]
| [[Saturn Award for Best Writing|Best Writing]]
| ''[[The Cabin in the Woods]]''
| {{nom}}
|<ref name="saturn cabin">{{cite web|url=http://sciencefiction.com/2013/06/27/joss-whedon-and-the-avengers-win-big-at-the-saturn-awards/|title=Joss Whedon And 'The Avengers' Win Big at the Saturn Awards|first=Janice|last=Kay|date=June 28, 2013 |publisher=ScienceFiction.com|access-date=May 6, 2015|archive-date=June 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630233330/http://sciencefiction.com/2013/06/27/joss-whedon-and-the-avengers-win-big-at-the-saturn-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[Saturn Award for Best Director|Best Director (Saturn)]]
|rowspan=2| ''[[The Avengers (2012 film)|The Avengers]]''
| {{won}}
|<ref name="saturn avengers">{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/awards/saturn-award-winners-1200501950/|title=Saturn Awards: 'Avengers', 'Breaking Bad' lead sci-fi-fantasy-horror pack|first=David S.|last=Cohen|date=June 26, 2013|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=May 6, 2015|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413080304/http://variety.com/2013/film/awards/saturn-award-winners-1200501950/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[Empire Awards]]
| [[Empire Award for Best Director|Best Director (Empire)]]
| {{nom}}
|<ref name="empire avengers">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/9951855/Empire-Awards-2013-Skyfall-and-the-Hobbit-big-winners.html|title=Empire Awards 2013: Skyfall and the Hobbit big winners|first=James|last=Lachno|date=March 25, 2013|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=May 6, 2015|archive-date=March 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328103641/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/9951855/Empire-Awards-2013-Skyfall-and-the-Hobbit-big-winners.html|url-status=live|location=London}}</ref>
|}

==Notes==
{{refbegin}}
# {{note|1}}His first name was changed to "Joss" once he broke into the writing industry.<ref name="born as jhw" />
# {{note|2}}Sandollar Productions acquired the television rights to the 1992 film, and in the mid-1990s, executive [[Gail Berman]] approached Whedon to adapt it as a series based on the success of ''[[Clueless (TV series)|Clueless]]''.<ref name="sandollar berman">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/tv-legends-revealed-was-dolly-parton-a-producer-on-buffy-the-vampire-slayer/|title=TV Legends Revealed|first=Brian|last=Cronin|date=July 31, 2013|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|access-date=June 10, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802105813/http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2013/07/31/tv-legends-revealed-was-dolly-parton-a-producer-on-buffy-the-vampire-slayer/|url-status=live}}</ref>
# {{note|3}}In the Battle of Serenity Valley, the Independents were defeated by [[Alliance (Firefly)|The Alliance]], an authoritarian regime.<ref name="San Francisco Chronicle">{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/When-Fox-canceled-Firefly-it-ignited-an-2628890.php|title=When Fox canceled 'Firefly', it ignited an Internet fan base whose burning desire for more led to 'Serenity'|first=Neva|last=Chonin|date=June 8, 2005|work=San Francisco Chronicle|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=October 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018195843/http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/When-Fox-canceled-Firefly-it-ignited-an-2628890.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="COWBOYS & INDIANS">{{cite web|url=http://www.cowboysindians.com/Cowboys-Indians/July-2011/Sci-Fi-Westerns/|title=Sci-Fi Westerns|first=Steven|last=Phelps|date=July 2011|publisher=cowboysindians.com|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=May 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511131217/http://www.cowboysindians.com/Cowboys-Indians/July-2011/Sci-Fi-Westerns/|url-status=live}}</ref>
# {{note|4}}Whedon confirmed in April 2015 that it was indeed his screenplay being considered.<ref name="suspension confirmed">{{cite web|url=http://www.filmdivider.com/9931/joss-whedon-on-his-possible-liam-neeson-action-film-suspension/ |title=Joss Whedon on his possible Liam Neeson action film, Suspension |first=Charles |last=Madison |date=April 27, 2015 |publisher=Film Divider |access-date=May 26, 2015 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526191654/http://www.filmdivider.com/9931/joss-whedon-on-his-possible-liam-neeson-action-film-suspension/ |archive-date=May 26, 2015}}</ref>
{{refend}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
<!-- Currently in ascending chronological order. -->
* Havens, Candace (2003). ''Joss Whedon: The Genius behind'' Buffy. BenBella Books. {{ISBN|1-932100-00-8}}.
* Davidson, Joy, and Wilson, Leah, eds. (2007). ''The Psychology of Joss Whedon: An Unauthorized Exploration of Buffy, Angel, and Firefly''. BenBella Books. {{ISBN|1-933771-25-9}}.
* Koontz, K. Dale (2008). ''Faith and Choice in the Works of Joss Whedon''. McFarland. {{ISBN|978-0-7864-3476-3}}.
* Comeford, AmiJo and Burnett, Tamy (2010). ''The Literary Angel: Essays on Influences and Traditions Reflected in the Joss Whedon Series''. McFarland. {{ISBN|978-0-7864-4661-2}}.
* Waggoner, Erin B. (2010). ''Sexual Rhetoric in the Works of Joss Whedon: New Essays''. McFarland. {{ISBN|978-0-7864-4750-3}}.
* [[Jane Espenson|Espenson, Jane]] and Wilson, Leah, eds. (2010). ''Inside Joss' ''Dollhouse'': Completely Unauthorized, from Alpha to Rossum''. Smart Pop. {{ISBN|978-1-935251-98-9}}.
* [[Kendra Preston Leonard|Leonard, Kendra Preston]], ed. (2010). ''Buffy, Ballads, and Bad Guys Who Sing: Music in the Worlds of Joss Whedon''. Scarecrow Press. {{ISBN|978-0-8108-6945-5}}.
* Pascale, Amy (2014). ''Joss Whedon: The Biography''. Chicago Review Press. {{ISBN|978-1-61374-104-7}}.
* Macnaughtan, Don (2018). ''The Whedonverse Catalog: A Complete Guide to Works in All Media''. McFarland. {{ISBN|978-1-4766-7059-1}}.

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|0923736|Joss Whedon}}
* {{Commons-inline}}
* {{Wikiquote-inline}}
* {{Twitter|joss|Joss Whedon}}

{{s-start}}
{{succession box | title=''[[Astonishing X-Men]]'' writer| before=[[Howard Mackie]]| after=[[Warren Ellis]]| years=2004–2008}}
{{succession box | title=''[[Runaways (comics)|Runaways]]'' writer| before=[[Brian K. Vaughan]]| after=[[Terry Moore (cartoonist)|Terry Moore]]| years=2007–2008}}
{{s-end}}

{{Joss Whedon}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Awards for Joss Whedon
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{{Annie Award for Writing in a Feature Production}}
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{{Saturn Award for Best Director}}
}}
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