The studio announced earlier in August that Joss Whedon, who wrote and directed the first film, would return for the sequel.

The original film shattered the record for best domestic opening ever, bowing to $207 billion in May. It has gone on to make $1.4 billion worldwide, behind only “Avatar” and “Titanic” on the all-time list of moneymakers.

The film marked the end of “Phase One” for Marvel, which started with the first “Iron Man” film and continued with release of “Thor” and “Captain America.”

The third “Iron Man” film will bow next summer, followed by a sequel to “Thor” Nov. 8, 2013 and the next “Captain America” film in April 4, 2014.

Marvel has also announced that “Galaxy of the Guardians,” chronicling a lesser-known team of superheroes, will debut Aug. 1, 2014.