Disney Announces Upcoming Movie Releases: More Muppets, Avengers, and Pirates

The 'House the Mouse Built' has been very busy as of late. After purchasing the Star Wars franchise from George Lucas, rumors and speculation continue to run rampant on the internet about what is next from 'A Galaxy Far, Far Away.' The latest morsel isn't who's directing, but rather who isn't directing Episode 7.

Today the big news from Disney is the upcoming release dates of some high-profile movie titles and franchise sequels.

First off, everybody's favorite Frog returns to the big screen with 'Muppets 2.' Jason Segel, who helped script the first movie. will not return, but some strong casting is already in place, including; Tina Fey, Ricky Gervias and Ty Burrell from 'Modern Family. The only word is that James Bobin is Directing again and working on the Screenplay with Nicolas Stoller. 'Muppets 2' is currently the working title. Look for it in Theaters in March of 2014.

A bit more IS known about the follow-up to to man in the red, white & blue, Captain America. According to IMDB,

"Steve Rogers continues his affiliation with S.H.I.E.L.D while trying to fit into the modern world. He is also reunited with 'Bucky' Barnes, who is now a brainwashed Russian assassin known as the 'Winter Soldier.' 

Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson return for round two when 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' drops on April 4, 2014 .

While we're on the subject of Avengers, look for Robert Downey, Jr to suit up again for Iron Man 3. This time Tony Stark will go up against his most powerful enemy yet: the Mandarin. This time around Shane Black will sit in the Director's chair, replacing Jon Favreau (Happy Hogan). Expect a very strong performance from Ben Kingsley as Mandarin. Look for Iron Man 3 on May 3 this year and in 3D.

The next Thor film follows the events set in motion in 'The Avengers.' It's a battle against a race known as Dark Elves and a vengeful Malekith, who threatedn to plunge the universe back into darkness. Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins return for 'Thor: The Dark World' November 8 this year.

After the three solo Marvel movies, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and the rest of S.H.I.E.L.D  team battle a new villian, Thanos in 'The Avengers 2.'. Joss Whedon (Buffy/Avengers) is back as Director for a second time. Avengers 2 will follow the events that will take place in the above three Marvel Movies. Here's a quick refresher on why the first Avengers movie was one of the biggest blockbusters of all-time.

One of my favorite parts of the Marvel Movie franchise is what happens after the movie ends. Let's hope they continue the tradition of showing us a little something extra, after the credits roll. Avengers 2 is slated for sometime in 2015. Memorial Day Weekend, maybe?

Finally, for those who just can't get enough of Cap'n Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp returns for a 5th installment of 'Pirates of the Caribbean.' By the time this movie comes out in 2015, Depp will have played the role for more than a decade.