AceShowbiz - Director Shawn Levy, hot off the heels of his work on "Deadpool & Wolverine", could be staying within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to direct the highly anticipated fifth "Avengers" film. According to multiple sources, Marvel Studios is in early discussions with Levy about taking on the project, but no final decisions have been made yet.

Levy, known for his acclaimed works such as "Night at the Museum", "Real Steel", and "The Adam Project", is currently busy with a packed schedule. He is set to direct two episodes of the final season of Netflix's "Stranger Things" and is also developing a "Star Wars" movie for Lucasfilm.

This tight schedule initially caused Levy to turn down Marvel's offer in mid-March. However, Marvel has since adjusted the film's timeline, opening the door for further negotiations.

"The Avengers" film, originally titled "Avengers: Kang Dynasty", recently underwent a significant rebranding after parting ways with actor Jonathan Majors, who was slated to play the villain Kang the Conqueror. The departure of previous director Destin Daniel Cretton, known for "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings", further intensified speculation about Levy's potential role.

If Levy accepts, he will be working with a script penned by "Loki" creator Michael Waldron. The film is expected to feature an ensemble cast of over 60 MCU characters, including Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, and Benedict Cumberbatch. This enormous lineup suggests a shift towards more collaborative storytelling, rather than focusing on a few lead characters.

Levy's imminent project, "Deadpool & Wolverine", slated for release on July 26, will be the MCU's first R-rated film and represents the official entry of Fox's "X-Men" universe into the MCU. This movie will see Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman reprising their iconic roles, a highly anticipated reunion for fans.

Marvel Studios aims to start shooting the next Avengers movie by 2025, with an anticipated release date of May 1, 2026, followed by "Avengers: Secret Wars" on May 7, 2027. Young Marvel fans eagerly await to see if Shawn Levy will indeed helm the next chapter of the Avengers saga, promising a thrilling continuation of the beloved superhero franchise.