With DC's Justice League of America on the fast track to filmdom, it's only natural for comics fans to wonder if -- or when -- Marvel might bring its own supergroup of costumed crimefighters to the screen. We're talking about the Avengers, of course -- and they could be closer to theaters than you might think.

Like the Justice League, the Avengers have utilized a fluctuating roster of heroes during the group's existence, but it seems altogether likely that any film spinoff would feature the title's handful of mainstays, including Captain America, Thor, the Hulk, and Iron Man. And speaking of Iron Man, guess who might want to direct an Avengers movie?

If you guessed "Iron Man director Jon Favreau," give yourself a gold star -- as MTV Movies reports, he's already expressing an interest in the gig. And what's more, both he and Marvel are committed to doing it with the actors involved in each of the heroes' separate film franchises. Read on:

"I wonder if the tone of 'The Incredible Hulk' is going to be similar or different than ['Iron Man']," Favreau questioned. "And 'Captain America' is a twinkle in Marvel's eye right now. And 'Thor' and 'Ant Man.'

"[But] in the case of Marvel, they're pretty clear on wanting to do it with the actors who've established the roles or to not do it at all. That's what they've said to me," he continued. "I think it's a good idea if you use the characters established in the other franchises that then come together for an event. I don't think they would do it like they're doing 'Justice League,' where it's a whole different set of actors and a whole different take on the world."

If Favreau's right -- and he does wind up making an Avengers film -- this would not only provide a marked contrast to Warner Bros.' JLA movie, but would also make for one incredible (and incredibly expensive) cast. (Between the two of them, this year's Iron Man and Hulk movies boast the involvement of Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, William Hurt, and Tim Roth.) The budget would inevitably be mind-boggling, but could the final product justify the expense?

Source: MTV Movies