Joss Whedon will not direct the final two "Avengers" films. Disney is confirming that Joe and Anthony Russo will replace Whedon for "Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 and 2."

Both movies will be shot back-to-back in the same way "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" films were shot. The two films mark the third and fourth Marvel films for the Russo brothers, who have directed the critically-acclaimed "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and will direct the upcoming "Captain America: Civil War."

The news comes as no surprise as many had rumored that Whedon would step down as director after two "Avengers" films.

However, Marvel's plans will give Sony some issues with their upcoming movies "The Gray Man" and "Ghostbusters." The Russo brothers are currently attached to "The Gray Man" and were also in talks for "Ghostbusters." Sony may have to rethink their release dates or will have to hire new directors because the two Avengers movies will likely take up too much time in the Russo brothers' schedule.

The Russo brothers recently signed a three-year first-look feature deal with Sony Pictures that begins in April and that is why Sony had thought of the Russos for those two projects.

Marvel will start Phase 3 of The Avengers saga this year with "Ant-Man" and will continue with "Captain America: Civil War," which will include Sony's new Spider-Man character. The studio will also release "Guardians of the Galaxy 2" and will also launch "Captain Marvel" and a "Spider-Man" reboot with Sony and Marvel teaming up.

The sequel to the Avengers, "Avengers: Age of Ultron" will be released on May 1 and stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Spader, Paul Bettany, Hayley Atwell, Idris Elba, Samuel L. Jackson and Tom Hiddleston.

"Avengers: Infinity War Part 1" opens May 4, 2018 while "Avengers: Infinity War Part 2" on May 3, 2019.

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