Joss Whedon

Joss Whedon created Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He’s writing and will direct Wonder Woman. Now his focus has turned to another power female: Kitty Pryde of Marvel’s Astonishing X-Men comic books.

Teamed with artist John Cassaday, Whedon has written 18 issues for earlier arcs of the mutant series, which features Wolverine, Colossus, Cyclops and Beast. The first issue of the final arc, to include six issues and a double-sized finale, is out Dec. 27.

Kitty, who can pass through solid objects, was an early influence on Whedon, who grew up reading X-Men comics. He says her arrival "was huge. There were no young, female, relatable protagonists."

Whedon says he took the assignment because he loves comic books. And the work is freeing. "You can blow up the world and all sorts of fun things, which is a little harder to do on a TV budget," he says.

Whedon won’t predict a release date for Wonder Woman. He also plans to direct Goners, a supernatural thriller he wrote.