Joss Whedon has already etched himself into geek folklore with his work on the spectacular movie version of The Avengers and the über popular TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, however the movie-maker is so much more than a fanboy's best friend as he looks to prove in his re-telling of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.

The filmaker sat down for a chat with the The Daily Beast along with the film's star Clark Gregg to talk Much Ado About Nothing, with the chummy pair discussing the unusual filming method adopted by Joss for the film, working with some of his long-time regulars (like Clark) and how his life has changed since The Avengers, making his latest film's back-to-basics approach all the more enjoyable.

The whole film was shot at Joss' own home, with the Toy Story screenplay writer enlisting the help of his friends and former co-workers for the black and white film. He said, "So I had this party and was like: "Hi, how are you doing? What are you doing for, say, the next three weeks?" I had to get all my ducks in a row before going forward."

On working with his long-time partners, the director said; "Amy (Acker) and Alexis (Denisov) were the first two reasons I made this happen. They read it at the house and they were delightful... These stories are dealing with the same kind of romantically cynical idea that everything we do in love is a manipulation. That, to me, became really interesting. And finally, it's all filmed at my house which really helped with location budget."

He went on to say, about about how his life has changed recently; "I've always found it a little baffling. The biggest difference in my life now is having a sense of ease and trust. When I laid down the second Avengers movie there were certain things people were unsure about but they told me to go for it which is something you have to earn."

For those unfamiliar with the play, it is a tale of love and betrayal (it is a Shakespeare play after all) and chronicles two pairs of lovers; Benedick and Beatrice (Alexis Denisof and Amy Acker) and Claudio and Hero (Fran Kranz and Jillian Morgese), following the main pair as their true feelings become clear to one another and they fall madly in love whilst trying to set up Claudio and Hero in marriage, attempts that are hampered by the sinister Don John (Reed Diamond). Clarke plays Leonato.

The film hits cinemas June 14.

Watch the trailer for Much Ado About Nothing

Joss whedon Critics Choice
Joss Whedon has moved away from comics for a while

Clark Gregg Disney
Clark Gregg plays Leonato