Joss Whedon's much-talked-about take on "Much Ado About Nothing" has been picked up for North American distribution by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions, the companies announced Tuesday, September 12 in Toronto, TheWrap said.

Whedon's black-and-white, modern-day adaptation of the classic Shakespeare comedy premiered Saturday at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Whedon, creator of "Firefly," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel," directed this summer's blockbuster hit "The Avengers." In contrast to that big-budget endeavor, Whedon shot "Much Ado" in less than two weeks at his home in Santa Monica.

The film features a cast of former Whedon collaborators, including "Castle" star Nathan Fillion ("Serenity," "Firefly," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") as Dogberry, Alexis Denisof ("Dollhouse") and Amy Acker ("Dollhouse," Angel") as the sparring couple Beatrice and Benedick, and Fran Kranz ("Dolhouse") and newcomer Jillian Morgese and as lovers Claudio and Hero.

Whedon produced and co-wrote last year's horror thriller "The Cabin in the Woods" for Lionsgate.