Marvel’s The Avengers pumped up Disney’s Q2 profit and the blockbuster’s box office sales (US$1.5 billion and counting) continue to buoy the company’s 2012 third quarter earnings, which rose 24% to US$1.8 billion.

In addition, growth from its theme parks, resorts and cruise ships, as well as domestic Disney Channels, ABC Family, and a US$342 million box office haul from Pixar’s Brave also helped drive profits up.

On the consumer products front, revenue increased 8% to US$742 million driven by a lower revenue share with the film studio and improved sales in Japan, while Disney interactive revenue fell 22% to US$196 million after an increase of 13% in Q2.

After John Carter drove studio entertainment revenues down last quarter, Disney’s 2012 Q3 studio entertainment revenue came in flat at US$1.6 billion, and its operating income increased mightily to US$313 million from US$49 million a year ago.

Things are looking up for the House of Mouse as CEO Robert Iger disclosed to analysts today that Marvel has secured a deal with The Avengers director/writer Joss Whedon to write and direct a sequel to the hit film.