Joss Whedon, “Much Ado About Nothing” Director, on Passion Projects, “S.H.I.E.L.D.” Hype, and “Guardians of the Galaxy”

Joss Whedon is a pleased guy.

And no wonder: After the mega-success of “The Avengers,” he now holds the title of superstar director, and his new (much, much smaller) passion project, “Much Ado About Nothing,” is getting bounty of like at the box office.

On June 7, the same day that “Much Ado” was released in a small number…