Joss Whedon is Preparing a New SHIELD and Marvel Comics TV Show: It Will Be Epic, Especially if They Include These Characters

While promoting his new movie “Much Ado about Nothing,” The Avengers director Joss Whedon announced that he is hard at work on a TV show based on the mysterious S.H.I.E.L.D. agency featured prominently in both the Iron Man and Avengers films. When asked how far along the production was, Whedon responded enthusiastically, saying “Very far. We have a framework. We’ve already pitched it to the network with a full framework, a full cast.”

S.H.I.E.L.D. can best be described as a mash-up of James Bond’s MI6 and the Treadstone agency from the Jason Bourne movies. Chances are, this series will run high on intrigue, secrecy and conspiracies. The series is said to take place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though apparently superheroes will make only sparse appearances. Whedon indicates that the focus of the series will be S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s non-super-powered agents.

As a life-long Marvel comics fan, this is exciting news. DC comics, Marvel’s main competition, has had successful TV series (Lois and Clark, Smallville). This may be Marvel’s big chance to create interest in its products with those who might not crack one of their comics or even go to a theater to see one of their films.

What is more, this is a great opportunity for Marvel to showcase characters that might not otherwise be seen in live action. There is a wealth of diverse and interesting storylines featuring S.H.I.E.L.D. that writers can draw upon as well as a number of characters that would translate well to the small screen.  Here are some characters I am hyped to see on the small screen.

Sharon Carter

Carter is the classic secret agent, able to clear a room Jason Bourne-style if you get in her way. A sometimes love interest/partner of Captain America himself, Carter would be a great character to put on the show simply because she makes Sydney Bristow ( Alias) look like a wuss.

Dum Dum Dugan

Dugan had a small part in the Captain America movie, and was ably portrayed by Neal McDonough. A rabble rousing fighter, he can dish it out and take it.

Jessica Drew, Spider-Woman

OK, I know what you’re thinking: she’s just a female Spider-Man. Not so! Imagine taking a secret agent, giving her Spider-Man’s powers, and then training her in multiple martial arts disciplines, interrogation techniques, espionage and counter terrorism. Factor in a mysterious past that plagues her, and you’ve got a character that can be fleshed out for seasons to come.

I have to confess that I am a long time Spider-Woman fan and am crossing my fingers and toes that she’s included in the cast.

Whatever form the show takes, I am totally stoked about this. Keep your eyes peeled for further updates.