As previously reported (here), part of Joss Whedon’s new three year deal over at Marvel Studios will see him develop their first foray into episodic live-action television.

Details at the time were pretty non-existent, other than it would indeed be set within the existing movieverse of THE AVENGERS et al. Now ABC have today committed to the pilot however, we have a better idea of what to expect…

* The title has been confirmed as S.H.I.E.L.D., and will (obviously) revolve around the secret agency headed up by Nick Fury in the movies. Though Samuel L. Jackson has yet to be mentioned as appearing, it’s likely he’ll be popping up now and again. As for Vic Mackey… doubtful.

* Whedon will produce the project, and will likely write & direct the pilot, but main showrunning duties will be handed to Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharoen. The sickeningly talented ace duo have worked with Joss on numerous projects in the past including DOLLHOUSE and DR. HORRIBLE’S SING-ALONG BLOG. ANGEL cohort Jeffrey Bell and award-winning film/TV/comic-book writer Jeph Loeb will also act as executive producers. That’s a powerhouse producing team right there.

* The show will be “autonomous” to his AVENGERS sequel, claims Whedon, allowing it to stand-alone. Since there isn’t a single Marvel Studios movie yet that managed to do that, we find it hard to believe they’ll be able to resist the urge to cross-over from time to time.

* This will be awesome. Fact.

And that’s your lot for now.  But with production to start pretty much immediately, expect plenty more developments to roll in very soon…

Source: Deadline; Variety

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