A couple of weeks ago, when it was announced that, in addition to signing on for Avengers 2, Joss Whedon was going to be involved with the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe TV series, fans went crazy and speculation was rampant. The most logical assumption (and indeed the one we at The Nerd Signal subscribed to) was that the show, set to air on ABC, was going to focus on S.H.I.E.L.D. Today, thanks to Deadline, we know that’s exactly the case.
According to the site, ABC has ordered a pilot for the live-action series, appropriately-named S.H.I.E.L.D. While many (if not most) of us assumed that Joss’ involvement would be little more than an Executive Producer title and maybe a hand in writing the series’ bible, it appears he’ll be a little more hands-on. At least at first. Joss will be co-writing the pilot alongside his Dr. Horrible collaborators, Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, and will direct if his schedule allows it. And as production on S.H.I.E.L.D. is set to start immediately, there’s no real reason why he shouldn’t be able to squeeze it in before Avengers 2.
The series will executive produced by Joss and Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen, former Angel producer Jeffrey Bell and Jeph Loeb.
However, according to Variety’s Cynthia Litteton, Joss may take a step or three back once he’s done with the pilot.
[Whedon] said the storyline for the proposed series will be largely “autonomous” from the Avengers sequel feature that is also in the works.
She also said via Twitter that
altho joss reserves right to pepper in bits here and there. His bro Jed and Maurissa T. will be showrunners, he’ll just show up …
Every now and then “and take credit for everything,” Joss assures.
So, what’re the odds that they’ll be able to steal Cobie Smulders away from How I Met Your Mother every now and then to film a few scenes?
