Ming-Na Wen Joins Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D.

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Clark Gregg’s Agent Coulson is a wonderful part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and knowing he’ll be back in Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. has been a glimmer of hope for the Marvel TV and ABC TV Studios pilot. It’s the first live action television series based on a Marvel property to hit a major network since the Bill Bixby version of The Incredible Hulk, so it’s going to need all the help it can get if it wants to succeed past the pilot stage. Thankfully, all that pressure won’t fall on Gregg’s shoulders now that the first new character has been cast. Any guesses who was cast and who they will be playing?

According to Deadline, ER alum Ming-Na Wen was hired to star alongside Gregg as Agent Melinda May, a soulful woman who has been slightly damaged by her combat experiences. She’s an ace pilot, weapons expert, and one hell of a soldier, going well beyond the call of duty when it’s needed. If you’re looking at the original casting breakdown for the pilot and wondering why this Melinda May character isn’t listed, don’t worry too much about it. The character was originally named Althea Rice aka The Calvary, but obviously a change was made, though I couldn’t even begin to explain why. I just don’t know and it really doesn’t matter. She’s Melinda May now and that’s quite okay with me.

Joss Whedon, the director of Marvel’s The Avengers, will direct the pilot and he will co-write it with his brother Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen. The three will be executive producers along with Jeffrey Bell and Marvel TV’s Jeph Loeb. I’m excited to see who else will end up as part of the cast of what will most likely be a big move for Marvel and it’s many properties. If S.H.I.E.L.D. is successful, it could pave the way for many more live-action TV series that tie into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.