Now that Marvel's The Avengers has taken the summer box office by storm, network television, which once toyed with Avengers writer and director Joss Whedon's projects, is hoping to get in on the action. ABC just ordered a pilot for a live-action series produced by Whedon and based on the superhero coalition, called S.H.I.E.L.D., short for either Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate or Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division — whichever version you choose to adhere to.

The pilot, written by Whedon, 48, with frequent collaborators Jed Whedon, 38, and Maurissa Tancharoen, 36, will take place in the Avengers world, reports Deadline, and will start production immediately. If Whedon's schedule permits, he is also reportedly on board to serve as director on the project.

Whedon was once the cult king of often-underrated television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly and Dollhouse. Jed and Tancharoen have worked with Whedon before on the cult-celebrated Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, starring Neil Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion, and Dollhouse with Eliza Dushku.

S.H.I.E.L.D., which will follow the adventures of Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson in The Avengers film, is reportedly not the only Avengers-inspired production in development at ABC Studios. Rumors are flying about a new Hulk series in the works, as well.

For more like this:

'The Avengers' Releases Alternate Beginning

REVIEW: The Avengers

Scarlett Johansson Shows Off Black Widow Bruise From 'The Avengers' Stunts

Scarlett Johansson's 'Avengers' Diet Helped Her Fit Into Black Widow Costume

Scarlett Johansson Faces Black Widow Wardrobe Malfunction

SPOILERS: 'The Avengers' Secret Scene Will Eat Your Lunch

SPOILERS: 'The Avengers' Villains, Plot Twists Revealed

VIDEO: 'The Avengers' Rally In New Trailer

'The Avengers' Shoot On Location In New York

Marvel Talks 'Incredible Hulk' Movie In Light of 'Avengers' Success

Captain America Sequel Release Date Two Years After 'The Avengers'

EXCLUSIVE: Joss Whedon 'Never Lost Faith' In 'Cabin In The Woods'

EXCLUSIVE: Joss Whedon And Amy Acker

Leave a comment

Read more about: