ABC Buys 'Avengers'-Inspired 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' From Joss Whedon

by UInterviewAugust 30, 2012, 12:00 amNews >

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.

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