Joss Whedon to co-write and possibly direct ABC’s Marvel ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ pilot

Remember that Avengers-related live-action show that ABC has be rumored with? Well today, ABC ordered a pilot for S.H.I.E.L.D., written by The Avengers director Joss Whedon, his brother Jed Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen. Whedon might also direct the pilot if his schedule permits.

Marvel and ABC are tight-lipped about details on the show, but it obviously follows the peace-keeping organization that has been seen in Thor, Captain America, Iron Man and Iron Man 2, as well as in The Avengers. Notable members of S.H.I.E.L.D. are its director Nick Fury, Black Widow and Hawkeye (who are part of The Avengers), and the deceased Agent Coulson. S.H.I.E.L.D. stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforecement and Logistics Division.

This marks a return to television for Whedon, who was the creative mind behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly and Dollhouse. This is a good month for Whedon, who was signed on to direct The Avengers 2 earlier this month by Disney CEO Bob Iger.

While production for S.H.I.E.L.D. will start immediately, it isn't the only Marvel-related show in the works for ABC, as a Hulk series is currently in development.

I'm a huge fan of Whedon, and I'm excited to see what comes of this show. I don't expect to see any of the big actors from the movie in the show, but I think Whedon is going to be able to create something unique that will definitely help ABC in the network rankings. This should could be a globe-trotting action adventure with spy elements and extraordinary scenarios. Let's just hope it fares better than The Cape.

What do you think of this announcement? Any thoughts on what S.H.I.E.L.D. will be like?

You can follow Movies and Culture Editor Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ

[Source: Deadline]