This fall will see the first TV series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the form of "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." Marvel creative consultant Joss Whedon spoke with EW about the upcoming series and offered a few promises for the show, in particular about Agent Coulson's return.
"Well, it's a very interesting explanation... We're gonna earn it, that's not something you take lightly."
Whedon also confirmed that the series "stands alone" for any new viewers, offering them an entrance to the Marvel world.
"It's very important to me that the show stands on its own, that people who never saw any of the movies can tune in and enjoy it. We like being a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we like having all of the mythos to play off of. But if the show was "You just missed Tony Stark, wow, he was just here!" it would be the most unsatisfying show ever. We have a new ensemble, apart from Clark, it's all people I've never worked with before, but I'm really excited about them, I'm really proud of them and I think people are just going to want to see them every week."
When asked who actor J. August Richards is playing in the upcoming series, whom many believe to be the character "Rage," Whedon offered this:
"I'm not going to say who he's playing, but he's certainly cranky as you can tell from the trailer. It''s great, he came in to guest star and he tears it up. He's got that kind of energy, he's so much fun, and such a lovely guy."
S.O.U.R.C.E.