Despite the fact that Marvel's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' won't formally premiere its pilot until September 24, we can't help looking to the future for a sign of things to come and all the latest production details from upcoming episodes. Today, new photos have emerged from the set in Sweden, featuring a cadre of villains with something inescapably familiar about their lifeless faces...

The photos in question seem to highlight the unusual sight of dozens of businessmen wearing lifeless red masks as they stream through the streets of Stockholm, each brandishing briefcases handcuffed to their wrists. A coincidental fashion choice perhaps, but worth noting is that the stone-faced maroon masks bear an awfully strong resemblance to comic 'Avenger' The Vision, who has yet to make any kind of formal appearance within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, even as many once suspected Agent Coulson to be resurrected as the character.

While we await the September 24 premiere, we know that Marvel’s ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ features a cast that includes Clark Gregg as a resurrected Phil Coulson, Ming-Na as badass Melinda May, Brett Dalton as Grant Ward, Iain de Caestecker and Elizabeth Henstridge as Leo Fitz and Gemma Simmons, and Chloe Bennet as hacker Skye. ‘Ghost Whisperer’ vet David Conrad and ‘Luck‘ star Ian Hart have been added for recurring parts, though details remain light on their scientist roles, while Cobie Smulders is confirmed to return as Maria Hill for the pilot at least.

Samuel L. Jackson previously stated that he expected to be involved with the show in some small capacity, while Tom Hiddleston and Sam Rockwell are game to reprise their Marvel Cinematic Universe roles of Loki and Justin Hammer, respectively, something we’ve analyzed the likelihood of in depth.

You can check out the photos through the link below, said to be taken from shooting on the fourth episode, but what say you? Do the red-faced men signal a deeper connection to the Marvel universe, or simply new villains of the week? What Marvel characters would you like to see reinvented for Marvel's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'? Watch the latest preview below, and give us your thoughts in the comments!

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