‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ TV Series Will Be Scripted and Possibly Directed by Joss Whedon

ABC has given the official greenlight to the 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' television series produced by Marvel Studios and Disney, but that's not exactly surprising. The real news is that 'Avengers' director Joss Whedon will script the project, and might also direct the pilot episode.

According to Deadline, ABC has given the go-ahead to 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' with Joss Whedon, his brother Jed Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen scripting the series. Joss Whedon may also direct the pilot, if his very busy schedule (someone has to make that 'Avengers' sequel, you know) allows.

S.H.I.E.L.D. is the agency featured in both the Marvel comics and this year's superhero hit 'The Avengers,' in which agency director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) recruited Iron Man, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Thor, and Captain America to save the world from Thor's villainous brother, Loki.

No word yet on how the series will function as a tie-in to 'The Avengers' or if any of the film's stars will make guest appearances.

This is Joss Whedon's first return to television since 'Dollhouse,' the short-lived series starring Eliza Dushku, which was cancelled by Fox (of course). Whedon is also the creator of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' the spinoff 'Angel,' and 'Firefly.' While we're thrilled with Whedon's big screen success, we're even more excited for his long-overdue return to the small screen.