Things are gearing up on the planned S.H.I.E.L.D TV series. A couple of weeks ago we learned that Clark Gregg would return to the Marvel Universe for at least the pilot episode, playing Agent Coulson. Now he’s got some company, as Deadline reports that Ming-Na has signed on to star as Agent Melinda May in the superhero series.
In character breakdowns that were revealed last month, May was known as Agent Althea Rice a.k.a. The Calvary, although it’s not clear why the name has been changed. She is as a pilot, weapons expert, and soldier who often goes far above and beyond the call of duty. She is soft-spoken and slightly damaged from her experiences in combat.
Ming-Na is best known for starring in ER and Stargate Universe, and had an important arc in Eureka. She also voiced the character of Mulan in Disney’s film.
Joss Whedon is writing the pilot script for S.H.I.E.L.D. with Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen. He will likely direct the first episode, if his schedule permits.