Joss Whedon’s S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series is naturally one of the most highly anticipated programmes currently in development, with ABC recently ordering a pilot, marking the first Marvel live-action TV programme cut from the same cloth as their Marvel Cinematic Universe.

We recently heard the brilliant news that Agent Clouson himself, Clark Gregg, will be reprising his role from the films in the new series, as the first cast member announced – and what an announcement that was.

And now Deadline have confirmed that Ming-Na, best known for her work as Chen in E.R., is to star alongside Gregg:

“Ming-Na will play Agent Melinda May. Soulful and slightly damaged by her combat experiences, Melinda is an ace pilot, a weapons expert and a soldier who can — and has — gone beyond the call of duty. The character was originally listed on the pilot’s casting breakdown as Agent Althea Rice, aka The Cavalry.”

Whedon is writing the pilot himself, penning the script alongside his brother Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, and is expected to direct the pilot if his schedule permits.

Whedon has said that the programme isn’t going to be directly related to the world of The Avengers, and the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and we can’t wait to see how it unfolds.

With Gregg’s involvement, there’s naturally going to be a lot of speculating in the months to come as to whether we’re set in a pre- or post-Avengers world.

Either way, S.H.I.E.L.D. has got so much potential, and Whedon’s return to the small screen couldn’t be more anticipated. With any luck, the road to the pilot will be smooth sailing, followed by a full series order from the studio, and hopefully many more seasons to come. More as we get it.