Joss Whedon's sure-to-be smash hit, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., took the Comic-Con stage surrounded by a lot of mystery.  Would the cast be present?  Would they show a clip from the highly-anticipated action-drama?  Those questions were quickly answered when executive producer, Jeph Loeb, greeted a jam-packed Ballroom 20 and introduced the panel, consisting of: Writers Jed Whedon and Maurissa Trancharoen, executive producer Jeffrey Bell, stars Elizabeth Henstridge, Ian De Caestecker, Chloe Bennet, Brett Dalton, Ming-Na Wen, fan-favorite Clark Gregg, and creator Joss Whedon. The surprises didn’t end there, as the audience was also treated to the world-premiere of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.  Hit the jump to read the highlights from the panel. agents-of-shield-clark-gregg After the introduction of the cast and creators, Loeb immediately opened the floor to fan questions. The session was fairly short — only three questions:
  • When asked if the audience would get a chance to see heroes and villains from the Marvel universe, Whedon said there was always the possibility, “Probably but I can’t say when because that would be spoiling it.” The show will definitely introduce new heroes that we’ve never seen before.
  • Loeb shut down the possibility of ever seeing Deadpool in the series, before surprising the audience by announcing that they would be premiering S.H.I.E.L.D.’s pilot.
Loeb was very adamant about not spoiling any of the content, and as a way for everyone to fully enjoy it in the fall, we'll be keeping details to a minimum.  Here's what we can tell you:
  • If you're expecting a show in which familiar superheroes make an appearance each week, this isn't it.  S.H.I.E.L.D. is clearly focused on the agents themselves — as it should be — and their quest to keep the world a safe place.
  • There are some shoutouts to Marvel superheroes in the form of toy figures and mentions by the characters.  There are also references that Marvel fans will surely pick up and enjoy.
  • The pilot does a great job in explaining how Agent Coulson survived his Avengers demise, and it makes perfect sense.
  • Not surprisingly, being a big budget production gives them the liberty to do so much more than other shows, in terms of technology.  Expect lots of neat gadgets and weapons — Tony Stark would have a field day.
  • Overall, it's a superb, smart and witty series with a lot of action and incredibly excellent execution.  It's a must-see for Marvel fans but it's also enjoyable and fun for anyone unfamiliar with the universe.
Before the conclusion of the panel, the cast and creators answered a few more questions before bidding goodbye.
  • Gregg was asked what it was like to put on the suit again; “I didn’t like being dead,” he replied. He’s happy that fans were the ones to bring him back.
  • Bennet, who plays the character of Skye talked about her audition process. She went to it six times and admitted to crying when she found out she had gotten the part.
  • As for what’s coming up for the series, the only thing Bell revealed was the extent of the budget. “We’re spending way too much money to make the following episode,” he concluded.
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