Ming-Na Joins Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. Pilot

S.H.I.E.L.D. has a new recruit!

Ming-Na, best known for her roles on “ER” and voicing the title role in Disney’s “Mulan,” has reportedly been cast in the Joss Whedon’s upcoming ABC TV pilot, “S.H.I.E.L.D.,” about the secret government agency seen in “The Avengers.”

According to Deadline, the actress will play Agent Melinda May, an operative who is “soulful and slightly damaged by her combat experiences.” Her character is a skilled pilot, solider and skilled weapons expert.

Ming-Na joins previously announced cast member Clark Gregg, who played S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s Agent Coulson in “The Avengers,” “Iron Man, ” and “Thor.”

It is not yet known if Samuel L. Jackson, who played S.H.I.E.L.D. head honcho Nick Fury on the big screen, or any of the other Avengers characters or the actors who portray them on the big screen, will appear in the pilot or series – with the exception of Clark as Agent Coulson.

Production on the pilot has already begun.

— Jesse Spero