Tony DiMaio/startraksphoto.com; Mike Marsland/WireImageJoss Whedon's S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot continues to build a top-notch team.
Actors Elizabeth Henstridge and Iain De Caestecker have been cast in the Marvel TV adaptation, E! News has confirmed.
The ABC pilot, which marks geek god (and Avengers director) Whedon's highly anticipated return to the small screen, follows the exploits of the peacekeeping organization S.H.I.E.L.D, which has popped up in such Marvel Comics' titles as Iron Man and Captain America. (S.H.I.E.L.D., for the uninitiated, stands for Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistic Directorate. Try saying that five times fast.)
Up and coming actress Henstridge will fill the role of science whiz Agent Gemma Simmons, with Scottish actor De Caestecker portraying tech expert Agent Leo Fitz. The pair join a promising cast that also includes ER vet Ming-Na, who'll play weapons expert Agent Melinda May, and Clark Gregg, who'll reprise his role as Agent Phil Coulson from The Avengers films.
The celebrated writer-producer-director, who previously brought us Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, will co-write the pilot along with his brother Jed Whedon and Jed's wife, Maurissa Tancharoen. S.H.I.E.L.D. marks a creative reunion for the trio, who previously collaborated on the Emmy-winning web series Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.
Henstridge previously starred in the CW pilot Shelter, which was executive produced by two other Hollywood heavyweights, J.J. Abrams and Mark Schwahn, while De Caestecker is best known for his leading roles in two BBC series, The Fades and Young James Harriot.