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Who's the Boss? The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Cast Reveals Their Choice For Coulson's Replacement

Clark Gregg, Chloe Bennet, and more S.H.I.E.L.D. stars share who they think should be in charge when the ABC hit returns this fall

By Billy Nilles Jul 26, 2016 7:11 PMTags
Watch: Who's the New Director of "S.H.I.E.L.D."?

When Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. jumped ahead six months in the final moments of the season three finale, we were stunned to learn that fearless leader Phil Coulson was no longer Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Out in the field and partnered with Mack on the hunt for Daisy, Coulson was nothing more than one of the titular agents, meaning that someone else was at steering the ship. But who?

With a good chunk of time left before the identity of the new Director is revealed when S.H.I.E.L.D. returns for season four, E! News sat down with the cast of the series at San Diego Comic-Con 2016 to find out who they'd like to see in control—and one name came more than once: Jemma Simmons.

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First to nominate the character was the woman who brings her to life week after week. "I'm still thinking it's me at this point," Elizabeth Henstridge told us. "I'd like to see her in charge. She'd wear a crown, I think, and a big stick."

Her co-stars Chloe Bennet and Henry Simmons were on hand to second and third that nomination in a separate interview. "Honestly, my vote's for Elizabeth," Bennet said, with Simmons adding, "I think she'd make a great director."

Why Jemma for the job? Allow Bennet to explain: "The accent, she could say mean things and really get the jab, but really nicely!" 

The Simmons for Director campaign didn't have unanimous support among the cast, however. Coulson himself, Clark Gregg, was vehemently against the idea—and his reason why just may surprise you. To hear his argument, and learn his choice for the position, you'll need to press play on the video above.

Do you think Simmons would make a good Director? Or do you have a different character in mind? Let us know in the comments below.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns for season four on Tuesday, September 20 at its new time, 10 p.m., on ABC.

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