We won’t see another “Avengers” for three years but it looks like ABC's spin-off TV pilot is already close to shooting.
Ming-Na Wen of “ER” (Deb Chen!) and “Joy Luck Club” fame will play Melinda “The Cavalry” May in Joss Whedon’s “SHIELD,” the ABC pilot set in the same universe as the movies’ “Iron Man,” “Captain America,” “Thor,” and “The Incredible Hulk.”
May is described as a quiet, damaged vet and an expert with aircraft and weapons.
The character's original name was Althea Rice. Perhaps that name didn't fit as well after an Asian was hired to fill the role?
Ming-Na is the first actor cast as a regular in the proposed series aside from Clark Gregg, who reprises his "Iron Man"/"Thor"/"Avengers" movie role as Agent Phil Coulson.
"Avengers" writer-director Joss Whedon ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel," "Firefly," "Dollhouse") co-wrote the pilot and is said to be likely to direct it as well.
Find all of Deadline’s exclusive on the matter here.
