Joss Whedon Discusses The Return Of Agent Coulson In MARVEL'S S.H.I.E.L.D.
While he doesn't explain the specifics of how 'Agent Coulson' will make his return in Marvel and ABC's S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series, The Avengers director does comment on the decision to kill him off in the superhero ensemble and why he wants to bring him back.
It's fair to say that Joss Whedon has something of a reputation for killing off beloved characters. It was inevitable then that SOMEONE would have to meet their maker in The Avengers, and it ended up being fan favourite, 'Agent Coulson' (played by Clark Gregg). However, it may comes as something of a surprise to you then that it was in fact not Whedon's decision to end his life in the superhero ensemble. "Coulson’s death was mandated in the first meeting by Kevin Feige. I can’t say that enough times. Apparently I have some kind of reputation that we won’t discuss right now, but I do love to kill people." So, if Marvel Studios want him dead, why bring him back in the upcoming S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series? Well, the writer and director of that pilot was coy with his answer when asked at a recent Q&A event. "Clark himself said when we were shooting that it was obvious that it had to happen, otherwise all of this becomes irresponsible. There’s no toll or actual downside to this very bad idea of bringing all of these people together. As a film it’s just irresponsible. That’s why we’re bringing him back for a S.H.I.E.L.D. series." It's a little difficult to understand what he means from that last sentence (it could be down to the transcription as it may have been taken out of context), but Whedon clearly has bigger plans for the character and doesn't have an issue with bringing him back, regardless of whether it contradicts the significance of his death in the movie. Sound off with your thoughts on these comments in the usual place!