Clark Gregg Says The Avengers Have Moved On From Phil Coulson

Few could have predicted that, after dying at the hands of Loki in Joss Whedon’s The Avengers, the cult following surrounding Clark Gregg’s beloved Agent Coulson would lead to him becoming a permanent fixture on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Having brought a wry humor to several Marvel films before his eventual demise in Whedon’s superhero ensemble, the demand for Coulson to make a triumphant return to the big screen is palpable, but unfortunately, it just doesn’t sound like that’ll ever happen. At least, not according to Gregg.

Speaking to CBR at a recent press event, the actor said that while he loves how “obsessed” fans are in regards to the character and his connection to the Avengers, he thinks that Earth’s Mightiest Heroes may be too busy for him now.

“It’s really touching to me how much the fans stay obsessed with the idea of when the Avengers are going to learn Coulson’s alive,” Gregg told reporters. “I don’t know, I find that so touching. I think the Avengers have moved on, they’re busy.”

Obviously, that isn’t what people want to hear, but the actor’s right. In recent years, there hasn’t been much crossover between Marvel’s films and TV shows and that doesn’t look like it’ll change in the near future. Each medium is on its own distinct path and we don’t imagine they’ll meet up anytime soon, if ever. After all, Iron Man, Cap and the rest of the gang have a certain Mad Titan to deal with.

Still, Phil Coulson is doing just fine without the help of the Avengers, as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. looks to have got its groove back this season, giving fans a wild ride that they seem to be responding well to. Granted, it’s still not the ratings juggernaut that Marvel no doubt hoped it would be, but things are looking brighter for the show than they have in the past and we’re certainly excited to see how both it, and the character of Phil Coulson continue to evolve from here.