Agent Coulson’s much anticipated small-screen debut has officially been picked up for UK television, after Channel 4 announced this morning that they will broadcast Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. this coming autumn. With little over a month away until the pilot episode, it’s been confirmed that the spin-off show will be aired on the British broadcaster soon after its initial launch on ABC in North America.
Speaking about today’s news, the company’s chief creative officer Jay Hunt spoke of his delight at acquiring Marvel’s live-action show:
“Like the Super Hero universe from which it has come, Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD is big, bold and absolutely exhilarating. Featuring the production values you’d expect from Marvel and ABC Studios, this is family entertainment at its most exciting.”
Channel 4’s acquisition comes after what has now been described as a “heated bidding war,” one which saw the network overcome two other UK-based broadcasters to seal the deal. Mind you, having acquired the rights for other flagship US shows such as Homeland, Channel 4 have a good track record with running episodes of series immediately after their US debut. Let’s just hope that continues for Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Featuring a small group from the titular worldwide organisation, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will focus on the human dynamic within Marvel’s cinematic universe. At this time, we understand that Maria Hill and back-from-the-dead Phil Coulson, played by Cobie Smulders and Clark Gregg, respectively, will play an instrumental role in the show’s story arc. Picking up the superhero pieces from The Avengers in 2012, the studio’s first live-action TV show will be penned by fan favourite Joss Whedon – who will also produce and direct the ambitious project.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is set to premiere on ABC in the States on Tuesday, September 24, and while a UK release date hasn’t been set, one would imagine Channel 4 will broadcast the pilot episode hot on the heels of its US unveiling.
What do you think, though? If you’re a fan of the show in the UK, are you surprised by Channel 4 getting a hold of Marvel’s intelligent agency? Give us your thoughts below.
