Marvel’s ‘Agents of SHIELD’ Spinoff Cast: Expect Some Characters in New Series

Apr 23, 2015 07:54 PM EDT

The Marvel Cinematic Universe could get a little bigger as ABC and Marvel prepare to do a spinoff featuring popular characters from season two of "Agents of SHIELD."

In an exclusive report by Nellie Andreeva of Deadline, actors Adrianne Palicki and Nick Blood are finalizing the deals to be part of the offshoot. Palicki plays Barbara "Bobbi" Morse, popularly known as Mockingbird, while Blood depicts Lance Hunter; both characters have become fan favorites.

"Lance is a quick-witted mercenary sharpshooter, while Bobbi worked undercover in HYDRA laboratories," Andreeva wrote. "Giving the spinoff a 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' vibe, Lance and Bobbi are former husband and wife who have let sparks fly in a push-pull relationship on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

According to Andreeva, the spinoff would supposedly be set up by the events taking place in season two of "Agents of SHIELD." However, it remains unclear whether or not it would involve the secret plan by Bobbi and Mack, which was heavily teased when the show returned to television for its spring run.

"The offshoot was developed by S.H.I.E.L.D. executive producer Jeffrey Bell and co-executive producer Paul Zbyszewski, who are writing the script and would executive produce," Andreeva wrote.

Andreeva observed that ABC could potentially face a scheduling problem in placing a timeslot for Marvel's spinoff. That's because the network previously decided to place "Once Upon A Time" and "Once Upon A Time In Wonderland" on the schedule simultaneously, which the top brass at ABC claimed to have damaged the spinoff's chances.

"The setup of the spinoff would allow it to air concurrently with S.H.I.E.L.D.," Andreeva wrote. "Using the spinoff as a bridge between the fall and spring portions of S.H.I.E.L.D., which was the original plan for the two 'Once' series, would make more sense."

According to Andreeva, the spinoff would be one of two new Marvel series for ABC in the pipeline. It would also include a drama written by John Ridley that "may be centered on Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan)."

"ABC and Marvel also have midseason drama 'Agent Carter' in contention for next season," Andreeva wrote.

However, Andreeva speculated that ABC would not make a formal greenlight call until a script is submitted for the spinoff. Representatives for both actors, in addition to ABC and Marvel, have declined to comment.

"The spinoff may film a promo or do a pilot," Andreeva wrote. "If it goes to series, I hear Zbyszewski is expected to serve as showrunner."