You may have already heard the exciting news out of New York Comic-Con, but Marvel’s head of television, Jeph Loeb announced today that Clark Gregg will reprise his role as Agent Phil Coulson in the S.H.I.E.L.D. series. We don’t know much about how he’ll fit into the plot, other than Gregg will appear in the pilot at least. Those of you who have seen The Avengers know the fate of Coulson’s character, so it will be interesting to see how he’s featured in the television show. Hit the jump for more regarding Gregg’s addition to the S.H.I.E.L.D. series.

The Avengers director and Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. series’ executive producer, Joss Whedon, and Marvel’s Kevin Feige were quoted as follows (via We Got This Covered):

“We all love Clark Gregg, there’s no doubt about that,” Whedon said. “From before we made ‘The Avengers,’ we discussed whether there was a way for him to be a part of the Marvel Universe, perhaps a part of a TV show even after his death. … The fact of the matter is, as much as we love him, now that I’m really running Marvel, I like to keep a type of artistic integrity, which means we don’t stretch the bounds of reality.” Kevin Feige said, “There was never going to be a ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ show without Agent Phil Coulson!” “He’s headlining the S.H.I.E.L.D. show and always was,” said Whedon.

Whedon will also co-write the pilot to Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. with Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen. Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. will be executive produced by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen, Jeffrey Bell and Jeph Loeb. Check out the following interview with Gregg that took place after the Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. announcement (via Marvel):