It was announced in August that Joss Whedon would be shepherding a television series for Marvel’s Cinematic Universe in the form of Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. at ABC. Since it was included in his exclusive deal with Marvel Studios, we knew it would be before production began on Marvel’s The Avengers 2 and it’s coming much sooner than that. Marc Graser of Variety tweeted that the pilot for the series will begin filming in January. Could they be hoping to have it picked up for fall of 2013?

Two weeks ago saw the announcement that actress Ming-Na Wen has been added to the cast and would be playing Agent Melinda May. She joined Clark Gregg, who will be reprising his role as Agent Phil Coulson in the series.

Joss Whedon will direct the pilot and co-write it with his brother Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen.