Agent Coulson’s fate in Marvel’s The Avengers was the emotional center of the movie. It was also a huge disappointment. The event certainly helped motivate the team to assemble and save the world, but it also meant we probably wouldn’t see Clark Gregg‘s fantastic character again.

Of course, that changed last year when Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed Gregg would reprise the role in the ABC pilot Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., co-written and directed by Joss Whedon. But exactly how was that going to work? Did Thor use some Asgardian magic? Did Tony Stark create a special arc reactor? Did Bruce Banner blast him with gamma radiation? None of the above. A source has revealed to /Film how Whedon and company plan to bring the character back for the ABC show and you can read it below.

The below information is, obviously, a major spoiler so only read if your curiosity is too much.

SPOILER ALERT

In the pilot, it’s revealed Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), the ultimate super spy, faked Agent Coulson’s death on purpose to motivate The Avengers. Some S.H.I.E.L.D. members were in on it (including, possibly, Maria Hill played by Cobie Smulders) but The Avengers were not. Their security clearance wasn’t high enough. Coulson was forced to hold his breath as part of the ruse and that’s a point of contention among his colleagues After the fact, Fury moved him to a remote location until things died down, and then he was reinserted into duty at the time of the show.

At this moment, several things are unclear about this explanation. First, it’s unclear how Loki piercing him with the scepter didn’t kill him. Also, it’s unclear if Coulson’s return to S.H.I.E.L.D. will be a reveal in the rest of Phase Two or exactly why he was reinstated. What is clear is this plot point is part of a larger story, with more details to be revealed in the show itself. Things may change but, for now, this is the basic story Marvel is going with.

What do you think? Is that a satisfying, believable idea?