The cast of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. shared their thoughts and theories with Hypable at New York PaleyFest!
Actors Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, and Chloe Bennet, and executive producer Jeph Loeb all popped into New York City to represent Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. at PaleyFest yesterday. The creative crew chatted with Hypable about the high-speed developments of the new season, and dropped a few hints about what fans can expect in the coming weeks.
Clark Gregg discussed the darker nature of the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season and Director Coulson himself.
“There’s definitely a different feel in season 2,” the actor mused, expressing an appreciation for the show’s new “noir”-ish tone. The attendant shadows also effect Coulson, who has had to pack up the sunnier attitude he had developed after returning from the dead.
“His job requires that the mission comes first,” Gregg said, “At the expense, potentially, of the lives of the people he holds dear.”
One of those people may be Chloe Bennet’s character, Skye, who teased interpersonal drama for the former hacktivist.
Bennet also spoke thoughtfully on the connections between her own life and Skye’s development.
“She’s changed so much since season 1,” Bennet said. “It’s been really, really fun playing her this season… it’s been really nice to grow as an actress along with the character,” and, she added, the cast has gelled as a family as well.
Bennet also admitted that she was still unaware of her character’s ultimate origins, though she said she hoped to be revealed as a character from the comics.
In addition, the ageless Ming-Na Wen spoke enthusiastically about her work in the fourth episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which required her to carry the show in more than one arena.
The actress also touched on her role as a mother figure of the group, and how Agent May balances out Coulson’s new, tougher exterior.
“She’s really taken on Coulson’s old role, because Coulson’s taken on Fury’s as director,” Ming-Na said. “I really believe that in season 2, she is taking it much more seriously, because that’s the only way to rebuild S.H.I.E.L.D.”
When asked to describe upcoming developments, the actress smiled. “A lot more surprises,” she said.
Meanwhile, executive producer Jeph Loeb discussed Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. shift following the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
“It really did sort of allow us to tell stories that had a different feel to them, and really keep up the urgency and momentum that we started with last season, and carry it into this season,” he said.
Loeb also touched on the changes in S.H.I.E.L.D. in season 2. As Coulson decides what the nature of his organization will be, he teased, “the audience gets to find out ‘What is S.H.I.E.L.D. going to become?'”
And the executive producer also left a hint about Tuesday night’s episode, featuring Adrianne Palicki as Bobbi Morse. “After… you find out a little bit more about Bobbi Morse,” he said, “I think everybody will be delighted.”
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 2, episode 5, “A Hen in the Wolf House,” will air on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 9:00 p.m. on ABC.