Any fan of Joss Whedon knows that the man is known for working with many of the same actors in different projects. Now with The Avengers director working on a new S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot for ABC, and with recently released casting calls, many fans have been speculating on what actors Whedon might use for his new project.

1) Skye

The first on the list, and the only character that doesn’t have an “Agent” in front of her name, is described as fun, caring and confident. So far she sounds like one of the many strong female roles that Whedon is famous for creating. The first face that jumps to my mind is Eliza Dushku’s (BtVS, Angel, Dollhouse). Dushku is a diverse actress, as seen in Dollhouse, and I can definitely see her working with S.H.I.E.L.D. Other Whedon girls that would be perfect in the role include Amy Acker and Summer Glau.

2) Agent Grant Ward

The man who appears to be the leader of this band of characters seems like the type who is emotionally detached, highly trained and experienced. Reading the summary of this character, I could only think of Cpt. Mal Reynolds, but as Nathan Fillion will be busy filming Castle he cannot fill the role. Besides Fillion, I believe that Dollhouse actor Tahmoh Penikett could take on the part.

3) Agent Althea Rice

Also known as “The Cavalry,” this hardcore operative can only be played by one actress in my opinion, and that actress is Gina Torres (Angel, Firefly). Any fan of Firefly will agree that Torres was amazing as Zoe and she would be amazing as Rice.

4) Agent Leo Fitz

This nerdy tech expert literally screams Fran Kranz (Dollhouse, Cabin, Much Ado) on all levels. I can see Kranz playing a Topher-like Fitz, but is the 31-year-old actor too old for the part? Besides Kranz, I can also see Tom Lenk as Leo.

5) Agent Jemma Simmons

A science expert and a best friend of Leo, Jemma could possibly be played by Felicia Day (BtVS, Dr. Horrible, Dollhouse). This actress is a self-proclaimed nerd, and I can see her and Kranz working very well together. As an alternative to Day, Summer Glau could also fit very nicely in this role.

Obviously I would love to see some new blood in this cast and anybody that Whedon picks to be in his show is good enough for me. What do you think about these speculations? And who else could you see take up these roles?