The Hollywood Reporter has learned that the How I Met Your Mother star has worked out a deal with producer ABC Studios and Marvel Television to reprise her role as Agent Maria Hill from Whedon'sThe Avengers film in the drama.
Sources tell THR that Smulders is so far set for a one-off cameo role in the pilot because she's contractually committed to CBS' How I Met Your Mother, though the actress could return for another similar spot in the future.
The news is poised for a big reveal next week at Comic-Con International in San Diego, where ABC and Marvel will screen the pilot for SHIELD. The pilot was not included in the typical freshman series screeners sent to critics in May in an effort to keep the news under wraps. Whedon is slated to be joined by "surprise guests" during the Friday, July 19 panel set for Ballroom 20. It's unclear if Smulders, who will be at Comic-Con for How I Met Your Mother's panel the following day, will participate in the SHIELD session.
"I wanted very much to have Cobie in the pilot because as much as anyone else, she ISSHIELD. She's cool and commanding, and has the dry humor that plays so well with Clark's. Also, if she's in it I get to hang out with Cobie," Whedon said in a statement to THR.
