At last, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s predecessor is getting a staff.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed today that the upcoming ABC television series Agent Carter has cast two of the series' regular roles. Enver Gjokaj will play the role of Agent Daniel Sousa, while Chad Michael Murray will be Agent Jack Thompson. Both agents meet Hayley Atwell's character Peggy Carter when she accepts a position at the Strategic Scientific Reserve in New York City.
The article also provided a synopsis for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe series, which will consist of eight episodes that fill the gap between the first and second half of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s second season. Set in 1946, one year after the events of Captain America: The First Avenger, "peace has dealt Carter a serious blow as she finds herself marginalized when the men return home from fighting abroad. Working for the covert SSR, Peggy must balance doing administrative work and going on secret missions for Howard Stark all while trying to navigate life as a single woman in America, in the wake of losing the love of her life — Steve Rogers."
Best known as Victor/Anthony Ceccoli on the Joss & Jed Whedon series Dollhouse, Gjokaj has appeared in a number of geek-friendly shows, including Extant, The Walking Dead, Witches of East End, Person of Interest and Community. He also appeared in Joss Whedon's 2012 film The Avengers as a "young cop."
As for Murray, most will recognize him from his role of Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill and his recurring roles of Charlie Todd on Dawson's Creek and Tristin Dugray on Gilmore Girls. He's also appeared in a number of films including Fruitvale Station, A Madea Christmas and the 2005 remake of House of Wax.
Steve McFeely, Christopher Marcus and Marvel's Jeph Loeb will serve as executive producers. Captain America: The Winter Soldier directors Anthony and Joe Russo will direct episodes two and three of the series and Captain America: The First Avenger director Joe Johnson could follow with episode four.
Agent Carter doesn't have a specific premiere date, but is expected to begin sometime in January 2015 after Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. goes on winter hiatus.