The panel started off with Make-A-Wish recipient Jonah (the coolest fan ever) asking if we would see characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the series. Creator and Director, Whedon replied: "We may and may also see some characters from the books, but the most important characters are the ones we see in the show every week."
Clark Gregg (who plays fan favorite Agent Coulson) got choked up when asked how it feels to return as Coulson after his death in Marvel's The Avengers . "I never thought anything would top Coulson's death," Gregg said. "Then I met Lola." (No spoilers here, tune into the premiere to meet Lola yourself. Gregg credits fans for propelling Coulson to Avengers status and helping the character return for the series.
Another fan then asked if we could see a clip. "We've got some trouble with Marvel legal in showing a clip," Whedon deadpanned to the shocked crowd. "So we'll show you the pilot instead."
Upon promise of no video recording, tweeting, or spoiling, the lights dimmed and the audience was treated to an exclusive screening of the pilot. The enthusiastic audience cheered, applauded, and gave the screening a standing ovation at the end. "Because we work with Marvel, everything is so secret," noted producer Maurissa Tancharoen when the panel returned to the stage. "It was amazing to hear you guys respond."
I would never dream of spoiling this amazing pilot for the fans: you have to see it. Period. I will say that Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is a perfect blend of Marvel's epic action sequences and Joss Whedon's trademark witty banter, peppered with many Marvel Universe references and wrapped in a very human and moving story with timely social implications, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.LD. is sure to be the breakaway hit of the fall television season.