ABC orders Joss Whedon-helmed S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot

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Joss Whedon found himself a happy home with this spring's blockbuster Avengers flick.

Whedon, an ascribed fan of superheroes and comics, was likely just pleased he got to play in his favorite sandbox.

Now ABC has made Whedon even happier, Deadline Hollywood reported Tuesday, ordering a television pilot for a live-action series set in the Avengers universe.

The series will be called S.H.I.E.L.D., which fans will recognize as the secret law enforcement agency (Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate and later the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division) from its integral role throughout the Marvel Comics universe. Much of The Avengers, both written and directed by Whedon, centered around S.H.I.E.L.D.'s recruitment of the team that lent the film its name.

Whedon, Deadline reports, will write the series with frequent collaborators Jed Whedon, his brother, and Maurissa Tancharoen, and will direct the pilot.

Disney, which distributed The Avengers, began discussions for a related series with Marvel after the film's release in April, and last month announced a deal with Whedon to direct the film's sequel as well as help develop the TV show.

Whedon became a recipient of cult fanaticism with his work on previous, primarily science fiction, hits such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly and the web miniseries Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. The Avengers 2 is expected out in 2015.