Marvel Studios has done a phenomenal job of creating an interconnected universe of TV shows and movies. However, there's still a fair amount of work that needs to be done to make everything completely cohesive. Although he initially began his life as the lynchpin of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Clark Gregg's Phil Coulson hasn't popped up outside of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D in quite some time. That being said, Gregg has high hopes for the MCU, and he recently opened up regarding the shows he wants Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D to cross over with next. He said:
Because it was one of my favorite comics as a teen, I would have said Daniel Rand--- Iron Fist --- but suddenly, there's a gigantic invisible force field barrier called 'Corporate'...Corporate Stuff. Unless, who knows, maybe we will develop a weapon that will break through that and get me over to Netflix for a minute. But if that barrier came down, then God knows I'd go talk to Luke Cage. At some point, I think it will start to cross more. Now that we're at 10 O'clock, we're heading in a darker direction, which means it will fit a little bit better with the other properties.
Clark Gregg's comments came from a recent appearance on The Nerd Machine, although no one is ever going to question Clark Gregg's credentials as a bona fide nerd. He has totally earned his place as one of us. The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D actor has come out and expressed his vehement desire to make his way over to Marvel's Netflix series -- particularly Iron Fist and Luke Cage. However, as much as he wants to see this happen, it's a decision that would have to come from the highest levels of Marvel's corporate offices, which represents a fairly substantial obstacle.
A few years ago, a jump like this would have definitely not been feasible for Marvel Studios, but Clark Gregg seems to think that his own ABC series has evolved enough to make it work. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D has become a considerably darker series than the lighthearted procedural that it once was, and as such Phil Coulson could potentially feel like a match for the grit and grime that Marvel's Netflix programs have become known for. Nothing's confirmed at this stage, but Gregg seems incredibly hopeful about the possibility.
Although those pesky corporate barriers continue to keep Phil Coulson away from the world of Netflix, we continue to keep our fingers firmly crossed that he may still one day make his way into the worlds of Iron Fist and Luke Cage. We will keep you up to date regarding all of the latest and greatest Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D details as they become available to us. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D will return to ABC on September 20; for more information concerning the fall TV schedule, make sure to check out our comprehensive fall premiere schedule.
