Former ‘ER’ star Ming-Na Wen (Eureka, Stargate Universe) has joined the cast of Joss Whedon’s television adaption of Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. for ABC.

The actress will play Agent Melinda May, an excellent pilot, weapons expert and solider described as “soulful but damaged” due to her time in combat. She is the second cast member hired. Clark Gregg (The New Adventures of Old Christine) will reprise his role as Agent Phil Coulson, seen in the blockbuster films Iron Man, Thor and Avengers.

ABC announced the development of S.H.I.E.L.D. in August, with Joss Wheden (Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse), brother Jed and sister-in-law Maurissa Tancharoen Whedon attached to write the pilot. The three will executive produce with Jeffrey Bell and Marvel TV’s Jeph Loeb.

Based on the comic series of the same name, the series focuses on the secret government organization tasked with protecting various nations and the earth from the likes of mad-men, terrorists and aliens and super-powered threats.

Did you know? Mina-Na starred on the CBS daytime soap opera As the World Turns from 1988-1991. She played Lien Hughes, daughter of attorney Tom Hughes. Thanks to TVSource reader @carlyandjack for the heads up!