HANKS ON TV: MING-NA WEN ON THE BIG CHANGES FOR ‘AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.’

After several months off the air, “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is back on the air, much to the delight of fans who have been watching the original Marvel cinematic universe-connected show for over four years now.

Fan favorite Ming-Na Wen has redefined the term badass for almost 100 episodes in the role of Agent May. May, as we know, was out of commission, replaced by an LMD for a good part of last season and served Hydra inside the “Framework,” so this season sees her back to form.

I started off my recent conversation with Wen at Heroes & Villains Fan Fest Atlanta asking her about last season:

Wen: It was really tough playing Agent May as Hydra, because it goes against everything she knows, but ultimately, once the LMD realized what she was, the consciousness of Agent May still won out in the end. But it is nice to just be Agent May, less confusing for me!

Q: The new season sees the agents stranded in space. What was your reaction upon learning about that new setting?

Wen: I was a little nervous about that, like are we jumping the shark here? But it really tied in well with the cinematic universe, with outer space galaxies, aliens and the Kree, and we’re bringing that into our world too.

Q: At conventions like this one, you hear from fans who see Agent May as a role model. What’s that been like to hear?

Wen: I love that what I do translates into empowering the people who watch the show. That’s one of the perks of my job.

Q: Over the years, there has been a “will-they-or-won’t-they” vibe between Coulson and May. Any thoughts on that?

Wen: Well, they’re always together, it’s just a matter of if they’re together romantically. I think that’s the big question. It was a nice tease last season with the LMD kissing Coulson.

Q: You have been part of the world of Marvel for over four years (and have made no secret of the fact that you want to be in a “Star Wars” movie). What’s it been like inhabiting this world?

Wen: I’m a nerd and a geek girl! I was president of my science fiction club in high school. For this to be a part of the middle part of my life after having kids and everything, it’s so great to still be able to live as someone who’s young at heart.

Q: Can we expect some great special effects moments in the new season?

Wen: Our effects team is like another character and a cool component of our show, and what he can do with the small budget that we have… he’s just an incredible artist in creating something out of nothing.

Q: Fans have seen a lot of behind-the-scenes footage of the cast joking and having fun on set over the years. What’s it like to work with a cast that gets along so well?

Wen: It makes you enjoy going to work at 4:00 in the morning and I’m very grateful that we have such a wonderful ensemble.