Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD put Will Coulson’s fate in doubt in season 5, but it seems that grizzly outcome may stick as long as this show continues.
Clark Gregg’s Phil Coulson has been part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since its incarnation, appearing in Iron Man 2 as a member of SHIELD. That followed in 2012’s The Avengers and the subsequent Agents of SHIELD on ABC.
In The Avengers, Coulson died, but was revived for the series premiere of SHIELD. However, his life hung in the balance in season 5, only to seemingly suffer by the finale, which protected itself as the potential end for the series. ABC picked it up for season 6.
Revivals are hardly uncommon in the superhero television world, but it apparently won’t apply for Coulson twice. His Agents of SHIELD co-star, Chloe Bennett, spoke to TV Line on how her character, Daisy Johnson, will cope with the leader of SHIELD’s death, apparently confirming his departure if there was any doubt:
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"“In my mind, she has a bit more of a peace to her,” said Bennet. “There is obviously the mourning of Coulson, but she’s also been through it all and she is genuinely stronger from it. She is not dealing with things as she has in the past. She has fully accepted her trauma and is moving forward in the most healthy way, for the first time.”"
Maybe it’s just a cover to prevent spoilers for season 6, but all shows move on at some point. SHIELD could have set this up with or without a renewal, allowing the program to refresh and find new energy with fresh faces leading.
However, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is changing all around Agents of SHIELD. Avengers: Endgame will close Phase Three, potentially killing more fan-favorite characters and introducing new blood for the anticipated Phase Four. That may mean Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow and other MCU characters live on, disappear or perish after Apr. 26.
Technically, Coulson isn’t done with the MCU. He’ll appear in Captain Marvel, set for Mar. 7, but it’s a prequel that’s years before the events of SHIELD, so fans still have one last go-around with him.
Coulson may no longer lead, but Agents of SHIELD moves forward in July 2019.