Kevin Feige responds to rumors that the Agents of SHIELD will return to the MCU with a characteristically coy answer. Well before WandaVision kicked off a new age of Marvel television shows, Agents of SHIELD offered the chance to expand the MCU on a greater level. The series premiered on ABC in the fall of 2013 and followed resurrected fan favorite Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) as he led a new team of SHIELD agents in the aftermath of The Avengers. Due to some initial plot constraints, Agents of SHIELD got off to a slow start that alienated some viewers.

Over time, however, Agents of SHIELD cemented itself as one of Marvel's most underrated projects. The series gradually moved away from connecting to the greater MCU, and in doing so, it found the freedom to become its own thing. With seasons focusing on Inhumans, Life Model Decoys, and time travel, Agents of SHIELD proved its innovation time and time again. It came to an end last year after season 7, and ever since, rumors have persisted that the characters could return to the MCU in some form.

Related: Agents of SHIELD Season 7 Ending Explained (& What Happens Next)

As part of Disney+'s Television Critics Association panel, MCU boss Kevin Feige answered a slew of questions about the franchise's TV plans. When asked to comment on the rumors that certain Agents of SHIELD characters are gearing up for an MCU return, he gave a predictably sly answer (via Eric Goldman). "There are often rumors that are true and there are often rumors that are not," Feige said. "It was great fun to have Clark Gregg come back to the MCU in Captain Marvel… Everything else, we’ll just have to see."

Agents of SHIELD Season 7 Team

More often than not, the rumors that make their way around the internet prove to be false. Agents of SHIELD's Chloe Bennet recently debunked a report that said she would be back, and it was hardly the first time a story like that had popped up. Now, this does not mean the Agents of SHIELD won't ever make it back to the MCU. In fact, one could argue Feige's comments indicate something is indeed in the works. However, as nothing has been confirmed yet, it's better to err on the side of caution and assume it isn't happening at all. It's more likely Feige merely wishes to keep his options open for future creative opportunities.

One thing is clear though: Fans would love to see characters from Agents of SHIELD return to the MCU, and the powers that be (Feige) could make it happen if they wanted. Coulson is always a top contender, since he already has ties to the movie side of things. Additionally, Bennet's Daisy Johnson is powerful superhero in her own right who could fit in alongside the Avengers. Some fans will likely always hold out hope for an Agents of SHIELD return, but as Feige said, we'll have to wait and see.

More: Agents of SHIELD: Every MCU Movie Character Who Appeared

Source: Eric Goldman/Twitter

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