ABC orders "S.H.I.E.L.D." pilot from Joss Whedon

(CBS News) Joss Whedon might be making a return to television.

ABC has ordered a pilot from "The Avengers" writer/director titled "S.H.I.E.L.D." that focuses on the Marvel law enforcement agency of the same name, according to multiple reports.

Pictures: "The Avengers" premiere

Deadline reports that Whedon will co-write the pilot with his brother Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen. He will also reportedly direct the pilot, if his schedule permits.

Production on the project, which Whedon will also executive produce, will begin immediately, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

S.H.I.E.L.D (which stands for Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate or Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division) makes appearances in the Marvel comics and films, including "The Avengers."

Earlier this month, it was announced that Whedon would write and direct "The Avengers" sequel, and that he also signed a deal to help develop a Marvel-based TV series for ABC.

Whedon previously served as showrunner on the cult hits "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel," "Firefly" and "Dollhouse." His "Avengers" sequel is scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 1, 2015.