We've known for a few weeks now that "Avengers" director Joss Whedon is developing a live-action Marvel series for ABC, but only now do we have an answer on just what property got the green light from the network.  

ABC has just given word that Whedon will write a TV pilot for the comic "S.H.I.E.L.D." which will center on the espionage and law enforcement agency (Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistic Directorate)  led by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) in the cinematic universe. Whedon will write with his brother Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen (Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog), and will also direct the adaptation of the long-running comic created by Jack Kirby if his schedule allows it.

In the comics, S.H.I.E.L.D. revolves around unit director Nick Fury, who recruits Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk and Thor to form a team to stop Thor's adopted brother Loki. The organization first made its debut in Strange Tales #135, which was published in August 1965.

According to a statement released by Marvel Studios, "Joss Whedon has signed an exclusive deal with Marvel Studios for film and television through the end of June 2015. As part of that deal, Whedon will write and direct Marvel's 'The Avengers 2' as well as help develop a new live action series for Marvel Television at ABC. He will also contribute creatively to the next phase of Marvel's cinematic universe."

Whedon's double duties on the film and TV sides might be a hint that Marvel could be creating not only multiple movies but an even broader universe that also includes the small screen.

"S.H.I.E.L.D." marks a return to TV for Whedon, who's known for creating shows like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Firefly," and "Dollhouse." While his ratings track record is mixed, he has a proven knack for creating shows that inspire passionate followings. Tancharoen and Jed Whedon were writer-producers on "Dollhouse" as well as Starz's "Spartacus."

In addition to writing, Whedon, his brother, and Tancharoen will also executive produce with Jeffrey Bell and Marvel TV's Jeph Loeb. Story specifics have not been revealed, but fans have speculated that "S.H.I.E.L.D." could center on lesser-known or less super-powered Marvel characters. Production on the pilot is slated to begin immediately, so look for plot details and casting announcements to start circulating soon.

"S.H.I.E.L.D." isn't the only Marvel project Whedon has on his plate, of course - he's also set to direct "The Avengers 2" sequel due out in 2015. Nor is it the only attempt to bring the Marvel universe to television. Guillermo del Toro has long been working on a live-action version of "The Hulk," also set up at ABC, but the project is currently waiting on a writer. No word on how, or if, "S.H.I.E.L.D." affects that show's prospects.

"It wasn't going to be ready this season, but we hope it's going to be ready for next season," ABC entertainment president Paul Lee said in May.

It is not known if Samuel L. Jackson, who played Nick Fury on the big screen, or any of the other "Avengers" characters will appear in the pilot or series.

Any show to reach the air would be the first Marvel-oriented show since Blade, the short-lived vampire show that aired on Spike TV in 2006 and was a small-screen version of the New Line action horror movies.

According to Variety, Joss - who appeared at a discussion on "Sleepwalk with Me" at the Writers Guild Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday night - said the series would be mostly "autonomous" from the upcoming "Avengers" sequel.

Via Twitter: "Altho joss reserves right to pepper in bits here and there. His bro Jed and Maurissa T. will be showrunners, he'll just show up every now and then "and take credit for everything," Joss assures."

The filmmaker also reassured fans that the long-awaited sequel to his Internet sensation "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" was still in the cards, and wouldn't be affected by his exclusivity deal with Marvel. He said he hopes to get the follow-up into production very soon.