Over the course of Agent Carter‘s first season, several major plot threads were introduced that tied directly into the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One of the series’ villains, played by Bridget Regan, was part of the Soviet Black Widow program that eventually gives way to a certain red-haired Avenger. On top of that, the familiar face of Toby Jones’ Arnim Zola – who’s appeared in both Captain America films – showed up in a post-credits stinger, hinting that we may see the origins of the Winter Soldier or discover how the Red Skull lackey helped HYDRA infiltrate and take over S.H.I.E.L.D.
While the 1940s-set series has plenty of time to play around with and expand upon these stories, Agent Carter will reportedly focus on new threats when it returns for its second season. According to the showrunners, the goal is to not simply use the show to connect some of the MCU dots, but to tell new stories that feature other Marvel Comics baddies:
“At this point, we’re telling a new story. People who are fans of the Marvel comic book universe will recognize our villain and there’s more than one villain. We’re certainly taking inspiration from the comic book universe, so anybody who knows that will be rewarded.”
Who those new villains are remain to be seen, though hopefully all will be revealed during San Diego Comic-Con this weekend.
Agent Carter does not have a return date yet, but its second season is expected to air late this year or in early 2016. Hayley Atwell will again play the titular soldier-turned-SSR agent, and she’ll once again be joined by James D’Arcy, Enver Gjokaj, Chad Michael Murray, Lyndsy Fonseca, Bridget Regan and Dominic Cooper.