Macau-born Ming-Na (aka MIng-Na Wen) is no stranger to television drama, having made her name in ER and more recently in Stargate Universe and Eureka. She is now the second cast member to be named for Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D. television series. She looks to be playing the role of Agent Melinda May (previously called Althea Rice in the character-listings - released a few weeks ago). That description referred to the character as '... soulful and slightly damaged by her combat experiences, Melinda is an ace pilot, a weapons expert and a soldier who can — and has — gone beyond the call of duty...'
The announcement follows the revelation that Clark Gregg will reprise the role of Agent Phil Coulson, for the show's pilot (and probably beyond). The series, to be screened initially on America's ABC network has not got an exact start date yet, but there is certainly a momentum behind one of next year's most-anticpated shows.