INTERVIEW: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Teases the Framework at WonderCon 2017

While the world of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has been turned upside down by the Framework, the cast and producers remain as lovely and Hydra-free as ever. As you prepare for the mind-blowing spring premiere of the show, check out the videos below for some interviews on what to expect.

One thing on fans’ minds since Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. last aired was how and why Ward appeared as Daisy’s boyfriend in the Framework. If he is redeemed in this fictional world, does it undercut his story as an antagonist on the show? “The thing we’re exploring in the Framework is what makes you you,” Executive Producer Jed Whedon explained. He directed the ‘What If…’, which fellow EP (and wife) Maurissa Tancharoen insists is the best episode so far. Brett Dalton (who plays Grant Ward himself) added that the episode tackles the question, “If you had another chance, would you wind up in about the same spot?”

In keeping with the question of redemption, Clark Gregg (who portrays Phil Coulson) reminded us that, “Everybody [in The Framework] has had something major stripped out of them, so all the rules are different. It doesn’t undercut the gutsy choice… to let Ward stay evil.” Despite that, Marvel Executive and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Producer Jeph Loeb assured the audience that “the consequences of what happens to the people that are in that world are going to carry on.”

As for Philinda, the ship that has yet to properly sail? Chloe Bennet (playing Inhuman agent Daisy Johnson) teased, “They’re just so mean, those Marvel people!” Even though Melinda and Phil have yet to interact in the Framework, Gregg hinted that “Whatever new relationship they spark up will just be an amazing treat for those who happen to tune in.”

Speaking of heartbreaking ships, Fitzsimmons are dead on arrival in the Framework too. Iain De Caestecker joked that his character Leopold Fitz “is a greedy asshole now, and they’re doomed forever.” In a more serious vein, he and Elizabeth Henstridge (who plays his coworker and girlfriend Jemma Simmons) agreed that the characters were in a very different place in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s new world order, and their actions in one don’t quite reflect their personalities in the other.

While the other Agents are living nightmare lives, Henry Simmons (who plays Mack) gets to play out more of a dream scenario in which his daughter is alive. The actor warned, however, that it would be more difficult for Mack to cope with the loss if he ever escaped the Framework. “Psychologically, emotionally, you have to pay a price.”

Meanwhile Natalia Cordova-Buckley’s Yo-yo has been tasked with being the lifeline out of the dream reality, but things don’t always go as planned. “You’re going to see a lot of anxiety in Yo-yo, and a lot of fear of losing them all,” the actress teased. Because her friends are all inside, the audience will see her start to get more active and learn skills she didn’t necessarily have before. Not to mention that “there’s a chance there’s a dream version of her [in the Framework].”

Jason O’Mara, who plays S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Jeffrey Mace, revealed that he will be the leader of the Inhuman Resistance in the Framework. He also teased the possibility of more action scenes for Mace and declared, “In maybe two or three episodes, you’ll understand the rules of the Framework and how that works.”

Finally, Mallory Jansen (who brilliantly portrays the evil LMD Aida) shared some hints along with producer Jeffrey Bell. Aida is now Madame Hydra in the Framework, and Bell gushes about her story thus far. “The slow evolution of Aida from a completely subservient android to a very smart woman who seems to be running things has been a very fun arc for us to write.” Not only has Aida flipped, but everyone on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is now playing another version of themselves, which promises to be an exciting treat for the fans.

Find out the rest of the story tonight, April 3, when Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns at 10/9c on ABC.

Photo Credit: Matt Wheeler