After Samuel L. Jackson revealed that he would have a new female sidekick in THE AVENGERS, speculation has heated up on what actress would about the unknown character. Deadline.com now reports that Cobie Smulders (TV's HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER) is close to inking a deal to play S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill. The character in the comics was the interim executive director of S.H.I.E.L.D., who would do about anything to get superheroes to do what she wants.

The other actresses up for the role are Morena Baccarin (TV's V and FIREFLY), Jessica Lucas (CLOVERFIELD) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD).

Smulders would join Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Chris Evans (Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow). Joss Whedon is directing.