Last week Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. introduced Jason O’Mara’s new Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., a character “whose Marvel roots go back to the 1940s.”
In the episode itself, it was revealed that O’Mara’s character was called Jeffrey, which immediately sparked speculation that he could be Jeffrey Mace, a.k.a. Patriot – and that has now officially been confirmed by the show’s executive producers.
“We are excited to have the Patriot joining our show, a character who has existed in Marvel Comics for 70 years,” showrunners Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen told EW. “Jason O’Mara brings a perfect balance of charm, mystery, heroism and humor.”
Created by Ray Gill and George Mandel, Jeffrey Mace made his debut in 1941’s The Human Torch #4, and was a reporter who became inspired by Captain America and decided to become a superhero, battling Nazi saboteurs during World War II, and establishing the superhero team the Liberty Legion. A later retcon also had him assuming the mantle of Captain America during Steve Rogers time in the ice.
In the show, Mace is portrayed as an Inhuman who possesses super-strength and invulnerability.
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Originally published October 3, 2016. Updated April 16, 2018.
