Marvel Studio’s recent casting has come to a close with actress Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother) selected to portray Maria Hill in The Avengers.

Maria Hill’s place in The Avengers? She’s the executive director of SHIELD; and in the film she will be Nick Fury’s (Samuel L. Jackson) right-hand woman. Coupled with a fighting prowess, Hill is an apt negotiator.

Cobie Smulders’ role involves a nine-picture option, so it’s clear that Maria Hill will be in other Marvel films.

The Avengers directed by Joss Whedon begins shooting in late April.

(Heat Vision)