Cyborg character Deathlok to make first live-action appearance on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

After the recent announcement that Lady Sif would be making an appearance on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. it appears that the show is once again making a bid for the crossover appeal by adding yet another key player from the comics world; Deathlok. A fan favorite character since the ’70’s, the cyborg warrior created by Rich Buckler and Doug Moench has appeared in numerous comics, from Captain America, Avengers, Fantastic Four, and a host of limited and full-run series. For Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Deathlok (aka Mike Peterson) will be played by J. August Richards.

Here’s the lowdown:

Transformed into the cybernetic solider against his will, Mike Peterson (J. August Richards) must struggle to find the man in the machine. With a high-tech eye that allows him to see through walls, super strength and increased speed courtesy of a cybernetic leg, will Deathlok fight alongside the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. or against them?
A classic Marvel Comics icon who is celebrating his 40th anniversary this year, Deathlok will be brought to live-action life for first time ever on the all-new episode of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” premiering Tuesday, February 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

“We have been waiting all season for this moment where we can reveal that Mike Peterson’s story arc is an origin story,” said Executive Producer Jeffrey Bell. “We’re thrilled to have J. August Richards playing Deathlok and to have our audience enjoy this favorite Marvel character on the show.”

“If you would have asked when I was nine-years old what I wanted to be, I would have said a super hero and I’m so excited to be one now as an adult on TV!” added J. August Richards. “It’s a dream come true.”

This move feels like a step in the right direction, especially with the complaints that there isn’t enough super-powered people in a show about a super-powered universe. I know the initial intent was to make a show about the “normal” people dealing with superheroes/villains, but that only gets you so far. Like CW’s Arrow, which has continued to up the ante in terms of comics-to-screen characters, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will need to follow suit if it wants to survive into a second season. Fortunately, they seem to be picking up on this and as a longtime fan of Deathlok, I look forward to seeing him come to life.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. featuring the first appearance of Deathlok will premiere on Tuesday, February 4th at 8:00 PM.