Marvel star Clark Gregg has discussed the idea of reprising his Agents of SHIELD's Phil Coulson sometime in the future.

The superhero show's seventh and final season finally arrives next week, with the actor having played the special agent for 12 years, cropping up in several MCU projects along the way.

But could he be back once again after the show ends?

agent phil coulson, marvel's agent of shield, season 4
ABC

Related: Marvel's Agents of SHIELD season 7 premiere first-look teases time travel disaster

When quizzed by Variety about the likeliness of Coulson's return following the final season, Clark replied: "This seems like a real good time to announce that… I really don't know. [Laughs] Sorry. That was a little bit of quarantine sadism. I don't know anything!

"It's hard for me to imagine a scenario where I'd say, 'No, I'm too busy to put on whatever the latest version of the suit is and go play Phil Coulson.'"

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He continued: "I'm always thrilled when I see them changing timelines and exposing a multiverse in the cinematic [universe]. Because I think, 'Well, I've seen scenarios where I could be around!' So I really learned with this character to never say never, but I'm also really grateful for the ride that we had."

After being murdered and then resurrected twice already, he's become more of an idea than an actual man – long may Coulson's reign continue.

Agents of SHIELD season 7 will premiere on May 27 on ABC in the US. Seasons 1-5 are available to watch on Disney+ now.

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Dan Seddon

Reporter, Digital Spy 

Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment. 

In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.