Agent Phil Coulson is a character in the saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was a former Director and now field commander of the second incarnation of S.H.I.E.L.D., first appearing in the 2008 Marvel film Iron Man and appearing in Iron Man 2 and Thor. He is featured prominently in the 2012 Marvel action film The Avengers, and also takes on a main role in the 2013 television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC.