Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has once again killed off another major character -- or did they? The show's midseason finale ended with a twist as S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Coulson (Clark Gregg) finally killed former agent Grant Ward (Brett Dalton) by brutally crushing his ribcage using his bionic hand in front of S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Leo Fitz (Iain De Caestecker).
That seemed like the end of Ward, the inhuman monster known only by the name of "It" abandoned its disguise as astronaut Will Daniels (Dillon Case). Much like he did with Daniels, "It" took over Ward's lifeless body, bringing him back to life. Through Ward's body, "It" was able to cross the portal and begin tracking Hydra boss Gideon Malick (Powers Boothe).
Speaking to Variety, Dalton opened up about his character's "bittersweet" transformation. The actor admitted, "That version of Ward is no longer. I don't know if we want to call him I-Ward or Ward 2.0, but that version of Ward is no longer. And I was a little sad, but at the same time, I also knew that I was still on the show!"
Dalton added that he was glad he got the "opportunity to play another character... even though he looks like me and talks like me and still has the memories, it's a different entity. So it's very exciting, actually. I'm very lucky to have a part on a show that is so successful and a part that changes so often and has such a cool story arc."
The actor also assured the show's fans that answers to questions about Ward's new identity will be answered in the second half of the season. He also revealed that Coulson's act of revenge will have powerful repercussions on the S.H.I.E.L.D. team.
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is slated to return to ABC on Tuesday, March 8 at 9 PM.
