We're finally going to learn what that thing was that transported Simmons to another planet on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. However, one of the most mysterious things about the second episode of Season 3 has less to do with the big questions and all to do with two very epic sounding character names who will be making guest appearances. Who are Lord Thornally and Lord Manzini on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.? They will be played by Alex Hyde-White and Daniel J. Wolfe, respectively. Those two silly names aren't the only royals to be gracing the screen in Tuesday's episode. They will be joined by a third "younger lord" played by Piers Stubbs. All three are English actors, so what's the deal with these Lords?
Since these characters are not familiar to Marvel comics, their identity will remain a mystery until Tuesday's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. premieres. While the noble titles would suggest it, I don't think we're ready to be introduced to the Inhuman Royal Family just yet. Are they members of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom that have similar governmental duties as Rosalind Price's Advanced Threat Containment Unit? Besides that, here are some guesses as to where Thornally and Manzini will show up in this universe.
Friendly Asgardians
According to the official ABC press release for the episode "Purpose in the Machine," the land of Thor will be essential on the road to answers. "Fitz and the team enlist the aid of an Asgardian to unlock the secrets of the ancient monolith that swallowed Simmons." That particular person is Professor Elliot Randolph, who we met in Season 1, but what if he is joined by some friends? Lords and Ladies frequent this environment, and Lady Sif has appeared on S.H.I.E.L.D. twice, so I wouldn't be surprised if there was an Asgardian connection.
Hydra Leaders
Thanks to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Shrek, and the Sith, I was raised to be suspicious of anyone with the title "Lord," so it seems fair to me that these folks are evil. We know that Hydra is not strapped for cash, so Manzini and Thornally could be on Ward's side.
May's New Friends
Perhaps Melinda May and her husband have taken up with some eccentric rich British people. Spencer Treat Clark, a new Whedon favorite from Much Ado About Nothing, will be playing a character named Alexander who looks like a rich kid villain from a John Hughes movie. Could she be bumming around with royalty? Melinda was completely absent from the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 3 premiere, so whatever she's up to is sure to be exciting.
Images: Kelsey McNeal/ABC (2); Giphy (2)
