"Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' is set for its return to television as two female stars will be joining the cast of the hit ABC show.

Lucy Lawless, star of 'Xena: Warrior Princess' and 'Battlestar Galactica', has signed on for Season 2 of the show. Though details on Lawless' character or the number of episodes she'll be in have not been disclosed, it has been previously reported that S.H.I.E.L.D. has been looking to fill the recurring role of Mary Maloney, described as a highly skilled agent who can command any room. Fans are speculating that this could be the role that was given to Lawless.

Meanwhile, another familiar face will be returning to the show. It has been confirmed that Colbie Smulders will be reprising her role as Agent Maria Hill. Smulders appeared as Agent Hill in the pilot episode and in episode 20 of the drama's first season.

The last time that viewers saw Agent Hill, she was still working for Tony Stark and being followed by the U.S. government. She was instrumental in helping the team to take down Hydra, but it is unclear whether she will permanently join Coulson's team, given that she's content working for Stark.

It is reported that Hill might be helping Coulson deal with his new position as director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Executive Producer Maurissa Tancharoen hints that Coulson will be needing all the help he can get since "as a director, he'll be faced with some tough decisions, harder decisions than he had to make as an agent," said Tancharoen to TV Guide.

"Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' will premiere its second season on Sept. 23 at 9pm on ABC.