HBO Orders The Nevers, New Science-Fiction Epic from Joss Whedon

HBO has ordered a new series from Joss Whedon, the prolific mind behind Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, The Avengers and—who knew?—Toy Story. Whedon will act as writer, director and executive producer on the new show, titled The Nevers.

The series marks a return to TV for Whedon, who’s been busy with movies in the last few years, most notably the first two installments in the Avengers franchise. As Deadline points out, HBO fought a bidding war to land The Nevers, just as the network did to nab JJ Abrams’ Demimonde. Both series are anticipated to be sprawling sci-fi epics designed to fill the hole Game of Thrones will leave behind following its final season.

The Nevers will follow “a gang of Victorian women who find themselves with unusual abilities, relentless enemies and a mission that might change the world.” Bust out the chaise lounges, because we’re faint with excitement just reading that, whether we’re corseted or not.

Whedon praised HBO for providing him with a platform for the “most ambitious narrative [he’s] created,” stating, “It’s been too long since I created an entirely new fictional world, and the HBO team offer not just scope and experience, not just ‘prestige,’ but a passionate collaboration.”

The new series comes after Whedon’s decision to leave Warner Bros.’ forthcoming Batgirl movie. Stay tuned for future updates on The Nevers.