'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' season 4 release date, cast & spoilers news: Lilli Birdsell joins cast; Ghost Rider confirmed to appear

Some interesting new characters are joining the upcoming "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." season 4 on ABC.

One of these is Lucy, a lovely but haunting woman, who will be portrayed by Lilli Birdsell ("Geek Charming") as a recurring role in the series. The character is described as one whose personality could be very violent owing to some events that have taken place. Robbie Reyes a.k.a. Ghost Rider will also be appearing in the next run of the show.

It is not clear whether the two characters have a connection, but Birdsell's casting comes on the heels of the announcement that the popular comic book character, Ghost Rider, will be played by Gabriel Luna. The actress is widely known as Hannah in the AMC series "The Walking Dead." Luna, on the other hand, comes to "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." with notable starring credits in "Matador" and "Wicked City."

Ghost Rider has the power to wield hellfire, an ability gained from a deal with Mephisto in the realm of Marvel comics. He originally sported a motorcycle in his feats as a stuntman, but he will reportedly drive a classic black car reminiscent of a Dodge Charger in "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." season 4.

Jeph Loeb, the executive producer of the series, revealed to ComicBook.com that Ghost Rider will be towing along a family member, his brother Gabe, something which is a rare occurrence in the series. Besides that, viewers will also get a glimpse of his life at home.

Loeb said, "We picked Robbie, actually, because our show, at the end of day, is always about family."

He went on to explain that it is inevitable for Robbie/Ghost Rider to appear without Gabe because this relationship is pretty much tied up with his character and his home in East Los Angeles. Gabe has some developmental issues and is a paraplegic to boot.

Robbie is his brother's caregiver and being involved in street races is somehow the only way he can support his dependent. What Robbie earns from street racing using his powers pays for Gabe's needs and allows him to devote time with the latter.

Loeb also explained that the show's take on Ghost Rider may differ somewhat from the comic book series. However, the TV series will be "true to the character, where he comes from, his little brother," as he told Entertainment Weekly.

"Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." season 4 will premiere Sept. 20.