Yo-Yo, played by Natalia Cordova-Buckley, has been promoted to series regular for season 5 of the ABC series Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Based on the comic book character known as Slingshot, Elena “Yo-Yo” Rodriguez was introduced on the show in season 3 as a Columbian woman with Inhuman powers that allowed her to move at super speed before snapping back to her original position. Unable to speak English, Yo-Yo experienced difficulties interacting with S.H.I.E.L.D. but soon formed a close bond with Mack (Henry Simmons.) The character eventually joined Daisy’s team of Inhumans called the Secret Warriors.

Deadline reports that Cordova-Buckley will become a series regular in season 5 after two seasons of filling a recurring role. Exectutive producers Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen, and Jeffrey Bell praised the Mexican actor’s work on the show:

Yo-Yo appeared in five episodes of season 3 and received an expanded role in season 4 when the character started a romantic relationship with Mack and became more heavily involved in S.H.I.E.L.D. activities. At the beginning of the season, Yo-Yo was revealed to be secretly working with Daisy, who at the time was a fugitive from S.H.I.E.L.D. Yo-Yo was also a central character in the “Agents of Hydra” storyline. Yo-Yo watched over Daisy (Chloe Bennet) and Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) while the two went into the Framework to find the rest of the team. When Mack refused to leave, Yo-Yo went into the Framework to get him, but was unable to convince him to follow her out. It took the collapse of the Framework for Mack to finally return to the real world.

Natalia is a powerhouse in her work and in her daily life, and she has imbued one of our favorite characters with her natural strength and humor. Natalia was instantly a part of the S.H.I.E.L.D. family the first day she walked onto set, and we’re happy she’s now an official member of the S.H.I.E.L.D. team.

Yo-Yo’s continued involvement in the series was previously indicated by promotional artwork for season 5 that features the main cast and Yo-Yo. The character was also the star of the digital miniseries Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Slingshot. The six-episode series was nominated for an Emmy Award.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 5 begins airing on ABC after Inhumans finishes its season 1 run.

Source: Deadline