Well true believers in one of the biggest announcements in comic book history, Marvel has struck a deal with upstart ‘network’ Netflix to produce four original series debuting in 2015 including Daredevil and Luke Cage…
By Trevor Dueck — Staff Writer
It looks like Netflix and Disney/Marvel are about to take their relationship to new heights. In a recent press release by Disney, Netflix will “be the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for first-run, live-action and animated movies from the Walt Disney Studios” starting in 2016. Right now you can watch Marvel’s The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger and Thor on the popular and budding network. But that is only the beginning nerds!
With this partnership comes four original series each about a different Marvel hero. The ones that were chosen were Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage, each of whom will be at the center of their own 13-episode series – this according to Netflix. It seems that this will be done and will eventually lead to “The Defenders” mini-series that will bring together all four characters. AWESOME!
If you are not familiar with these Marvel heroes, you are in for a real treat. First off, thank goodness Marvel got the rights back for Daredevil. I’m sorry, but Ben Affleck and the whole Daredevil movie back in 2003 was a disaster and that was a shame. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading the Frank Miller Daredevil graphic novel series to get your full enjoyment and introduction to the blind hero. Let’s hope that the series spins off of those books because they truly are a work of art. I’m already going to start up a fake rumor and petition to have Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam play Matt Murdock.
As for the others, we have Luke Cage who is an African-American super hero who has been rumored to have his own film for years. I still think Luke Cage should be on the big screen instead of just Netflix, but don’t get me started on the unfortunate optics of this decision. But nonetheless, you sort of need Luke for The Defenders so the continuity makes sense. As for Jessica Jones, AKA Jewel, she was first seen in the Alias comic book series back in 2001. She works as a private eye with super powers who has been seen with Spider-Man and the New Avengers. I have no idea who could be casted as the hesitant super hero.
Iron Fist is a kick ass martial artist who was introduced in the 70s and was recently a member of the New Avengers too. There are some rumors circulating that Ray Park (Snake Eyes in G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra, Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace) could be tied to the Iron Fist role, and to me that makes the most sense as he would be the most obvious person to handle the Kung-Fu action scenes. Keanu Reeves, who is a fan of the comic book hero, could be an outside shot. Reeves isn’t out of the realm of possibility considering another big Hollywood actor in Kevin Spacey is doing a Netflix original series with House of Cards which has been an absolute success.
Not much more is known about the upcoming Netflix original productions. All I can say is let’s hope Marvel has been learning what not to do from their Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. show on ABC. Let’s get away from the campy and poorly acted television series and move to more edgy and story driven shows that you can get away with on Netflix. These super heroes deserve that kind of proper treatment. The new Marvel TV series will kick off on Netflix starting in 2015, which also happens to be the year that brings us The Avengers 2: Age of Ultron and Ant-Man.
