Marvel’s Iron Fist was the last Netflix Original Marvel series to be announced before the characters of all four shows (Jessica Jones , Daredevil, and Luke Cage) come together for The Defenders in 2017. After a few quiet months, we finally have some details about Iron Fist, which will reportedly start production in April. The Hashtag Show recently revealed Game of Thrones star Finn Jones will play Iron Fist, also known as Danny Rand. But now, THS’s sources report Executive Producer Steve Buck (Dexter, Six Feet Under) is “exclusively auditioning males of Asian descent.” If this rumor is true, Iron Fist will likely feature Marvel’s ‘Master of Kung-Fu,’ Shang-Chi.
Shang-Chi has no superpowers, but harnesses superhuman power from chi. Known as the best martial artist in the MCU, he is able to dodge machine gun bullets and deflect sniper shots. Shang-Chi’s father, Fu ‘Han’ Manchu, was a criminal mastermind and talented martial artist. Once Shang-Chi realized the extent of his father’s evil, he turned on him. Shang-Chi has worked as a British Intelligence MI6 agent, and with Danny Rand, Luke Cage, and The Punisher as a Hero For Hire. He is an Avenger and fits in the Shadowland Arc shared by Daredevil.
The report also claims Shang-Chi could get his own Netflix series, but since the Punisher show rumor was just debunked another solo series seems unlikely. It has taken Netflix a while to get Iron Fist off the ground. Marvel reportedly had trouble deciding on a vision for Iron Fist that carried through to The Defenders.
Iron Fist is by far the most traditional superhero-like character that will be part of The Defenders team. Danny Rand can heal himself, has telepathy, and can put both those powers to use on other people.. Rand also harnesses his chi into his iconic ‘Iron Fist,’ giving it a glowing supernatural energy. Jessica Jones writer Scott Reynolds will take the reigns on Iron Fist storyline .
“Scott came in with a take on Iron Fist that quite simply knocked us off our feet,” said Executive Producer/Head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb. “We always look for the most creative minds in the field to help us bring our heroes to life, and with Scott we’ve found someone that can deliver yet another great series in the ongoing story of The Defenders,” Marvel said in a press release .
Marvel also released the official synopsis:
Returning to New York City after being missing for years, Daniel Rand fights against the criminal element corrupting New York City with his incredible kung-fu mastery and ability to summon the awesome power of the fiery Iron Fist.
Daredevil Season 2 releases on Netflix March 18. Luke Cage will premiere at an unspecified date in 2016, most likely in the Fall. Jessica Jones Season 2 has been confirmed, but it’s unclear if the second season will come before or after Iron Fist.
