When Netflix announced that Iron Fist was canceled and would not return for a third season, we were slightly upset, but not entirely surprised. While its second season was a vast improvement on its first and I believe warranted the series a third season, but considering that we had thirteen episodes of a lackluster show and Finn Jones’s Danny Rand was one of the most criticized aspects of The Defenders; it’s completely plausible that the streaming service did not want to move forward and invest any more money in its production. It is a shame, as we know how much the actors worked towards giving fans a better show and there are loose ends that will never be tied, but I digress.
The cancelation of Luke Cage is what really shocked people. Announced a week after Iron Fist’s cancelation, and on the day of Daredevil’s third season premiere (bad timing, Netflix); this is enough to send people jumping to conclusion. After all, much like DC Universe; Disney will be launching their own streaming service. And since Disney owns Marvel, it’s a theory among fans that these cancelations are a result of Disney wanting the shows on their platform. This, even after Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s CCO; stated:
“Those shows are for us to cancel,” he said, “and we’re super happy with their performance so far.”
This statement came after Iron Fist’s cancelation, but before Luke Cage’s. Cancel them, he will, it seems. But, why did Luke Cage get canceled? We were all sure it would get a third season, even the showrunner himself was working on a script. Season one literally broke Netflix and season two was even stronger, ending with Luke himself at the top of Harlem’s Paradise. It turns out, the script for season three could have been part of the reason as to why the show will not be returning.
According to ScreenRant and other news sources, creative differences were a large part of the decision. While the other series, save The Defenders; had thirteen episodes, Iron Fist season two had only ten. This was a move to try to trim up the series and help pacing, so to not drag anything out, and keep viewers engaged. Steven Lightfoot, the man behind The Punisher series; had even been asked what he thought about a ten episode lineup:
“It’s an interesting thing, that. People have always said to me, ‘Do you wish you’d have had 10?’ and then I say, ‘Well then you would’ve had less story.’ I always wanted it to be a slow burn show. I always felt like we had the right amount for 13, and you’ve gotta have enough story for that but I like how slow burn and character-driven the shows are.” – source: Collider.
It seems that Luke Cage showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker had full intentions on returning to the thirteen episode lineup that he had in the previous two seasons. The show hasn’t been free of its own criticism of pacing problems. Season one started out strong, while fizzling away in the last three episodes. Season two, while I personally believe had a good pacing style; could have been tightened up a little. When Cheo was told to turn his thirteen episode script into ten, it seems now that the powers that be were not happy over the story and from there, tensions arose. Ultimately resulting in a cancelation, which no fan deserved.
Whether the cancelation of both Iron Fist and Luke Cage means a Heroes for Hire spin-off show or Disney perhaps bringing the series onto their streaming service, we don’t know right now. Luke Cage stars such as Mustafa Shakir, who gave a terrific and memorable performance as Bushmaster; were one of the few to comment on the nixing of the show that we were all excited to see him return to.
The news of two of the Netflix Marvel shows being canceled has others worried about the fate of its remaining shows. As of now, both Jessica Jones and The Punisher are slated for another season. Unlike Luke Cage that only had a script; The Punisher has finished filming its second season and Jessica Jones is currently filming its third season. To not show either would be a huge waste of money and we’ll probably only know their fates until after each season premieres. Fingers crossed that they are not on the chopping block.
As for arguably the most well-reviewed series, Daredevil just dropped its third season; to the praise of fans and critics alike. While delivering its strongest season yet, Netflix would be foolish (yes, foolish) to not bring us a fourth season. And a fourth season could possibly bring in former characters from the now deceased shows. If Netflix does still hold onto these Marvel licenses, it would be a good time for them to perhaps announce either a Heroes for Hire or Daughters of the Dragon series; or bring in new characters like Moon Knight or Blade, to at least ease fans’ worries.
What are your thoughts surrounding all of these cancelations?
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
