There have been a lot of questions recently about the timing of Marvel’s Defenders series on Netflix, given that we still have Jessica Jones Season 2, the first season of Luke Cage, as well as the Iron First series yet to premiere. Our own Haleigh Foutch speculated that could push The Defenders’ premiere date way out on the horizon, but recently Daredevil star Charlie Cox revealed that The Defenderswill start filming at the end of this year.
Today, a Marvel press release has revealed that Daredevil co-showrunners Douglas Petrie and Marco Ramirez will serve as showrunners for The Defenders, with Drew Goddard staying close to the properties in the role as an executive producer. Marvel TV President Jeph Loeb said of the choice,
Image via Netflix
“We're incredibly excited to be able to bring our four street level heroes together in an epic tale woven by Doug and Marco whose work on ‘Marvel’s Daredevil’ speaks for itself. They write and produce not only great action and adventure, but also the heart and touch of humor that's makes us Marvel. With the inclusion of Drew Goddard, we've got a team that's as formidable as the Defenders themselves."
While the news isn’t exactly surprising, I’m a little disappointed that Jessica Jones showrunner Melissa Rosenberg isn’t part of the group, as Jones remains the most solidly constructed entry of Marvel TV to date in terms of pacing, visuals, and emotional resonance. (Plus, it’s looking like we won’t be getting another Jessica Jones season for awhile, if Netflix sticks to its current schedule). Further, given the ambitions of Luke Cage to become Marvel’s version of The Wire, I would love to see more of that aesthetic brought in to make The Defenders feel like something new and different.
Still, Daredevil fans are surely happy with the news, as it appears that show (which admittedly is the anchor series for The Defenders) and its particular aesthetic will act as a framework for the upcoming team-up. But one huge question remains: when are we getting a Punisher spinoff? (Ideally as a miniseries).
Image via Netflix
Back to the Defenders, Cox was quoted in The Independent earlier this week saying,
“What we do know is at the end of this year we’re going to be making The Defenders and, of course, Daredevil is very much a part of that foursome. I have no idea what the storyline is going to be for that show. I’m very excited to see how those world’s combine…and interested to see tonally how those shows become one.”
As far as Daredevil Season 3, Cox also said, We don’t know if there’s going to be a season three. I certainly don’t know.” He added, “In terms of wrapping up any storylines, maybe they’ll do some of that in The Defenders. Or maybe they won’t.”
We’ll let you know when we find out. For now, let’s all just remain exceedingly excited about Luke Cage’s premiere September 30th.
