There have been a lot of questions recently about the timing of Marvel’sDefendersseries on Netflix, given that we still haveJessica JonesSeason 2, the first season ofLuke Cage, as well as theIron Firstseries yet to premiere. Our own Haleigh Foutchspeculatedthat could pushThe Defenders’ premiere date way out on the horizon, but recentlyDaredevilstarCharlie Coxrevealed thatThe Defenderswill start filmingat the end of this year.
Today, a Marvel press release has revealed thatDaredevilco-showrunnersDouglas PetrieandMarco Ramirezwill serve as showrunners forThe Defenders, withDrew Goddardstaying close to the properties in the role as an executive producer. Marvel TV PresidentJeph Loebsaid of the choice,
“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 thatJessica JonesshowrunnerMelissa Rosenbergisn’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 anotherJessica Jonesseason for awhile, if Netflix sticks to its current schedule). Further, given the ambitions ofLuke Cageto becomeMarvel’s version ofThe Wire, I would love to see more of that aesthetic brought in to makeThe Defendersfeel like something new and different.
Still,Daredevilfans are surely happy with the news, as it appears that show (which admittedly is the anchor series forThe 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).
Back to the Defenders, Cox was quoted inThe Independentearlier 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 asDaredevilSeason 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 inThe Defenders. Or maybe they won’t.”
We’ll let you know when we find out. For now, let’s all just remain exceedingly excited aboutLuke Cage’s premiere September 30th.
