UPDATE: Deadline has learned that Marin Ireland (“The Divide”) and Cleo Anthony (“Transparent”) are also up for the roles of Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, respectively. The original story follows:
Deadline brings word this afternooon that Marvel has begun testing actresses for the lead role in their Netflix series “Marvel’s Jessica Jones,” and among those names are Krysten Ritter (“Breaking Bad”), Alexandra Daddario (“True Detective”), Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies) and Jessica De Gouw (“Arrow”).
The outlet also reports that two names have emerged as the front runners for the Luke Cage role: Lance Gross (“Crisis”) and Halo: Nightfall‘s Mike Colter. Cage will reportedly appear in seven of the 13 episodes in the “Jessica Jones” series before going on to appear in his own 13-episode series.
“Dexter” and Twilight scribe Melissa Rosenberg is set to executive produce the “Jessica Jones” series, which focuses on retired superhero Jessica Jones hanging up her tights and opening her own detective agency. Rosenberg is no stranger to female superhero shows either, having worked on the short-lived “Birds of Prey” series on The WB.
“Jessica Jones” is the second of five Netflix shows Marvel will roll out starting next year with “Marvel’s Daredevil.” Following the two will be both “Luke Cage” and “Iron Fist,” with all four leading into a “Defenders” mini-series.
(Photo Credit: Dan Jackman / Brian To / WENN.com)
