Actor Finn Jones recently hinted at a possible return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Netflix/Marvel superhero, Danny Rand/Iron Fist.
In an Instagram Story post, Jones shared a picture of his travel bag, which features the 125th and final issue of Marvel Comics’ Power Man and Iron Fist in a protective cover. For the unfamiliar, Power Man and Iron Fist #125 is a controversial issue, ending the series with the death of Iron Fist. If Jones is intending for this post to tease a forthcoming MCU return, it doesn’t bode well for Danny Rand’s future as Iron Fist.
Interestingly enough, the acclaimed children’s novel, The Neverending Story, which Variety reported last week would be getting a new film adaptation, is also in the shot. Jones could therefore be hinting at two future projects, although until either is officially confirmed by their respective studio, it’s best to take his post with a grain of salt for now.
Iron Fist was the fourth Marvel series to be released on Netflix as part of the streamer’s Defenders Saga. Premiering in 2017, Iron Fist followed Danny Rand (Jones), the scion of a wealthy corporation who returns to New York after disappearing fifteen years prior. As the season unfolds, it’s revealed that Danny received the powers of Iron Fist during his time mastering martial arts in the mystic city of K’un-Lun. He has returned to New York City to battle those who plotted his parents’ murder and took over their company.
Although the first season was received poorly for its story, action sequences, and Jones’ performance in the lead role, the second season was met with more favorable reviews. Jones’ performance in Season 2, as well as the crossover miniseries The Defenders, was also praised. Unfortunately, despite plans for a third season, Netflix canceled Iron Fist in 2018.
The Defenders Saga officially becomes MCU canon
Marvel Studios has slowly been reintroducing Netflix Marvel characters into the MCU beginning with Daredevil‘s Vincent D’Onofrio returning as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in the 2021 Disney+ series Hawkeye and followed two days later by Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock in the 2021 film Spider-Man: No Way Home. Cox then returned in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Echo, with D’Onofrio also appearing in the latter.
Both actors are currently in production on Marvel Studios’ Daredevil: Born Again, which will serve as a continuation of Netflix’s Daredevil series. The hotly-anticipated project will also be bringing back Netflix/Marvel characters Frank Castle/The Punisher, Karen Page, Foggy Nelson, and Benjamin Poindexter, with Jon Bernthal, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, and Wilson Bethel reprising their respective roles from the Defenders Saga.
With Marvel Studios officially acknowledging the Defenders Saga as MCU canon, the odds of Jones returning as Iron Fist have never been better, especially with the actor being open to starring in a Heroes for Hire series with Mike Colter’s Luke Cage.
Iron Fist is streaming on Disney+.
