The tale of the Immortal Iron Fist, the Protector of K’un-Lun, and Sworn Enemy of the Hand, has met the end. At least as far as Netflix is concerned.
In a joint statement to Deadline, Netflix and Marvel had this to say regarding the future of the show:
“Marvel’s Iron Fist will not return for a third season on Netflix. Everyone at Marvel Television and Netflix is proud of the series and grateful for all of the hard work from our incredible cast, crew, and showrunners. We’re thankful to the fans who have watched these two seasons, and for the partnership we’ve shared on this series. While the series on Netflix has ended, the immortal Iron Fist will live on.”
What that last statement might mean is up for speculation, but as far as Netflix goes, Iron Fist has run its course. And this, despite a crazy cliffhanger at the end of season 2 that really had audiences doing a double take regarding the fate of Colleen Wing and Danny Rand.
For a lower budget show like Netflix was only able to offer, there were always going to be production questions about how fantastical they could go with the Iron Fist show. Yes, they could have the glowing fist, but could they really afford the CGI dragon and an expensive set piece in K’un-Lun? We saw improved fighting and acting from the cast, but I guess we won’t be seeing any more of K’un-Lun or the dragon anytime soon.
Critics of the show (me included) have noted a significant improvement not only in the action and acting, but better writing and direction for the show’s second season. It was a vast difference to the almost abysmal first season. However, from a narrative point of view, the second season had to run with many of the same stories that plagued the first. It seemed to be a dark cloud hanging over the property that would continue to haunt it throughout its run.
The Iron Fist Lives On
What this statement could mean is uncertain. It looked like they were really pushing hard during season 2 of Luke Cage and Iron Fist for Colleen Wing and Misty Knight to team up for Daughters of the Dragon. The last thing we saw of Luke Cage season 2 was the titular character on a bit of a power trip on the dark side. Perhaps a well-placed Iron Fist to the face will set him straight?
I know fans have been clamoring for a Heroes for Hire television series, and Luke Cage season 2 and Defenders hinted at the possibility.
Plus we have to consider if the rumors for a second season of Defenders, if they want the cast of Iron Fist to return to reprise their roles on the team-up show. But (SPOILERS) no one on the show really has the “iron fist” right now, so maybe naming the show Iron Fist isn’t appropriate? Maybe they are renaming the show to the Immortal Weapons, which, incidentally, is the title of the champions from each of the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven.
Whatever their plans might be, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Iron Fist season 2 is streaming on Netflix now.
What do you make of this statement? Do you think Danny Rand and the Iron Fist will live on in other Netflix series? Could Iron Fist be heading to the Disney streaming service? Could they be launching a whole new show featuring Iron Fist?