Daredevil and The Defenders Dysfunctional MCU Problem

  I'll go on record right now.  Netflix's Daredevil is my favorite LIVE-ACTION comic book series.  Even more than Smallville or Arrow.  Daredevil is one of my favorite Marvel characters.  I like him not because of his powers or costume (which is pretty sweet) but because he's a hero who is just trying to do the right thing, but most of the time ends up making things worse for himself and those around him.  Charlie Cox was so great as Matt Murdock I gave away my copy of the Daredevil starring Ben Affleck.  Same thing with Jon Bernthal and my copy of The Punisher with Thomas Jane.  Cox and Bernthal's version of the characters are so definitive to me I can't watch any other previous version.  But I admit that is also a problem.

Last night, my Twitter feed erupted from a story coming out of the site CinemaBlend. In an interview with Kevin Feige he said, "If you were to see Daredevil in upcoming things, Charlie Cox, yes, would be the actor playing Daredevil. Where we see that, how we see that, when we see that, remains to be seen."  Rumors of Cox's possible return to the role have been circling for months.  Some believe we will see Matt Murdock in the upcoming Spider-Man: No Way Home.

The problem this creates is that Cox was part of another shared Marvel universe on Netflix.  Before Disney+ started cranking out MCU shows, Netflix was doing The Avengers formula on a smaller scale.  The Defenders started with individual series for Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist, that then came together for The Defenders.  These characters were actually supposed to be set in the MCU with references sprinkled throughout, but then the references became less and less.  However, the Netflix series were all under the reign of Ike Perlmutter, who was the Chairman and CEO of Marvel Entertainment at the time, and who Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios president, did not get along with.

As the series were released Daredevil was beloved by most, while the rest got mixed to mediocre reviews.  Jon Bernthal's portrayal as The Punisher was praised as a highlight of Netflix's Marvel U.  When Disney+ was created the Mouse House wanted to be the only ones making MTV (Marvel television) and the Netflix series were cancelled. Some saw this as mercy killings anyway, except Daredevil.  Since then, fans hoped Cox, and even Vicent D'onofrio's Kingpin, would be incorporated into the regular MCU.  

Like I said, the Netflix series were technically part of the MCU so if Feige and his team plan to bring Cox aboard as Daredevil then they just have to acknowledge the Netflix series is MCU.  But that means the rest of The Defenders would be considered MCU as well.  Feige's problem with how Perlmutter ran his division of Marvel meant Feige also didn't want to mix his and Perlmutter's characters.  These TV shows would reference the MCU films, but never the other way around.  Sure Charlie Cox as Daredevil would be a huge win.  But what about all the other characters Feige would inherit?  Jessica Jones and Luke Cage declined in quality as they continued, and Iron Fist never was any good (and this is coming from someone who likes Iron Fist as a Marvel character). Setting aside Finn Jones's acting abilities, that version of Danny Rand was terrible.  Do we really want that version as the MCU's Iron Fist going forward?  

Now, Feige can say that Charlie Cox is doing an entirely new interpretation of Daredevil going forward, but then why not just recast?  Someone else will play Wolverine besides Hugh Jackman and someday, someone, will play Tony Stark besides Robert Downey Jr. How many Batmans, James Bonds, Jokers, and Supermans have we had?  Some have been good, and some not so good, but we all moved on after.  Keeping Cox on as Daredevil only continues the current entitled narrative that fans say what the studios should do.  While I was curious to see Zack Snyder's Justice League, I was not one of the sweaties that demanded Warner Bros give Snyder millions of dollars to let him finish his version of the film because they "deserved it." And after the $70 million+ was spent, the sweaties demanded Snyder get to finish his other planned DC films, even though all his previous DC films all under performed. Like a toddler throwing a fit in the middle of a toy store, we cannot let them think they are in control. 

To sum up this entire post I just have to ask myself three questions. Do I want to see more of Charlie Cox as Daredevil? Yes!  Do I want to see more of the rest of the Netflix Marvel characters? No! Do I think I should just shut up and remember that Kevin Feige probably has a plan like everything else he's done so far, and so far, it's all been pretty good? Of course, dumbass!

My 3 Strikes Against The Defenders

This morning, as I was sipping on my coffee, I started skimming through The Defenders again on Netflix.  I binged watched all 8 episodes on Friday and did my audio review on Sunday.  But after re-watching a few episodes I started remembering things I forgot to mention in my review.  I still thought it was great, but there are certain things that bug me.  So I guess you can call this an epilogue to Sunday's review, but here are a few things that just didn't sit right with me:

STRIKE 1)  I stated this on my audio podcast, but I think it's worth repeating.  I hate Danny Rand.  Iron Fist is one of my favorite Marvel characters, but the portrayal of Danny Rand in this Netflix universe is not the one I enjoy reading.  He's a whiny little bitch who takes himself way to serious.  Danny in the comics loves to crack jokes, often with his best friend; Luke Cage.  The Finn Jones and Michael Coulter conversations where, I think, Danny's best scenes.  Which is why I don't want a Luke Cage and Iron Fist season 2; I just want Heroes for Hire.

Now, we can say that this is all still "origin" stuff, which is why Danny isn't the IF we know from the comics, but what the hell is up with his iron fist impotence?  In the Iron Fist series Danny couldn't harness his Chi because he wasn't focused.  I thought we solved that problem?  Danny couldn't call on his glowing hand when he was being tackled by Hand goons in the board room, but he had it working just seconds later when Luke showed up.  What's the difference aside from it being an obvious plot convenience? 

I think I've already expressed my feelings on Danny later on in the season when the team discovers what The Hand wants him for. He becomes irrational, and makes me hate him more.  By the end of the season it looks like he may take over as the new Guardian of Hell's Kitchen.  I just hope it's a better direction for the character.

STRIKE 2) While there is no doubting Sigorney Weaver is a great actress, her character of Alexandra started out interesting, but she wasn't really that menacing to me.  I mean, we learned that she's lived for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.  And yes, she seems to be the leader of The Hand, with hundreds of soldiers at her disposal.  But I have to ask  "why?"  Aside from just being a bitch who wants to keep on living, what was her power?  Madam Gao and the rest of the Fingers seem to have some power and skill.  When did Alexandra use an ability that would make we, the audience, really fear her?  After a while I was kind of relieved when Elektra killed her and took her place.  I think Elektra's journey was far more interesting than an immortal business woman who bosses people around just because she's the meanest one.

STRIKE 3)  Throughout the series we know The Hand wanted Danny.  He was to open a door at the bottom of Midland Circle Financial that allegedly another Iron Fist closed(I'm hoping for Orson Randall).  There were several mentions by the Fingers that they really wanted to "go back home" or back to K'un-L'un.   This made me believe the door was a passage to(still missing) K'un-L'un.  

But when the door opens we see that it's bones of Shao Lao, the dragon that gave Danny his powers, or at least a dragon like Shao Lao.  The Hand begins taking the bones to make more "substance." That's it?  They kept talking about how all of New York is in peril if Danny opens that door.  So once they had mined all the bones then New York would, I'm guessing, collapse from a weak structure?  The build up of this "terrible thing" made it seem like some dark power was underneath New York.  But it was just dragon bones. 

 I just think the payoff was a bit week.  So the Fingers continue to be immortal and a pain in the ass.  Stick made it seem like an atomic bomb would go off.  But actually, an old Chinese lady just gets to live a few more lifetimes.   Am I missing something?  Did I just not get what the place really was?  If I am wrong, someone please tell me.

The Defenders Is Hopefully What We'll Get From Netflix

As much as I enjoy my television programs taking a break this time of year so I don't have to worry if I'm caught up on Arrow, not all shows are on summer vacation.  I'm looking forward to diving into the newest season of Game of Thrones and also intrigued as to how Marvel's The Defenders will be.

When Netflix first announced to add a piece of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to their programming I was excited.  Fast foward a few years later and we've gotten some great hours of viewing, and a few not that great.  But in a few months the pay-off will be here.  Much like their big screen adaptations, all the heroes of New York will team up in one series; The Defenders. And much like with X-Men or Spider-Man, Marvel is hoping to sell more books by syncing the characters continuity with what fans will know having just watched the character in another form of media.  

The original Defenders consisted of Dr. Strange, Hulk, Namor and Silver Surfer in 1972 and has slowly morphed into a street-level team.  While I enjoy the spectacle of The Avengers saving the world, someone has to save the neighborhood.  And that's what The Defenders have become.  They're not super soldiers, gods, or genius billionaires.  Just enhanced individuals who are more accustomed to fighting a street gang than Thanos.

In issue #1 of this series, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Daredevil are all attacked, which leads to Jessica being shot and put into the hospital.  After the gathering of the team, Jessica reveals that Luke's old-time rival Diamondback is behind it.  While the crew hunts down Diamondback, he's making his own plans by trying to recruit Black Cat into his fold.  Luke shows up and Diamondback sprays him with some gas that allows him to kick Luke's ass while Black Cat just watches in shock.

It wasn't a terrific issue, but it's a decent set-up for what could be a good story line.  My favorite scene is when IF, Jessica, and Daredevil are in the bar talking about their new found cooperation.  "If The Avengers, and whatnot, are up there, we need to be down here."  Again, the DD quote sets-up the theme of the team and (hopefully) the upcoming Netflix series.  After reading this first issue I just want the dynamic of the characters to be this good in the Netflix series.  I knew very little about Jessica Jones before watching her show, and I hope showrunners severely correct Iron Fist's personality going forward because, while I don't think Finn Jones is a bad actor, that was not Danny Rand.

These are Marvel the heroes who don't have enough power to take on cosmic threats like Thanos or even Ultron.  They could probably hold their own for a bit, but won't make too much headway by themselves.   While Galactus is eating the world some mob boss, or secret ninja clan, is looking to take advantage of the situation; and that's where The Defenders will be.

CASTING CALL: THE DEFENDERS

A few days ago it was announced that Netflix would be creating more original programming. These new series will be based on Marvel comic characters.  This is all part of a multi-corporate deal through Disney.  You see, Disney owns Marvel and has a partnership with Netflix.  So together they’re going to make 4 series, at least 13 episodes each, and then create a miniseries, The Defenders.  While all of the characters they’re using characters have been on The Defenders, it wasn’t at the same time, but I’m gonna let it slide because I’m psyched by this announcement!  Marvel Studios has been doing great with creating their "Marvel cinematic universe" and although I stopped watching Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. after the 3^rd episode I have a feeling these new series will be a little more enjoyable for myself and others.

The four characters they picked aren’t the heroes who go out and fight aliens like The Avengers.  And they don’t fight mega-super villains either.  Mainly they stick to the streets of New York and fight gangs, ninja clans, and other non-universe threats.  I think this whole project could be something really new and interesting for Marvel Studios.  It’s much like when they introduced Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America films and then made an Avengers movie.  They have the same opportunity here to re-create that formula, but only making something a little more edgier. 

This Netflix world can still be a part of the "Marvel cinematic universe" but because of the setting and characters can also have a different feel.  I wanted a Heroes for Hire TV series years ago!  As soon as I heard the announcement my first thought was casting, because, like Chris Evans and Samuel L. Jackson, these actors may be asked to play these characters in movies or other TV series.  When I think about casting a franchise I always try to think of younger actors who can do the role for the next decade or more.  But I also wanted to get a good fit for it all. I hope you like my choices!

Grey Damon as Daredevil/Matt Murdock

For those of you who did not see Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Daredevil on the big screen you didn’t miss much.  However if you missed the blu-ray Director’s Cut you missed a pretty good film.  Matt Murdock is blinded as a child in a chemical accident that heightens the rest of his senses 10x.  Matt’s father is then murdered by the mob and he goes on to fight crime in Hell’s Kitchen. Check out Frank Miller’s origin story.  It’s my favorite.  And yes rookies, he’s the same guy who wrote 300, Sin City, and The Dark Knight Returns.

I mostly know Damon from his role on Friday Night Light (love it) and since then he’s guest starred in several TV series and movies.  I’m a firm believer in getting someone for a role who looks the part or can be slightly altered to look the part.  Matt Murdock is a redhead so matching that can be tricky.  Affleck just dyed his hair so it looked dark-red, but just never seemed right to me.  Damon’s got a gentle voice and light red hair that I think would fit Matt Murdock perfectly.  He’s young enough to do the physicality of the role, and a good enough actor to make this troubled hero come to life!  Also, since the character is some-what-well-known, like the Superman formula, you can rely on the brand name and bring in a not-so-well-known actor for what I'm sure will be the center of this Netflix world.

   

Morris Chestnut as Power Man/Luke Cage

Cage grew up on the streets of New York, in the hood if you will.  He’s caused trouble, and even ended up in prison.  But after getting out Cage volunteered for an experiment that gave him super strength and impenetrable skin.  Since then he’s become a softer character has matured into a hero, husband, and father.

Face it, Chestnut just looks the part perfectly.  Although he’s a little older that I’d like to cast Cage I can’t deny he’d be perfect for the part. Plus I think him being older could make him more seasoned and wise compared to the younger characters.  Chestnut also has a long history of acting from Boyz in the Hood to Kick-Ass 2.  Also, we needed Cage and Iron Fist to look good together, and I think Chestnut and Hedlund would play off each other well.

   

Garrett Hedlund as Iron Fist/Danny Rand

Danny Rand is the son of a millionaire.  His father was obsessed with finding the mystical city of K’un L’un.  His parents were killed in this quest and Danny was found and raised by the people of K’un L’un.  After years of martial arts training Danny gained the powers of the immortal Iron Fist by defeating a dragon….yes, a dragon.  Danny then returns to New York to reclaim his father’s company and use his new abilities to fight crime.  He soon teams up with Power Man, a.k.a. Luke Cage, and forms Heroes for Hire(yes, it’s just like it sounds) and then much later the two get their own Avengers team.  To me, Iron Fist is like Batman meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  I highly recommend the Ed Brubaker and Duane Swierczynski's 5-volume run.  It’s what got me interested in the character.

Hedlund is most known for his role as Sam Flynn in 2010’s Tron: Legacy.  His character had a chip on his shoulder that is only matched by Danny Rand’s. He looks the part and would look great standing next to Chestnut.  My only hesitation is Hedlund’s ability to master the martial art moves. Rand is almost has a self-destructive in his personal life as Matt Murdock, but it’s his relationship with Luke Cage I find most interesting.  Rand is a rich guy who grew up with Kung-Fu monks.  Cage is an ex-con who grew up on the mean streets of New York.  These two guys could not be more opposite and yet they’ve been best friends for years.  I’d like to explore why. 

 

Jessica Biel as Power Woman/Jessica Jones

To be honest I don’t know a lot about Jessica Jones.  I never really knew the character until she married Luke Cage.  In high school she has a crush on Peter Parker and was exposed to the same radiation he was, minus the spider-bite.  This put Jessica in a coma for years, until she woke-up and realized she had super-strength and flight.  Must have been one hell of a nap.

This character is tough, almost has tough as her husband.  We’ve seen Biel kick some vampire butt in Blade:Trinity and also kick Kate Beckinsale’s butt in Total Recall, which is technically the same thing if you think about it.  I think she would compliment this cast perfectly. 

 

Ok Disney.  I did the hard part; now make it happen!