Ever since Marvel Studios got the rights back to the vigilante Punisher speculation on when he would make his big MCU debut has run rampt. We have had several hints to the character in All hail The King as well as Captain America: The Winter Solider but no actual appearance. Hands down everyone's favorite actor who has played the character is Thomas Jane from 2004's The Punisher. While the film didn't make much money and lacked in action for more drama it still was the best interpretation we have had out of all three Punisher films. That was until Thomas Jane took it upon himself to create the 2012 short film Dirty Laundry starring himself once again as The Punisher. This short made people believe he was the clear choice to once again play the character if Marvel ever used the character in the movies.


Well, now Marvel is only a few short months away from releasing their first "darker" Netflix series Daredevil who has a long complicated history with The Punisher. They both are literally two sides of the same coin. Daredevil fears that without control he could turn into The Punisher while battling the mob in New York's, Hells Kitchen. So many have wondered would Punisher appear in the show or the other upcoming Hells Kitchen shows like Jessica Jones, Luke cage or Iron Fist? No casting or hint to the character has been given but fan-favorite Thomas Jane reveals he would return. While speaking on his own popular Reddit AMA the actor reveals to a fan that with the right story he would return to the character:
Let's just hope that even if The Punisher doesn't make an appearance in the Netflix shows some strong easter eggs hint to his existence in the ever growing Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Today in Dave of Latino-Review's spoiler filled column he revealed that the deal between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures seems to have gone through to allow Spider-Man to appear in Avengers: Infinity War Part I. He also goes onto reveal some massive spoilers on what is to become of Marvel's big three Captain America, Thor and Iron Man before the massive intergalactic battle with Thanos.

:: Massive Spoilers Ahead ::

According to their sources towards the end of Captain America: Civil War it seems Steve Rogers will indeed be killed off as seen in the climax of the Civil War comic story arc "Death of Captain America". It will be at the hands of Crossbones () and will be during the feud between Rogers and Tony Stark after Stark finds out it was Bucky who killed his planets as confirmed in Captain America: The Winter Solider. They go onto claim somehow Iron Man will end up in space but is extremely vague on this. Remember Tony Stark does join the Guardians of the Galaxy in the comics so this might be how the Guardians warn The Avengers about Thanos since remember...they have no idea he even exists yet. Lastly, in Thor: Ragnarok many Asgardians will die and this will lead to Thor (Chris Hemsworth) being sent to a "Galactic Prison" of sorts. Is this him finally being sent to Valhalla? And just like that the top three Marvel characters will be out of Avengers: Infinity War Part I.

Who will then defend earth from Thanos? Apparently the "New" Avengers may end up being lead by Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) himself along with Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman). Others on the team include Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver (Elizabeth Olsen & Aaron Taylor-Johnson), Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), Daredevil (Charlie Cox), Luke Cage (Mike Colter) Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) and Iron Fist (TBA). New additions also include Captain Marvel (TBA) and Spider-Man (TBA) will also play a large part as well. Lastly, they add the any of the Guardians of the Galaxy and Inhumans could also play a part in the battle. Let's just hope Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) gets to shine in the films once again without being forced to add any of the other characters from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D into the movies.

None of the original Avengers from the first two phases will have a part in Infinity War Part I because they will return for Infinity War Part II.This will be Marvel's first test to see if these new characters can lead the company into future Phases without the main Avengers appearing.

Marvel announced that the slightly unknown actor Mike Colter has officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Luke Cage. He will first debut in AKA Jessica Jones alongside Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones, then he will split off into his own series that will follow his origin story. "During the course of an investigation in New York City, private investigator Jessica Jones encounters the enigmatic Luke Cage – a man whose past has secrets that will dramatically alter Jessica in ways she could never have imagined"

Head of Marvel TV Jeph Loeb adds:

"We're excited to have him bring this iconic Marvel character to life. Fans have longed to see Luke Cage brought and in Mike we’ve found the perfect actor. Viewers will get to meet Luke Cage in ‘Marvel’s A.K.A. Jessica Jones,’ and experience why he is such an important super hero in the Marvel mythos."

Thanks to the cast and crew for an amazing experience directing the season finale of #Daredevil. Goodby, NYC. Peace and love!
— Steven DeKnight (@stevendeknight) December 21, 2014

Today, Deadline announced that Break Bad & Don't Trust The B In Apartment 23 star Krysten Ritter will sign on to play the lead role in Marvel's Jessica Jones series. This comes off the report that several actresses auditioned for the part including Alexandria Daddario and Jessica De Gouw. The site goes onto mention that actor Mike Colter is likely up for Luke Cage (Who will debut in Jessica Jones) because he screen tested with each actress.

Jessica Jones follows the story of Jessica Jones a former superhero who develops PTSD and decided to hangup her cap and open a crime investigation unit to help other heroes.

Ever since Marvel and Netflix announced they would be bringing their street heroes like Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist and Jessica Jones many have wondered who would play these iconic characters. We already know that Charlie Cox is hard at work finishing up filming Daredevil for a May 2015 release on Netflix. Now Marvel is hard at work casting their Jessica Jones & Luke Cage. Both of whom share a romantic relationship with in the comics. According to Deadline the role of Jessica Jones is being tested by True Detective star Alexandra Daddario, Arrow's Jessica De Gouw, Teresa Palmer and Breaking Bad star Krystn Ritter.

:: Mini Update :: - Deadline has since added The Divide star Marin Ireland to the list of actresses up for Jessica Jones..

The site even goes onto give a brief synopsis of the series headed by showrunner Melissa Rosenberg:

Jessica Jones, a superhero suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder, which leads to her hanging up her costume and opening her own detective agency, where she ends up helping people and assisting other superheroes.

They go onto reveal that casting on her future husband Luke Cage has also begun. They first start off by stating Cage is expected to appear in 6 or 7 episodes of Jessica Jones before getting his own series later own. They state Crisis star Lance Gross and The Following Mike Colter are being looked at but other names may pop up soon...

:: Mini Update #2 :: -  Actor Cleo Anthony has also been added to the shortlist of actors being eyed for Luke Cage.

News has been flying out of Marvel Television on the upcoming Netflix shows Daredevil. Soon we will get information on their other shows like Luke Cage, Iron Fist and Jessica Jones. All these characters will be apart of the bigger Marvel Cinematic Universe but will take care of the street thugs that still fester in the MCU. Some fans see other street level heroes getting their own shows down the line in their own 'phases' just like the movies. Some of the characters include The Punisher (Who we all hope pops up in Daredevil at some point) as well as The Runaways mini-series and Moon Knight (Marvel's Batman with Multiple Personality Disorder)



So I reached out to Iron Man 3 and The Runaways scribe Drew Pearce to tell him that a Runaways show should be on Netflix since the movie was scrapped in favor of The Avengers in 2011:

@TheSinisterSix @KnightGambit Couldn't agree more. Though I'd almost rather do Warren's Moon Knight, because it's fucking great.
— Drew Pearce (@mrdrewpearce) June 5, 2014

I think we can all agree a Moon Knight series would be perfect on Netflix in this upcoming Street Noir universe. But until then this is nothing more than a simple fans hope. We may learn more of these street level heroes when Daredevil roles out next summer exclusively on Netflix!

Many actors have campaigned for the role of Luke Cage. It wasn't until the past few months that Marvel Studios actually decided to go ahead and make a Netflix series based on the character. Fan favorites for the role includes Michael Jai White and Terry Crews. As well as Old Spice guy himself Isaiah Mustafa. Now a new actor has put his name out there as a possible Luke Cage! Mars Crain was last seen in the superhero comedy Hancock in a minor role. Here is a teaser trailer he put together for Marvel Studios.

The Netflix series has yet to announce showrunners or an actor in the lead.....

Today during the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D panel at the PaleyFest in New York. Marvel TV head Jeph Loeb was of course asked about his upcoming Netflix shows The Defenders including Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage.

He announces that filming on Daredevil the first show begins this July. He doesn't reveal if the shows will release all at once like other Netflix shows like House of Cards or Orange is the New Black. He does also mention the next show will be Jessica Jones then Iron Fist followed by Luke Cage.

Casting on Matt Murdock should be announced anytime now...

Its unknown if they will release 2 shows a year (Daredevil & Jessica Jones in 2015 with Iron Fist & Luke Cage in 2016) then they all come together in 2018 (The same year as The Avengers 3) in the mini series event The Defenders.

To follow our on going series of actors that look like and could portray their comic book counterparts. Here is fan favorite Terry Crews as Luke Cage. With the upcoming Netflix series coming soon time will only tell when we get some casting information.

The guys over at Collider sat down with Brooklyn Nine Nine star and fan-favorite Terry Crews about possibly playing Luke Cage in the upcoming Netflix series. Of course Crews last year took himself out of the running just because no "Luke Cage" movie existed. But now that Marvel is moving forward with a show on Netflix....he is so game:

"Anything can happen. All I know is scheduling and all that stuff—anything can happen. I’m open to all kinds of things, but who knows? Actually I took myself out of the Luke Cage running a while back, just because it was people trying to put people against each other. [It was] Idris vs. Michael Jai and I’m like, ‘Wait a minute, this is not even greenlit! Can we talk to Marvel? Why are you talking to me? Don’t put me against my homeboy for a movie that’s not existing.’ I said, ‘Take me out!’ I heard [it’s greenlit] but I haven’t gotten any calls. I’ve been hearing stuff like, ‘oh you’re too old,’ and I’m like, ‘Man do my workout 20 years ago and we’ll talk about who’s too old (laughs).’ Like I said, anything can happen, I never rule anything out. I’m game. There are no rules. What’s up, Marvel? I’m right here, baby. I ain’t goin nowhere. You know where I live!"

That's right a loop hole has indeed been found in the contract between Sony and Marvel Studios. Now before I get into the specifics let me tell you the problem that ravages our favorite web-slinger appearing alongside Earth's Mightiest Heroes. 

Back in the 90's before Marvel Films was the juggernaut it is now the company was going bankrupt and was selling off potential film rights to all their characters to other film studios. X-Men, Fantastic Four and others went to FOX. Blade over to New Line Cinema. Hulk and Namor over to Universal. And their prized possession Spider-Man over to Sony Pictures. Over the years some of their favorite characters they have reacquired from their contracts expiring ect ect. This includes Punisher, Blade, Ghost Rider and Daredevil!

Now that Daredevil was acquired by Marvel Studios the company has moved forward to introduce him in his own series exclusively on Netflix. Alongside Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. Why is this important well they are all considered "street level" heroes. They battle the mob and gangsters ect.

Now one other "street level" hero is actually Spider-Man! Yes, Sony Pictures owns his film rights currently. The studio have a cinematic universe of their own being built around star Andrew Garfield. But how does this work with Marvel Studios?

Back in 2009 the amazing Sony created show The Spectacular Spider-Man was brought to an end for Marvel's Ultimate Spider-Man to appear on Disney XD.


IGN Reports:

"Sony is NO LONGER involved with The Spectacular Spider-Man. I'm informed that Marvel can now produce the series, but of course, they don't have to." Weisman noted he had "no clue" as to what Sony gained regarding Spider-Man's film rights that they didn't already have that led them to give up the TV rights to the character.

Many assumed that  this simply would mean that the animated rights of Spider-Man was relinquished over to Marvel Studios. But that is not the case...apparently it was ALL TV Rights. Last year Comic Book.com added how Sony doesn't own  any TV rights to Spider-Man:

In some cases, studios apparently own the live action rights to a character, which would cover both movies and live action TV shows, but not animated cartoons. However, in the case of Spider-Man, Disney actually acquired the TV rights back from Sony.

They hypothesized that he could appear on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D given that was the only Marvel show in production that we knew of. Now that Marvel Studios is moving forward  with street level heroes on Netflix its actually possible to have Spider-Man appear on those shows!


This does not mean that Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man will appear on the Netflix shows. If Marvel even uses the character it would most likely be a cameo as Peter Parker with a completely new actor as the web-slinger.

Of course this doesn't mean Marvel will even attempt to enter those uncharted waters with Sony. So don't go assuming Spidey is gonna show up alongside The Defenders on Netflix even though it is possible. Also, this still means Spider-Man can not appear alongside The Avengers on film.

Total Film sat down with Iron Man 3 scribe and All Hail The King director Drew Pearce to once again talk the recent one shot All Hail The King. During the interview the writer confirmed that the upcoming Netflix shows for Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones and Iron Fist are indeed apart of the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe! Not like we didn't already know that....

“Oh, gosh – lots of them. One that was Sin and Crossbones (from Captain America). I love Jessica Jones, and while obviously Jessica Jones and Alias is NOW going to exist in the Netflix part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I’d always obsessively been trying to put her in stuff I’d been working with Marvel on… but about three or four other ones, too.”

Now if the shows will be Pre or Post Battle of New York (The Avengers 2012) on the timeline remains to be seen. When I asked Agent M via Twitter he responded that he knows where on the timeline the shows take place but he is not at liberty to discuss it. Now I could see the shows being post-Alien Invasion  with the mobs of NY selling alien tech on the black market type deal? But that's sorta whats going on with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Never-the-less the shows are apart of the ever growing MCU!

Today The Wall Street Journal announced that Netflix/Disney and the state of New York has struck a deal to film all four Marvel Street shows (Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist & Jessica Jones) exclusively in New York City. New York is essentially the center piece of the Marvel Universe anyway so this is great news. All four shows are said to take place within Hell's Kitchen. Disney CEO Bob Iger and Governor Andrew Cuomo are said to make the announcement today in Times Square.

This deal will bring out around $4 Million in tax incentives and 3,000 brand new jobs (400 full time jobs) to host the massive project.

Lastly, yesterday while speaking with IGN Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige revealed that Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D head Jeph Loeb is heavily involved with the Netflix shows and not Feige himself.

Filming begins Summer 2014 on Daredevil! 

:: Press Release ::

"This pioneering agreement calls for Marvel to develop four serialized programs totaling 52 one-hour episodes culminating in a four to eight episode mini-series programming event. Led by a series focused on “Daredevil,” followed by “Jessica Jones,” “Iron Fist” and “Luke Cage,” the epic will unfold over multiple years of original programming, taking viewers deep into the gritty world of heroes and villains of Hell’s Kitchen, New York. Netflix has committed to a minimum of four, thirteen episodes series and a mini-series event in which the Marvel characters from the first four series team up as “The Defenders,” much like “The Avengers.”"

The official accounts for our #Defenders shows: @TheDefenders, @Daredevil, @JessicaJonesMVL, @LukeCage, @MarvelIronFist. #DefendersNYC
— Ryan Penagos (@AgentM) February 26, 2014

Today we got confirmation that Thor: The Dark World DVD will indeed have yet another Marvel One Shot titled 'All Hail The King'. It was confirmed to follow the events of Iron Man 3 and follow Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) as he is sentenced to Seagate Prison. Now why is this important? Well Seagate Prison happens to be the same exact prison Luke Cage is sentenced to as a criminal before being experimented on and becoming Power Man!

Now with Netflix moving forward with Marvel Street universe does this confirm that Marvel Street will also be connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe? It just might but seriously we knew it would. Will we see the actor playing Luke Cage in the Netflix series cameo in this Short Film? Doubtful but at least we know that Seagate Prison is now officially planted in the MCU just like Roxxon Oil Company is from past Marvel One Shots.

Today Marvel officially announced plans for a Marvel Street Universe (Thats what I'm calling it). The universe will feature Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist and Jessica Jones. It still remains to be seen if this universe will be connected to the current Marvel Cinematic Universe. Long time Luke Cage fan Isaiah Mustafa has now once again started campaigning via Twitter for the role of Luke Cage:

Shout out to e'ryone who wants to see me as #LukeCage!! Let's see how loud you can get ;) Holla if ya hear me!! #thegoodfight
— Isaiah Mustafa (@isaiahmustafa) November 7, 2013

If some of you don't know Mustafa is best known for being "The Old Spice Guy" and has been wanting to play Luke Cage ever since 2010. He even put together a teaser trailer for Cage using his own money.

Also like to point out that casting has indeed begun for Luke Cage according to @AlexLynch97 source:

Remember how I scooped up that @DaveBautista was gonna play Drax? Same source just told me the casting for Luke Cage, etc has begun.
— Alex Lynch (@TheAlexLynch97) November 7, 2013

So would you guys rather have an actor who is just there for a paycheck or someone who is a fan of the source material like you and me?!

That's right, you heard me everyone. Your favorite Marvel characters are about to hit the small screen in a huge way. Read the official press release below.

Disney’s Marvel and Netflix Join Forces to Develop Historic Four Series Epic plus a Mini-Series Event Based on Renowned Marvel Characters

Landmark Deal Brings Marvel’s Flawed Heroes of Hell’s Kitchen, led by “Daredevil,” to the World’s Leading Internet TV Network in 2015

Burbank, Calif. - Nov 7, 2013—The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) and Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) today announced an unprecedented deal for Marvel TV to bring multiple original series of live-action adventures of four of Marvel’s most popular characters exclusively to the world’s leading Internet TV Network beginning in 2015. This pioneering agreement calls for Marvel to develop four serialized programs leading to a miniseries programming event.

Led by a series focused on “Daredevil,” followed by “Jessica Jones,” “Iron Fist” and “Luke Cage,” the epic will unfold over multiple years of original programming, taking Netflix members deep into the gritty world of heroes and villains of Hell’s Kitchen, New York. Netflix has committed to a minimum of four, thirteen episodes series and a culminating Marvel’s “The Defenders” mini-series event that reimagines a dream team of self-sacrificing, heroic characters.

Produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Television Studios, this groundbreaking deal is Marvel’s most ambitious foray yet into live-action TV storytelling.

“This deal is unparalleled in its scope and size, and reinforces our commitment to deliver Marvel’s brand, content and characters across all platforms of storytelling. Netflix offers an incredible platform for the kind of rich storytelling that is Marvel’s specialty,” said Alan Fine, President of Marvel Entertainment. “This serialized epic expands the narrative possibilities of on-demand television and gives fans the flexibility to immerse themselves how and when they want in what’s sure to be a thrilling and engaging adventure.”

“Marvel’s movies, such as Iron Man and Marvel’s The Avengers, are huge favorites on our service around the world. Like Disney, Marvel is a known and loved brand that travels,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “WithHouse of Cards and our other original series, we have pioneered new approaches to storytelling and to global distribution and we’re thrilled to be working with Disney and Marvel to take our brand of television to new levels with a creative project of this magnitude.”

This new original TV deal follows last year’s landmark movie distribution deal through which, beginning with 2016 theatrically released feature films, Netflix will be the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for first-run, live-action and animated movies from the Walt Disney Studios, including titles from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Disneynature and Lucasfilm. Netflix members can currently enjoy a wide range of Disney, ABC TV and Disney Channel films and shows across the 41 countries where Netflix operates.

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $42.3 billion in its Fiscal Year 2012.

About Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 40 million members in more than 40 countries enjoying more than one billion hours of TV shows and movies per month, including original series. For one low monthly price, Netflix members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.