With Daredevil: Born Again finally making its way into the MCU, fans of Marvel’s Netflix era have been given a glimmer of hope that the legacy of Daredevil will continue. Charlie Cox’s return as Matt Murdock, alongside Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin, cements the character’s importance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe moving forward. But while Daredevil was always the crown jewel of Marvel’s Netflix lineup, it wasn’t the only show that resonated with audiences.
Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and even Iron Fist were all part of that same interconnected world, a grittier, street-level version of Marvel storytelling that offered something unique from the traditional superhero spectacle of the MCU. These shows weren’t just placeholders for Daredevil—they had their own distinct voices, compelling characters, and rich narratives that deserve to be carried forward into the MCU’s next phase. To bring Daredevil back while leaving the rest behind would be a disservice to the universe Netflix built, one that remains a fan favorite despite its abrupt cancellation.
Jessica Jones, in particular, stands as one of Marvel’s most layered and well-developed characters. Played masterfully by Krysten Ritter, Jessica was a deeply flawed yet compelling private investigator with superhuman strength and a deeply traumatic past. The show’s first season, widely regarded as one of the best in Marvel TV history, introduced audiences to the chilling villain Kilgrave, played by David Tennant. It was a psychological thriller wrapped in a superhero story, tackling themes of trauma, control, and personal agency in ways no other Marvel project had dared to before. Jessica wasn’t a hero in the traditional sense—she was bitter, angry, and reluctant to get involved—but that’s what made her so engaging. She wasn’t trying to save the world; she was just trying to survive it, and that grounded approach made her stand out.
Beyond its storytelling, Jessica Jones also had one of the strongest supporting casts in Marvel’s TV history. Trish Walker’s descent into darkness, Malcolm Ducasse’s journey of redemption, and Jeri Hogarth’s morally ambiguous legal dealings all contributed to a rich world that felt just as compelling as anything happening in the MCU’s larger-than-life battles. Ignoring Jessica’s story moving forward would be a massive missed opportunity, especially in an era where Marvel is pushing for more complex, character-driven storytelling.
Similarly, Luke Cage was a show that carried cultural significance beyond just being another superhero series. Mike Colter’s portrayal of Harlem’s bulletproof protector gave Marvel its first major Black lead in a television series, and the show embraced its setting and themes with pride. Harlem wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a character in itself, a community with history, struggles, and triumphs that Luke was a part of. The show’s music, influenced by hip-hop and jazz, gave it a rhythm and soul unlike anything else in Marvel’s catalog.
The villains in Luke Cage were also some of the most memorable in the Netflix era. Mahershala Ali’s Cottonmouth was a tragic figure, a gangster who could have been so much more if not for the cycle of violence that trapped him. Alfre Woodard’s Mariah Dillard was equally captivating, a politician torn between ambition and morality. Even Bushmaster, introduced in Season 2, brought a fresh perspective to the show’s themes of power and legacy.
Luke himself was a different kind of hero—one who didn’t wear a mask or hide who he was. He wasn’t out for revenge or personal glory; he simply wanted to protect his home and be a symbol of hope. His arc, particularly in the final moments of Season 2 where he assumes control of Harlem’s underworld to protect it from within, set up a fascinating new direction that was cut short when the show was canceled. The MCU would be wise to pick up that thread, especially as it continues to expand its roster of Black superheroes.
Then there’s Iron Fist, the most divisive of the Netflix Marvel shows. While the first season was widely criticized for its weak storytelling and lackluster action, the second season made significant improvements. Finn Jones’ Danny Rand became a more compelling lead, and Jessica Henwick’s Colleen Wing quickly became a fan favorite. By the end of Season 2, Iron Fist had finally found its footing, only for the series to be abruptly canceled before it could build on that momentum.
Danny Rand’s story, despite its rocky start, still has a place in the MCU. The mystical side of Marvel is growing, with projects like Shang-Chi, Doctor Strange, and Blade all introducing elements of magic and ancient power. Iron Fist could fit into that landscape seamlessly, and bringing him back—especially alongside Colleen Wing—could provide exciting new directions for the character. Marvel could also lean into the Heroes for Hire aspect, teaming Danny up with Luke Cage as they do in the comics. The chemistry between Mike Colter and Finn Jones in The Defenders and Luke Cage Season 2 was one of the highlights of their respective shows, and fans have long wanted to see their partnership truly take off.
What made the Netflix Marvel universe so special was its ability to tell grounded, character-driven stories that weren’t about saving the universe or battling cosmic threats. These were heroes who fought in alleys, bars, and city streets—heroes who struggled with rent, relationships, and personal demons just as much as they did with supervillains. That approach resonated with audiences, offering a refreshing contrast to the more fantastical elements of the MCU.
Bringing back Daredevil is a great step, but it shouldn’t be the only one. The world of Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist still has so much to offer. Whether through solo projects, Disney+ specials, or integrated appearances in other Marvel films and shows, these characters deserve to continue their stories.
With the multiverse now fully in play, Marvel has a perfect opportunity to reintroduce these heroes in ways that respect their past while adapting them for the future. Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, and Jessica Henwick have all expressed interest in returning to their roles, and fans have made it clear that they want to see these characters again.
Marvel has the chance to honor the legacy of its Netflix shows while expanding the MCU in exciting new ways. Forgetting Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist would be a mistake. These heroes may not be as flashy as the Avengers, but their stories matter. And if the MCU truly wants to embrace all aspects of its universe, it should bring them back into the fold where they belong.