Much like how the first batch of Marvel Cinematic Universe superheroes eventually banded together in 2012 for The Avengers, Marvel's Netflix heroes are gearing up to team up sometime next year for The Defenders miniseries. So far, the main lineup of crimefighters consists of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist, but fans have been in the dark about why they're joining forces. Well, now one piece of that puzzle is in place, as they'll be going up against Sigourney Weaver.
It was announced today at New York City Comic-Con that Sigourney Weaver will play The Defenders' main antagonist, although exactly who her character is wasn't announced. Weaver recently revealed that she had been watching a lot of Marvel movies, and when asked why, she responded, "I can't tell you." This kicked off speculation about whether or not she was joining the MCU, and while we originally believed she might appear in one of the movies, now it's confirmed that she'll be lending her talents to one of their biggest small screen projects. She joins a cast that includes Charlie Cox, Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, Finn Jones, Scott Glenn, Elden Henson, Eka Danville and Simone Missick. Daredevil Season 2 showrunners Douglas Petrie and Marco Ramirez are also overseeing The Defenders.
Although this will be Sigourney Weaver's first superhero-related project, she has cemented herself as an icon in the world of sci-fi entertainment, primarily for playing Ellen Ripley in the Alien movies. Her other notable credits include playing Dana Barrett in the original Ghostbusters movies, Gwen DeMarco in Galaxy Quest, Dr. Grace Augustine in Avatar (a role she'll reprise in the upcoming sequel) and Tuya in Exodus: Gods and Kings. It's hard to say at the moment which Marvel villain she'll play in The Defenders, but considering how many badass characters she's played over the years, this figure will certainly give these heroes a tough time.
No specific plot details concerning The Defenders have been released yet. All we know for sure is that the miniseries will see Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist (and maybe a few other heroes) teaming up to protect the streets of New York City, which we now know is being spearheaded by Sigourney Weaver's character. At San Diego Comic-Con, a teaser trailer aired featuring narration from Scott Glenn's Daredevil character, Stick. That could suggest that whatever the danger is, it might have a mystical component, especially considering the events in Daredevil Season 2 and the upcoming Iron Fist series open that door further. On the other hand, maybe it will just be something scientifically-related, like enhanced technology or more people with special abilities. We'll have to wait and see.
The Defenders will premiere its eight episodes on Netflix sometime in 2017, so stay tuned to Cinema Blend for all the biggest updates surrounding the miniseries.
