For the past year, details regarding Iron Fist’s development have been shrouded in mystery. There’s barely been any news on what to expect since it was announced in late 2013 with Marvel’s other Netflix shows. In fact, following reports of writers having trouble with the concept, it was rumored in October that the show would be scrapped in favor of a Netflix-exclusive two-hour movie. While Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada outright stated last month that Iron Fist will be seen in some form, now it’s official that the TV format is still happening as planned, as the series has found its showrunner.
Reports indicate that Marvel has hired Dexter producer Scott Buck to oversee Iron Fist. This will be the last solo series before the eponymous protagonist teams up with Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage in the Defenders miniseries. While there’s still no release date attached, Comicbook.com reports there is an official synopsis for the series. Here’s what fans and curious viewers can expect:
Returning to New York City after being missing for years, Daniel Rand fights against the criminal element corrupting New York City with his incredible kung-fu mastery and ability to summon the awesome power of the fiery Iron Fist.
While Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage all feature protagonists with superpowers, Iron Fist has the added mysticism elements. Just like in the comics, Rand will be able to channel natural energy, a.k.a. “chi,” through his fist and enhance his natural abilities. So the audience will get to see more than just cool martial arts moves on the show. Assuming that Iron Fist doesn’t air until 2017, this means it follow in the footsteps of Doctor Strange, the MCU’s first project to directly delve into the world of magic. Iron Fist has already been alluded to in Daredevil Season 1 with the symbol stamped on Madame Gao’s heroin packets referencing Iron Fist’s enemy Steel Serpent.
In addition to writing and producing work on Dexter, Buck’s credits also include being a writer and producer on Six Feel Under and writing episodes of Coach, Everybody Loves Raymond and Rome. Six Feet Under and Dexter were especially dark shows, and since Netflix has become Marvel’s haven for more mature storytelling, Buck should be a good fit for this side of the MCU. Buck also continues the trend of Marvel hiring behind-the-scenes talent who have worked on premium cable. Daredevil Season 1 showrunner Steven DeKnight managed Spartacus, Jessica Jones showrunner Melissa Rosenberg worked with Buck on Dexter and Luke Cage’s Cheo Hodari Coker has produced Ray Donovan.
We’ll keep you apprised on any developments on Iron Fist, but in the meantime, you can catch up on Marvel’s Netflix programming by checking out the first seasons of Daredevil and Jessica Jones.
