Summary
- The re-canonization of the Netflix series presents an opportunity to bring back compelling characters with untapped potential in the MCU.
- Characters like Elektra, Malcolm Ducasse, Claire Temple, and Misty Knight deserve a second chance to further explore their stories in the MCU.
- Fan-favorite villains like Kilgrave could make a comeback and provide compelling conflicts for the heroes in future MCU projects.
The
Marvel Cinematic Universe wasn't always clear about whether its Netflix corner of shows was canon until recently. The grittier, mature shows that make up this smaller pocket of Marvel's on-screen installments include Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and the 8-episode crossover event bringing these characters together, The Defenders. Vincent D'Onofrio's lauded performance as villainous crime boss Wilson Fisk, or Kingpin, was the first mainstream comeback from the "Defendersverse," in the MCU timeline, with his character playing a key role in the Disney+ shows Hawkeye and Echo.
Meanwhile, the original hero to go up against Kingpin is getting his own MCU series, with the Daredevil: Born Again cast set to feature many beloved characters, including Jon Bernthal's brutal anti-hero the Punisher, Daredevil villain Bullseye (Wilson Bethel), and Matt Murdock's closest friends, Franklin "Foggy" Nelson (Elden Henson) and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll). While nothing beyond this is confirmed,
the re-canonization of the Netflix series' presents a prime opportunity to pull from their rich roster of characters — heroes, villains, sidekicks, and allies alike — that are either fan-favorites or deserving of a second chance at the silver screen.
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Related Daredevil & All Marvel Crossovers: Every Character In Multiple Shows Here's a rundown of all the characters that crossovered to other shows in The Defenders universe, from Daredevil season 1 to Daredevil season 3. 14 Elektra Natchios Was A Compelling & Complicated Character Appears In Daredevil & The Defenders13
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The master assassin played by Elodie Yung made her first appearance in Daredevil season 2, before playing a significant role in The Defenders. As Matt Murdock's destructive and morally ambiguous former lover, this version of Elektra unfortunately appears in the lowest rated season of Daredevil. As a highly interesting character whose performance by Yung was compelling, she deserves a second chance, especially because of how much her and Matt's dynamic would add to his MCU show.
There has been no sign of Yung's take on the character in the MCU thus far, but a rumored appearance of Jennifer Garner's version of Elektra in Deadpool 3 may further complicate a reappearance by Yung. Nonetheless, between Yung's Elektra having a history of resurrection and an inconclusive ending in The Defenders, there may still be a way to bring her back in some capacity. It would certainly be a well-deserved comeback from a character that's got a lot of potential.
12 Malcolm Ducasse's Story Ends With A Perfect Justification To Bring Him Back Appears In Jessica Jones
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Malcolm Ducasse (Eka Darville) is a character that's all about potential. The Jessica Jones sidekick begins his journey on the show as a drug-addicted victim of Jones' (Krysten Ritter) own abuser, Kilgrave (David Tennant), before ending up in stewardship of her company, Alias Investigations. His ending on the show is a coming-of-age moment that, in actuality, is just the beginning of his solo journey.
While no characters from Jessica Jones have yet been confirmed, Malcolm was instrumental to Jones' journey and to see his own journey play out further in the MCU would be exciting for fans.
Alias Investigations can certainly make some sort of appearance in the MCU, allowing audiences to see Malcolm at the helm. A door was left open at the end of Malcolm's storyline; whether the MCU uses it to bring the character back remains up to the studio.
11 Claire Temple Is Crucial To The Defenders' Story Appears In Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist & The Defenders Close Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson) may have began her Marvel show story as a supporting character, but she quickly became a highly influential force in each of the Netflix shows — in fact,
Temple is the one who brings the heroes together in The Defenders. The nurse begins her journey on Daredevil, tending to Murdock's injuries from his vigilante activities. She ends up helping each of the other heroes, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage, and is instrumental in their journeys.
The MCU has yet to confirm the return of the Defenders team, but with Daredevil's reemergence, it would make sense. In such an event,
Temple deserves to be treated as a member of the team, as they would likely not exist without the personal relationships she has with each of the heroes. As a strong character and powerful ally to superpowered individuals, there can surely be a place for Claire Temple in the MCU.
10 Danny Rand A.K.A. Iron Fist Could Get An MCU Redemption Appears In Iron Fist & The Defenders Close Finn Jones' Danny Rand is the title hero of his show, Iron Fist, and would therefore merit some consideration for an MCU return. The character's partnership with Luke Cage and the subsequent team-up that forms the Defenders were particularly significant moments. Powers like Rand's could certainly fit in the MCU alongside heroes like Shang-Chi.
Although Rand is one of the Defenders, the character was poorly received by audiences. As such, the MCU may not feel particularly inclined to bring him back. However, a return of the Defenders without Iron Fist would be lacking, and
the studio just might be able to breathe new life into the character to bring him back in a way that avoids the complications of his Marvel Netflix show story.
9 Trish Walker A.K.A. Hellcat Could Be A Great Villain Or Hero For The MCU Appears In Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, & The Defenders8
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Trish Walker (Rachael Taylor), the adoptive sister of Jessica Jones, had a polarizing arc in the series as she gained powers. The character provides a compelling insight into the trauma of an abused child star obsessed with never feeling powerless again. Envious of her sister's powers, and believing them to be wasted on a reluctant hero like Jones, she seeks to become her own hero, only to become a killer herself.
A character like Walker is interesting, conflicted, and contradictory in a way that could be further explored by the MCU. Trish ends up in the Raft (a prison built for superpowered individuals), an experience that could provide an opportunity for some rich, if dark, storytelling. Her ending need not be permanent, whether her sister returns to the MCU or not.
7 Jeri Hogarth Was Too Good A Performance For The MCU To Not Use Appears in Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Iron Fist, & The Defenders6
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The calculating lawyer was played perfectly by Carrie-Anne Moss as highly intelligent and deeply motivated by self-interest.
Moss's stellar performance steals every scene that Hogarth is in and would be a gift to the MCU. In the vein of Vincent D'Onofrio's performance of Kingpin, Moss's performance of Hogarth is enough to warrant a return.
Such a return for the character would also work well from a plot standpoint. Given the increased focus on lawyers like She-Hulk (Tatiana Maslany) and Matt Murdock in the MCU, as well as the confirmed return of her former employee, Foggy Nelson,
the MCU could easily have a place for a sleazy-but-powerful antagonist on the legal playing field. Nevertheless, like the rest of the Jessica Jones cast, nothing has been announced regarding Hogarth's return in Daredevil: Born Again or any other projects.
5 Misty Knight Could Get A More Dedicated Superhero Story In The MCU Appears in Luke Cage, Iron Fist, & The Defenders
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Misty Knight is one of the most interesting characters to come out of the Marvel Netflix shows. The master investigator and NYPD detective made her mark on the Defenders Saga after her first appearance in Luke Cage. Misty Knight (Simone Missick) always had the potential for her own spin-off, and now the MCU has a chance to make that a reality.
The Netflix shows did not fully explore the depth of the character and what she could do. Her team-up with Iron Fist character Colleen Wing hints at her potential as a superhero, and it would be a shame to never see that pay off. In the comics, Knight is a street-level superhero, and with her prospects now in the hands of the MCU, perhaps she can become one onscreen.
4 Kilgrave Has One Of Marvel's Best On-Screen Superhero Performances Appears in Jessica Jones Close David Tennant as the Jessica Jones antagonist
Kilgrave provides what is easily one of the best villain performances across all superhero media. Although the character was killed by Jessica Jones in a cathartic delivery of justice, Tennant's strong performance may just give the MCU a reason to bring the sociopathic mind-controller back. In the comics, the character is instrumental to Kingpin's mayoral run — a political plotline that was hinted at the end of Echo.
Kilgrave is cruel, devoid of empathy, and self-obsessed — all traits that make him an excellent villain. The resurrection of Elektra, however, introduces possibilities that could, if done well, successfully bring back Jones' tormentor bigger and worse than ever. Whether the MCU chooses to follow this path or leave Jones' victory over her abuser as is remains to be seen.
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Related Daredevil: Born Again's Cast Reveals Hint The MCU Can't Use The Best Villain From Marvel's Netflix Shows Marvel's Netflix shows may have already killed New York's scariest street-level villain before he got to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 3 Luke Cage Has Plenty Of Marvel Stories Left To Tell Appears in Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, & The Defenders2
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Mike Colter's "Harlem Hero" could be one of the most powerful street-level heroes in the MCU if he returns. Cage's position as one of the Defenders in itself warrants a return of the character. Add to that his super strength and impenetrable skin, and Cage makes a formidable contender for an MCU comeback indeed.
Luke Cage is arguably the most important of the Netflix shows due to the themes it explores; the injustice against Cage's false imprisonment mirrors a theme the MCU touches on in the story of Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Despite a two-season arc, along with his role in The Defenders,
Luke Cage has a lot more depth waiting to be explored. Hopefully, audiences get to see this play out, along with a return of the other Defenders members.
1 Jessica Jones' Marvel Show Ending Perfectly Sets Up An MCU Introduction Appears in Jessica Jones & The Defenders
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Arguably the most compelling of the Defenders team members,
Jessica Jones deserves a comeback on the same level as Daredevil. Although a possible appearance in Daredevil: Born Again hasn't been ruled out, there's nothing confirmed for the cynical hero. Jones' 3 season arc concludes with her truly accepting the role of a hero, something that has been reluctantly thrust on her throughout the series.
Jones' ending opens doors for her to heal and come into her own. Given everything the character has suffered — from her abuse at the hands of Kilgrave, her murderous mother, and having to send her own sister and best friend to prison — her choice to remain a fighter makes her truly heroic. If Jessica Jones tells the story of a deeply damaged woman becoming a hero, then the
MCU can continue the narrative and show audiences just what Jones becoming a real superhero looks like.
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