An interesting image showed up on Finn Jones Instagram – a fictional quote from Lei Kung the Thunderer, one of Marvel comics lesser known characters.
In the upcoming Netflix series, Finn Jones plays the character of Danny Rand, the Iron Fist. Jones is best known for his work on Game of Thrones.
Currently being filmed in New York City, Iron Fist is one of several Marvel properties being developed for Netflix. So far Marvel Studios has two big wins on Netflix with Daredevil and Jessica Jones. With the Luke Cage series set to open at the end of September and Iron Fist to debut in early 2017, the bar is set high for both.
Iron Fist – a complex character with a complex history
Unlike the other characters, Iron Fist has a much more complicated past and will certainly bring additional challenges in filming and set design. Iron Fist was introduced in the pages of Marvel Comics Premiere #15 in 1974 to capitalize on the martial arts craze that was sweeping America.
Created by two comic book legends, Roy Thomas and Gil Kane, Iron Fist soon became a solid “B-lister” in Marvel comics, often teaming up with other “B-listers. In the late 70’s, both the Iron Fist and Luke Cage titles were flagging, which led to Marvel combining both characters in a title called Power-Man and Iron Fist. This title gained a cult following and highlighted all the street level heroes that Marvel and Netflix are currently developing.
The backdrop that was created long ago in the pages of Power-Man and Iron Fist is expected to be part of the new series, with Danny Rand’s origin and early years being explored. One big thing that fans of Iron Fist will be looking for is a quality vision of K’un Lun, the timeless city where Danny Rand learns kung fu from the colorful Lei Kung the Thunderer on his way to gaining the power of the Iron Fist.
More casting decisions soon?
So far, no actor has been announced for the role of the Thunderer, but comic book fans of Iron Fist would tell you that they fully expect the character to appear on the series.
So far, the classic Iron Fist support team has begun to come together with Colleen Wing and Misty Knight already being cast. Expectations are that cast decisions for Steel Serpent and Lei Kung the Thunderer will soon be announced. Hopefully Finn Jones’ Instagram post signals sooner rather than later.
Iron Fist is expected to be released on Netflix in April or May of 2017.
