The Marvel Cinematic Universe is still adding to its mythology in the most unforeseen ways, and one of the most recent additions has quietly sparked the debate about a fan-favorite hero.
Marvel has officially announced a new incarnation of Iron Fist. This does not necessarily imply the end of the road for the character. As a matter of fact, the way this new Iron Fist fits into the broader timeline might actually strengthen the chances that the original live-action version returns to the spotlight sooner rather than later.
Marvel’s Latest Iron Fist Reveal Might Set Up Danny Rand’s Comeback
In the new animated series ‘Eyes of Wakanda,’ the lore of the Iron Fist was expanded. The series delves into centuries of Wakanda’s history, providing hints at various periods and heroes related to the history of the MCU. Among such heroes is a new Iron Fist called Jorani, who is voiced by Jona Xiao.
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Jorani is much older than the modern-day version most fans know, with her story set in the 1400s. Since the story is set so long ago, her existence does not supersede any existing incarnation of the hero. Rather, it expands the history of the Iron Fist mantle.
It demonstrates that the magical force associated with the character has been transferred between various champions throughout the centuries. To most audiences, the animated introduction does not seem like a replacement. It only reminds them of the sheer size of the Iron Fist mythology.
Why Danny Rand May Still Return
That historical setting is exactly why fans shouldn’t assume the original Iron Fist is gone from the MCU’s future. The contemporary incarnation of the hero, Danny Rand, was once played by Finn Jones in ‘Iron Fist’ and ‘The Defenders’ series on Netflix. Despite the mixed reviews, there has always been an argument among fans that the character can still be utilized.
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And recent events indicate that the door might not be closed yet. It has been hinted that the old Defenders team might reunite in some way, particularly as ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ keeps expanding the street-level side of the MCU. As Charlie Cox comes back as Matt Murdock and Krysten Ritter is confirmed to play Jessica Jones once again, the question has naturally shifted to the rest of the team.
That is Mike Colter, who has played Luke Cage before, and, of course, Jones’ Danny Rand. Nothing has been officially confirmed yet, but the pieces are gradually falling into place. And should Marvel reunite the Defenders and the Iron Fist legacy, it might turn out to have a larger role to play in the MCU than anyone anticipated.
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