Marvel universe shrinks a little after cancellation of Netflix’s ‘Luke Cage’
The Marvel universe just got a slice smaller on Netflix, with the cancellation of Marvel’s Luke Cage after two seasons. The news surprised fans and came this weekend, soon after Netflix axed another live-action Marvel series, Iron Fist. Both are part of The Defenders world and ordered up by Netflix back in 2013.
“Unfortunately, Marvel’s Luke Cage will not return for a third season,” said a statement released by Netflix. “Everyone at Marvel Television and Netflix is grateful to the dedicated showrunner, writers, cast and crew who brought Harlem’s Hero to life for the past two seasons, and to all the fans who have supported the series.”
Netflix didn’t a reason for the cancellation. An email request for additional comment was not immediately returned Saturday.
The Cage series made a splash when it was released because it featured a rare black superhero in a stand-alone vehicle. Mike Colter starred as the bullet-proof hero for hire. Before the role, Colter was best known as powerful Chicago drug lord Lemond Bishop in The Good Wife, and recovering addict Malcolm Ward in Ringer.
The second season premiered in June. Cage creator and showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker responded on Twitter but also offered no insight into why the series was dumped. “A lot memories. A lot of individual thank you calls to make,” he said. “Just want to say thank you to Marvel, Netflix, the best Writer’s room, cast, crew, the Midnight Hour, all those who graced the stage at Harlem’s Paradise and the most incredible fan base in the world. Forward always …”
Disney, Marvel’s parent company, is working on its own streaming service.