Last month, rumors broke that Marvel was shopping a huge deal for four original series to various cable networks and streaming services. Today, the deal was announced and it was much bigger than we originally thought.
Marvel will debut four new original series on Netflix focusing on “Daredevil,” “Luke Cage,” “Iron Fist” and “Jessica Jones” that will run for at least 13 episodes each before culminating in a miniseries called “The Defenders” which will bring all of the main characters together.
This will be the first live action adaptation of Luke Cage, Iron Fist and Jessica Jones, while Daredevil was previously adapted in the 2003 feature film starring Ben Affleck. A Jessica Jones TV series was in the works at ABC for years, but it never escaped development hell.
It should be pointed out that most of these characters in the Netflix deal are associated with Marvel’s “Heroes For Hire,” but the more well known Defenders include the Hulk, Namor, Silver Surfer and Doctor Strange (who is rumored to be getting his own movie in Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe).
All told, the deal with Netflix will guarantee at least 60 hours between the four shows and the miniseries, with the possibility for more. Marvel TV and ABC Studios will produce each series on Netflix; the first of which is expected to be released in 2015.
In a brief statement, Marvel’s Alan Fine said “This deal is unparalleled in its scope and size, and reinforces our commitment to deliver Marvel’s brand, content and characters across all platforms of storytelling. Netflix offers an incredible platform for the kind of rich storytelling that is Marvel’s specialty.”
“This serialized epic expands the narrative possibilities of on-demand television and gives fans the flexibility to immerse themselves how and when they want in what’s sure to be a thrilling and engaging adventure,” continued Fine.
Now that we know this is coming, let the casting speculation begin!
