We’re continuing our Netflix TV coverage with our very first look at Danny Rand in Iron Fist, the second trailer and one of many pieces of information Marvel Television brought us at SDCC. Played by actor Finn Jones (Game of Thrones), Danny Rand is a relatively new hero to the MCU, but a major player in the television circuit and one who’s presence is an important part of many major Hell’s Kitchen players.
First created during the 1970s trend of martial arts superheroes, Iron Fist owes his origins to Amazing-Man, a character from the 1940s. According to Wikipedia, he was soon in danger of cancellation until he joined another popular character – Luke Cage. The two formed Heroes for Hire and were active until the final issue from that series, 125, that featured the death of Danny Rand.
In true comic book fashion when it came time for Rand to return he was brought back and the person who had been killed was revealed as a doppleganger. Since then Rand has appeared in multiple comic story arcs, culminating in his own brand new solo series as a part of the Marvel Now! event.
The television universe is considerably different. Born the son of wealthy socialite Wendell Rand, Danny and his family were involved in a mountain climbing accident near the city of K’un Lun. Mentioned by Madame Gao in Daredevil, the seeds are sown to make an impressive Marvelous (see what I did there?) Garden. Fraught with family drama, Iron Fist draws from everything from Hamlet to Brigadoon,to Bruce Lee films. No wonder it’s actor Clark Gregg’s favorite comic book series.
With all of that in mind, let’s take a look at our first introduction to the mysterious Iron Fist!
Beginning with an oriental soundtrack, we start with a look at Daniel and his mother. In the original comics, Wendell, his friend Meachum, Daniel’s mother and himself are mountain climbing before they encounter K’un Lun, however in the series it would appear to have been changed to a plane crash.
Rand is then seen lying in the snow overseen by a pair of monks. We’re left with little to go on as we transfer to modern day New York and Daniel rand, returning home much like another hero from Marvel’s neighbors, Oliver Queen, AKA the Green Arrow.
Things don’t go well for Danny as we next see him strapped to a bed in what appears to be a mental institution. Marvel’s Netflix Series has always been very respectful of mental health and it’s depiction. While we the audience know that he’s not crazy it appears that the transition to civilian life won’t be easy, if happen at all.
Which is where Rand’s quest for revenge comes in. See, his father’s friend Henry Meachum murdered his father. Like Hamlet, Danny Rand sets out to avenge his father’s death which leads him to be apprenticed to the master who teaches him how to harness his Chi to perform incredible stunts. Case in point, as the trailer ends and we’re treated to that incredible logo, we see Danny break out through the wall. It looks like New York won’t be ready for what hits it.
Neither will we.
Iron Fist is set to debut on Netflix streaming sometime in late 2016/2017. It stars Finn Jones as Danny Rand/Iron Fist, Jessica Hardwick as Colleen Wing, David Wenham as Harold Meachum, Jessica Stroup as Joy Meachum, Tom Pelphrey as Ward Meachum, and Carrie-Ann Moss as Jeri Hogarth.