The shows originally released on Netflix are starting to play a bigger role in the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), giving Disney a chance to address what many consider a past oversight. Before Disney+ existed, Marvel collaborated with Netflix to create streaming series like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher, and The Defenders. These shows offered a darker, more realistic take on superheroes and allowed for longer, more complex storylines than the big-screen MCU films could accommodate.
Many of these shows were highly praised when they first came out. All three seasons of Daredevil were fan favorites and remain the most popular Marvel series from this era. Luke Cage also received good reviews over its two seasons, and the first seasons of Jessica Jones and The Punisher were particularly well-received. However, not every show on Netflix was a hit, and now there’s an opportunity to revisit some of the most debated choices.
Finn Jones As Iron Fist Was The Netflix MCU’s Most Controversial Aspect
Netflix’s Iron Fist is widely considered the weakest entry in their Marvel series, and much of the criticism stemmed from the casting of Finn Jones in the lead role (according to Geeks). Jones played Danny Rand, a privileged heir who, after a plane crash, is raised and trained as a martial artist by monks in K’un-Lun – a story consistent with the Marvel comics. However, the casting choice sparked debate even before the show premiered.
Before Finn Jones was chosen to play Iron Fist, Keith Chow launched an online campaign urging Netflix to cast an Asian-American actor in the role. Chow and other supporters felt the story had relied too often on the idea of a white character mastering Asian martial arts and spirituality, and believed it would be more compelling to see a second-generation Asian-American character explore their heritage.
The comics have featured Asian Iron Fists, so it wasn’t unexpected that Netflix chose a white actor, Danny Rand, given his popularity. However, even considering the issues with the character’s history, Finn Jones wasn’t a strong choice for the role. His acting didn’t stand out compared to other performers in the show, like Jessica Henwick.
Martial arts are central to the character of Iron Fist, but many viewers felt Finn Jones’s performance didn’t quite capture that. The fight scenes were often shaky and badly filmed. In fact, the show’s stunt coordinator, Brett Chan, suggested that Finn Jones wasn’t enthusiastic about training, which contributed to the problems with the action sequences.
Finn Jones actually received more praise for his work in Luke Cage and The Defenders. While he was well-liked as a supporting character—specifically as Danny Rand—he struggled to carry his own series as the main lead.
With the success of Daredevil: Born Again bringing Jessica Jones back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, now could be the ideal moment for Disney to revive the Iron Fist storyline. While rumors suggest Luke Cage (Mike Colter) might reappear, there’s been little news about a potential return for Finn Jones as Danny Rand.
If the MCU decides to ignore the Iron Fist series from Netflix, they’re free to retell the story with a different actor. Whether they cast an Asian-American actor or reimagine Danny Rand, most fans would likely prefer a new take over the Netflix version.
The MCU Can Still Continue The Story Of Netflix’s Iron Fist Without Finn Jones
The best way to move past the issues with the Iron Fist TV show might be to start over. However, another option exists: bringing Colleen Wing, who became Iron Fist in season two of the show, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Colleen was generally more well-liked than Danny Rand, and her return would likely be popular with fans. This approach would acknowledge the events of the Netflix series as part of the overall story, but it would allow the MCU to avoid continuing the problematic storyline and version of the character presented in the original show.
Even if Finn Jones returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he’d be more effective in a supporting role rather than as a leading character in street-level stories. His previous work in shows like The Defenders and Luke Cage demonstrated he excels as a supporting player. Therefore, involving him in projects like a team alongside Daredevil or the Midnight Sons would be a better use of his talents than attempting another full season of Iron Fist.
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2026-02-06 21:12