As all of us have been speculating, Marvel is considering bringing certain heroes to their new Netflix universe which was established with Daredevil. There are a lot of characters that they could bring into the mix with their Phase II slate of shows (we even did a list of what characters that deserve the next shot at getting a show) but a recent report states that they’re just toying with certain ideas at this point:
Marvel is planning a Phase II that will include Defenders, however this won’t take place until 2017. As of right now, the plan is for two or three Netflix series a year, which means that we won’t get Defenders until 2017.
Daredevil season 2 is coming, but won’t air for a while. As for those Elektra rumors and the leaked audition tapes? They’re real. Elektra is coming.
The powers that be at Marvel have also been toying with the idea of adding characters like Punisher, Bladeand Ghost Rider, but there are risks with each of those characters. Not only are they darker and more violent, but two of them require supernatural elements in order to tell their stories. The inclusion of these characters could send Netflix over to the goofy side, which is something they’re very afraid of Ghost Rider would also rely on CGI too much for the studio’s taste.
It would also be difficult to incorporate the stories of these characters smoothly. Blade and Punisher are perceived to be rather one-note to carry a series on their own. The heavy level of violence is also perceived to be a risk. They want a “hard PG-13,” instead of an R. And since none of the Defenders actively kill, throwing Punisher into the mix could be a challenge.
It’s far more likely that we’ll see a cameo and backdoor pilot. If it were to go well, like DC did with Firestorm on The Flash this year, it could lead to a new series.
Which character do you want to see the most for Phase II? Be sure to sound off in the comment section!