After prompting Mike Colter to deliver his trademark Luke Cage catchphrase earlier on, ComicBook.com then managed to squeeze a few more tidbits about the Marvel/Netflix TV series out of the actor.
Fans had speculated that Cage’s solo series might be set before Jessica Jones, and focus on the character’s journey before he encountered his fellow superhero, but Colter has confirmed that won’t be the case. He also revealed that the show would be the first of the Netflix productions not set in Hell’s Kitchen.
“I can tell you what they’ve allowed me to, which is basically, Luke Cage will take place a few months after Jessica Jones. So in real time, if you watch Jessica Jones, you’ll find [at the end] Luke Cage uptown in Harlem, working, trying to make ends meet. Luke Cage really hasn’t figured out what he’s doing.”
“He’s tending bar, he’s bouncing around. And for good reason, he’s a fugitive, he has some skeletons in his closet. He’s trying to basically stay off the radar. The people he hangs around with, though, are in need. Ultimately, he’d rather be alone, but with the way he’s equipped he does step up. That’s what it’s about, it’s about finding that inner feeling to make you want to take action. Sometimes we just sit around, and sit on our hands and don’t do anything because it’s like ‘hey, that’s not my problem.’ You can’t do that when you’re a superhero. You have these gifts, now use them.”
Colter may not have wanted to go into specifics concerning the plot, but he has painted an interesting picture of the character he’ll be playing and Cage’s mindset post Jessica Jones. As for Harlem? Last time that area featured in the MCU it was levelled in The Incredible Hulk – so there’s a good chance they’re not going to be too fond of super-powered individuals ’round those parts.
Jessica Jones will be with us November 20, and Luke Cage premieres sometime next year.
