‘Marvel’s Luke Cage’ at San Diego Comic-Con 2016: The World is Ready for Him

Marvel’s Luke Cage is one of the most well-timed show premieres in recent memory. At a time when the African-American community is experiencing horrible tragedies and forcing all Americans to confront systematic racism, the super strong, smart, wry Luke Cage is here and as the trailer promised, he’s just getting started. The show’s cast and executive producer made their first appearance at San Diego Comic-Con to tease fans with some scenes of the upcoming Netflix series that debuts September 30th.

At the opening of the program, a slickly edited mash-up reel of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Punisher rolled to stir the audience up and Marvel TV honcho Jeph Loeb liked it so much, he showed it again.

As Loeb was about to introduce the show’s cast and creatives, a bearded, curly-haired Jon Bernthal wandered onstage casually and after the crowd quieted, Loeb mentioned that Marvel’s Punisher is going into production and asked Bernthal how he felt about continuing in the role of Frank Castle. Bernthal replied humbly, “I’m grateful and ready. I know how much Frank Castle means to members of military and law enforcement — I take it seriously.”

After Bernthal’s impromptu appearance, executive producer Cheo Hodari Coker and cast members Mike Colter, Alfre Woodard, Mahershala Ali, Simone Missick, Frank Whaley, Theo Rossi hit the stage.

Showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker thanked the show’s writing staff and got to the heart of the matter as he talked about how much the Luke Cage character meant to him growing up: “He stood out to me. He’s funny and strong and different. The world is ready for him.” Coker also talked about how important music is in the series, noting, “The first season should feel like an album.” Coker authored a biography of the Notorious B.I.G. and Biggie looms large in one of the powerful scenes shown at the panel. Coker says the music in the show is “the Wu-Tangification of the Marvel universe. It’s got flavor.” Coker said, “Luke has a ‘90s vibe but he’s modern. The world is ready for him.”

Theo Rossi sported the sunglasses his character Shades wears and says he watched Charlie Cox’s performance in Daredevil to research playing a blind character. Rossi commented that Shades is “the ultimate opportunist.”

Simone Missick plays Detective Misty Knight and Missick said, “I love that she’s bold, brash and determined” and promised that the show “gives fans everything and more when it comes to Misty.” Missick also revealed that it was co-star Frank Whaley’s birthday, then prompted the crowd to sing “Happy Birthday” to Whaley.

Alfre Woodard praised Cheo Coker’s script as “one of the smartest scripts I’ve read” and clearly relished her role of Mariah Dillard. Frank Whaley plays Detective Scarfe and echoed Woodard’s praise for the show’s writing, saying, “The script transported me to another place. I’m thrilled to be part of it.”

To close out the Comic-Con panel, a short scene from Marvel’s Iron Fist starring Finn Jones rolled, followed by a tease of the Defenders title card.

Luke Cage drops September 30th on Netflix. Check out the teaser here.

[Photos: Getty Images]