Meet Queue: Your New Superhero Obsession, ‘Luke Cage’s Mike Colter

This September has already been a great month for Netflix Originals, but it’s about to get even better. This Friday marks the premiere of what’s likely going to be your new favorite series, Marvel’s Luke Cage, and we can’t wait.

At the center of Marvel’s dark and gritty series about superpowers, race, good versus evil, and the battle for Harlem stands the titular Luke Cage, played by Mike Colter. This isn’t the first time Colter has starred in a Netflix Original, nor is it the first time he’s tackled the role of Cage. However, between this new series, Netflix’s upcoming The Defenders series, and the host of new shows and spinoffs Marvel is sure to put in development sooner rather than later, you’re about to see a lot more of this highly talented actor. Colter wonderfully walks the line between being relatedly vulnerable and mysteriously quiet and compelling. Because we know you’re about to be singing Colter’s praises, we thought we’d give you a cheat sheet your new streaming obsession. Consider this your “meet cute” to Colter’s work, but instead of ending in an epic superhero fight, this article ends with you learning more about an incredible performer.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

One of Colter’s biggest early roles was in this sports drama that was co-produced, directed, and stars Clint Eastwood. Our new favorite super hero starred as “Big” Willie Little, a boxer whom Dunn (Eastwood) trained for years. This critically-acclaimed film won four Academy Awards. Even over a decade ago, it was clear that Colter was destined for acting greatness.

[Where to watch Million Dollar Baby]

The Good Wife (2010 – 2015)

Colter starred in this beloved CBS legal soap as Lemond Bishop, a powerful Chicago drug lord that Lockhart/Gardner had to deal with several times. The actor only appeared in 21 episodes, but every time you saw Colter’s character pop up, you knew that trouble was not too far behind.

[Where to watch The Good Wife]

Men in Black III (2012)

Though you probably skipped it, the third movie in the Men in Black franchise was better than you think it would be. In this time-travel comedy epic, Colter starred as Colonel James Darrell Edwards Jr., Will Smith’s dad that J (spoiler alert) meets in the past. Though Colter’s time onscreen was brief, he handled the narratively heavy role well, adding some real weight to this comedy.

[Where to watch Men in Black III]

Marvel’s Jessica Jones (2015)

This September isn’t the first time we’ve seen Colter tackle the character of Luke Cage. The actor started his tenure as our new favorite superhero / antihero in Krysten Ritter’s dark story about abuse, revenge, and fear. Colter’s oddly calm portrayal of the character infused Jessica Jones with some much-needed sympathy, softening her notoriously jagged edges.

[Where to watch Marvel’s Jessica Jones]

Marvel’s Luke Cage (2016)

This week, Colter will resume his role as Marvel’s most morally ambiguous convict with super strength and unbreakable skin, and we can’t wait. Early reviews of the series have hinted that the performances and 1970s style of the series may not just make Luke Cage one of Netflix’s best original series. It may make it one of the best shows of the year. We can’t wait to see Colter battle for Harlem.

Season One of Marvel’s Luke Cage premieres on Netflix Friday, September 30, at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT.

[Where to watch Marvel’s Luke Cage]