Luke Cage
File:Luke Cage Netflix.png
Genre
Created byCheo Hodari Coker
Based onLuke Cage
by Archie Goodwin
George Tuska
Roy Thomas
John Romita Sr.
Starring
Composers
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Aïda Mashaka Croal
  • Akela Cooper
  • Gail Barringer
Production locationNew York City
CinematographyManuel Billeter
Editors
  • Jonathan Chibnall
  • Miklos Wright
  • Tirsa Hackshaw
Running time46–65 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNetflix
ReleaseSeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30) –
present (present)
Related
Marvel Cinematic Universe television series

Marvel's Luke Cage, or simply Luke Cage, is an American web television series created for Netflix by Cheo Hodari Coker, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. It is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise and is the third in a series of shows that will lead up to a Defenders crossover miniseries. The series is produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios, with Coker serving as showrunner.

Mike Colter stars as Carl Lucas / Luke Cage, a former convict with superhuman strength and unbreakable skin who now fights crime. Mahershala Ali, Simone Missick, Theo Rossi, Erik LaRay Harvey, Rosario Dawson, and Alfre Woodard also star. Development of the series began in late 2013. In December 2014, Colter was cast as Cage, to appear first in Marvel's Jessica Jones, with Coker hired as the showrunner in March 2015. Filming began in New York City in September 2015 and concluded in March 2016.

The series premiered on September 28, 2016 in Harlem, with the full series of 13 episode releasing on Netflix on September 30. The series received generally positive reviews, with praise going to Colter, Missick, Ali and Woodard for their performances, the 1970s style, and music, with its structure and some of the writing viewed as some of the series' shortcomings.

Premise

When a sabotaged experiment gives him super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage becomes a fugitive attempting to rebuild his life in Harlem and must soon confront his past and fight a battle for the heart of his city.[1]

Cast and characters

Main

A former convict with superhuman strength and unbreakable skin who now fights crime.[2][3][4] Colter read the comics and was familiar with the "very detailed, gritty" stories about Luke Cage,[5] but was reluctant to sign on due to some of the comics' depiction of the character, saying "when I saw the tiara, all the 1970s blacksploitation stuff, I was like, 'oh my God...' But they assured me, 'that's not what we're doing, we're doing a modern day version.'"[6] Colter ultimately signed on for Marvel's Jessica Jones, with the contingent of appearing in a solo series, without reading any scripts.[7] On playing the character as well as factoring in race, Colter said, "The approach with the character for me is more about the human qualities and the things that make Luke Cage tick ... the writers have to then decide to bring in the race of the character, if there’s an angle there. But I don’t look at it as something I have to prep differently for ... it's more of an aside".[5] Additionally, he put on 30 pounds (14 kg) of muscle for the role.[8]
Describing Cage, Colter said, "He's a neighborhood hero, very much linked to New York and Jessica Jones. It's all part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but Luke Cage is a darker, grittier, more tangible character than Iron Man or Thor. He likes to keep things close to his chest, operate on the hush-hush. He has these abilities but he’s not sure how and when to use them.[4] Later elaborating, Colter said, "He's a renaissance man, he's trying to better himself and there's something to be said about someone who's always trying to make themselves better, trying to change."[9] Colter noted that the character's catch phrase 'Sweet Christmas' would be used in the series, saying "I was afraid of that phrase, but it actually fits so well, I don't know why, I don't know why it fits so well into Luke's mouth."[6] However, the phrase is used sparingly, with the character often "opting instead for pensive silence"; composer Adrian Younge said, "He’s a black superhero, but he’s a different type of black alpha male. He’s not bombastic. You rarely see a modern black male character who is soulful and intelligent."[10] David Ausin and Clifton Cutrary portray a young and teenage Lucas, respectively.
The owner of the Harlem's Paradise nightclub who deals in illegal operations.[11][12][13] Ali described Stokes as "a Godfather-type villain",[14] while Head of Marvel Television Jeph Loeb referred to him as "the other hero of the story", continuing the tradition of previous Marvel/Netflix villains Wilson Fisk and Kilgrave.[15] Showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker, a former music journalist, said that the attitude of rapper Biggie Smalls, whom Coker had been friends with, permeates Luke Cage but particularly influenced his version of Cottonmouth.[15][16] Ali stated that Stokes is a crime boss who hides behind legitimate business, and has a hardened, rigid personality including embracing "capital punishment",[17] and is "complicated in his own way. He's somebody who goes about things in a different way than the normal person, including myself."[18] Ali took the role, despite knowing going into the series that Stokes would die early on, saying the experience "was like shooting a film, as opposed to stepping into another marriage that you never know how long is going to work out" adding, "When [Netflix] approached me about Luke Cage, they gave me the arc, and for the first time, I found myself excited by a character’s departure, because I felt like this was something I could give my all to for a period of time before saying 'peace' to him... It gave me a certain freedom to try to do my best work and make peace with it once he experiences his demise."[19] Ali, who creates mixtapes for each of the characters he portrays so "sonically, the character has a soundtrack", stated that his mixtape for Cottonmouth took into account the fact that he was from Harlem, and included songs from Big L, Diamond D, Brand Nubian, D'Angelo, Mobb Deep, Kanye West, and Erykah Badu.[20] Elijah Boothe portays a young Stokes.
A Harlem NYPD Detective with a strong sense of justice, who is determined to learn about Cage and is the partner of Rafael Scarfe.[21][22] Missick said, "She's her own person. She's not the wife. She's not a girlfriend. She's not a sidepiece or a sidekick."[15] Missick described Misty Knight as "a person who has a very strong moral compass who is absolutely dedicated to protecting her community", adding her proudest moment in playing the character, was the fact that she "believes in the system, even though... [with] our current times, it's difficult to believe in the system."[23] In approaching the character, Missick chose to not read the comics to avoid the expectations of fans, and instead focus on creating her version of the character. In the series, Knight has what Missick called a "superpower" referred to as 'Misty Vision' that allows her to look at a crime scene and deduce what happened.[24]
A relentless, menacing, smooth and manipulative, street smart criminal, with ties to Cage's past.[22][25][17][26] Rossi called Shades "kind of the Littlefinger of Luke Cage", "the ultimate opportunist".[15] He wears sunglasses for most of the series, and used Daredevil and Charlie Cox's acting as research, since he could not use his eyes to act, similar to Cox as Matt Murdock.[18]
A powerful arms dealer who is Cage's half-brother, and framed him for the crime that sent him to Seagate Prison.[27] Jared Kemp portrays a teenage Stryker.
A nurse in Hell's Kitchen, whose friendship with Cage will affect both of their lives. Dawson reprises her role from the previous Marvel Netflix series.[22][25] "Because she plays a nurse that basically seems to be in the right place at the right time, and she's very good at helping out superheroes who are in need, and I think you will see some of that in Luke Cage," said Colter. "Ultimately I think she's going to be a very good companion for Luke. I think she's someone that Luke needs in his life at this time."[28]
A local politician and Stokes' cousin looking to bring change to Harlem, whose life is "thrown into turmoil" by the actions of Cage and Stokes.[1][15] Though Dillard is not necessarily a criminal herself, she does feel a responsibility to her family, including Stokes.[17] Woodard, who lives in Harlem,[10] felt that the scripts for the episodes were some "of the smartest pieces of writing [I'd] ever come across",[18] and was convinced to join the project after Coker proved his love of Harlem and its culture.[10] Megan Miller portrays a young Dillard.

Recurring

A hard-nosed police detective and partner of Misty Knight.[22][29] Whaley called Scarfe's relationship with Misty Knight one with "a great deal of love and respect for each other" given that Scarfe "is Misty's mentor... [who] showed her the ropes. She had this raw talent that he, unlike other people on the force, nurtured".[23]

Guest

Stan Lee makes a cameo appearance through an on-set photograph, the same seen in previous Marvel/Netflix series,[42] while Raphael Saadiq,[43] d-Nice,[citation needed] Faith Evans, Charles Bradley, Jidenna,[43] Dapper Dan,[33] The Delfonics,[43] Cliff "Method Man" Smith,[44] Sway Calloway,[citation needed] Heather B.,[citation needed] Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings,[45] and Fab Five Freddy appear as themselves.

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
1"Moment of Truth"Paul McGuiganCheo Hodari CokerSeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)

Following his encounters with Jessica Jones, Luke Cage is keeping a low profile as a sweeper for a Harlem barbershop owned by ex-gangster Henry "Pop" Hunter and as a dishwasher at the "Harlem's Paradise" nightclub, owned by crime boss Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes. When two of Cottonmouth's' employees botch an arms deal and leave their accomplice for dead, NYPD detectives Misty Knight and Rafael Scarfe suspect Cage after learning that he took over for the deceased as bartender on the night in question. Meanwhile, Cottonmouth works with "Shades" Alvarez, who represents supplier Willis "Diamondback" Stryker, to find one of the employees and Cage protects his landlady from thugs demanding contribution for the "New Harlem Renaissance," an initiative spearheaded by Cottonmouth's cousin Mariah Dillard.

The episode features musical performances by Raphael Saadiq ("Good Man")[32] and d-Nice.
2"Code of the Streets"Paul McGuiganCheo Hodari CokerSeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)

Cottonmouth and Alvarez visit Pop enquiring about Chico's whereabouts. After they leave, Pop convinces Cage to track down Chico for his protection. Cage manages to find Chico, who returns to hide at the barber shop. Knight and Scarfe continue their investigation, eventually leading them to Pop, who withholds information about Chico. At Pop's behest, Cage meets Stokes who agrees to parley with Pop. However, his henchman, Tone, who gets tipped off by Turk Barrett about Chico's location, drives by the shop and opens fire, killing Pop and critically wounding Chico while Cage protects a young boy (Lonnie). Tone boasts about recovering the money, but an angered Stokes throws him off a roof for killing Pop, delivering the rest of the money Dillard needs. Knight becomes suspicious of Cage since remained unharmed despite getting hit by bullets. Cage notices Dillard with the money and decides to retaliate.

The episode features a musical performance by Faith Evans ("Mesmerized").[46]
3"Who's Gonna Take the Weight?"Guillermo NavarroMatt OwensSeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)

Stokes pays for Pop's funeral, warning Cage not to probe further into the matter. Bobby Fish, a regular face at the barber shop, informs Cage that the bank will seize the property if they are unable to pay the bills. Chico refuses to talk to Knight and Scarfe. Cage visits Chico at the hospital and learns about Dillard's office, "Crispus Attucks", where Stokes secures all his money when there is a threat. Cage starts attacking Stokes' money stash houses all over the city. Stokes accuses his Mexican trade partner, Domingo Colon for the attacks. Colon demands a refund on the botched arms deal and when refused, declares war and Stokes has his remaining money transferred to "Crispus Attucks". Cage attacks the place, stealing a bag of money and leaving the rest for the police to confiscate. He gives the money to Fish to ensure the shop remains open. Knight strongly suspects Cage for the attacks. Scarfe receives a call from Chico, who agrees to testify against Stokes. Once Chico reveals Cage's involvement, Scarfe kills him and relays the information to Stokes, proving to be his informant in the NYPD. Tracking Cage to his landlady's restaurant, Stokes launches a missile, thus demolishing the place.

The episode features a musical performance by Charles Bradley ("Ain't It a Sin").[47]
4"Step in the Arena"Vincenzo NataliCharles MurraySeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)
In flashbacks, Cage is incarcerated as Carl Lucas in Seagate Prison, a private detention facility run by the corrupt C.O. Rackham. Lucas befriends Squabbles, a fellow inmate, and develops a connection with prison psychologist, Reva Connors. Alvarez and Comanche are shown to be two prisoners working for Rackham. After witnessing Lucas fight and defend himself, Rackham coerces him into entering an illegal series of ring fights between convicts, as his fighter; where Lucas turns out to be the victor in all the matches. When Lucas realises that Connors might be in danger because of their association, he informs her of Rackham's activities and urges her to leave. Lucas decides to quit fighting for Rackham and to expose the latter. Rackham finds out about Lucas' plans by torturing Squabbles before killing him, after which he has Lucas beaten up. Seeing Lucas in a critical condition at the infirmary, Connors convinces Dr. Burstein, the prison doctor and a scientist conducting secret experiments on inmates, to heal Lucas using one of his experiments which is then sabotaged by Rackham. The resulting accident gives Lucas his powers, who then breaks out and takes the name Luke Cage. In the present, Cage rescues Connie, his landlady, and emerges unscathed from the debris, before revealing his name to the media.
5"Just to Get a Rep"Marc JobstJason HorwitchSeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)

Being on the verge of bankruptcy, Stokes sends his mercenaries to harass and extort Harlem's residents. Cage takes down the thugs and confronts Stokes, demanding him to stop. Alvarez recognizes him from Seagate, offering to let Stokes use a prototype weapon from Hammer Industries using recovered Chitauri technology. Since asking for Stryker's help would cost him Harlem, Stokes decides to buy the weapon by selling the confiscated weapons from the botched arms deal to Colon. Meanwhile, Claire arrives in Harlem to visit her mother, Soledad, and talks about her experiences with enhanced people, deciding to do her best to help them. Knight is alerted by her superiors on their suspicions of Scarfe being under Stokes' payroll. Scarfe is ordered by Stokes to smuggle out the weapons; but the former is revealed to have other plans. Cage arrives at Pop's memorial and gives a eulogy, managing to embarrass Stokes who is also in attendance. Cage ignores Knight's warning that declaring war on Stokes will make Harlem suffer.

The episode features a musical performance by Jidenna ("Long Live the Chief").[46][40]
6"Suckas Need Bodyguards"Sam MillerNathan Louis JacksonSeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)
This episode's plot summary may be too long or excessively detailed. Please help improve it by removing unnecessary details and making it more concise. (October 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
The day following Pop's funeral, Detective Scarfe calls Stokes to the docks to give him the guns in exchange for a bonus $100K. Stokes, enraged by being viewed as weaker due to Cage's presence, shoots and mortally wounds Scarfe. With what little energy he has left, Detective Scarfe makes his way to Luke Cage at the barber shop. Learning Scarfe poses a threat, Stokes orders his next Harlem PD insider (LT. Perez) to find & end Scarfe. Claire's mother Soladad calls her when Luke is having breakfast, and the two catch up. Returning to the barber shop, Scarfe admits to being on pay to Cottonmouth & killing Chico so he can explain he has a book of details on Stoke's operation- as he learned he may need it following Fisk's fall from the top. As Misty Knight purses leads to Scarfe, she slowly realizes Perez is corrupt, tricks him into admission, and records it as she arrests him. When trying to escort Claire and Scarfe to One Police Plaza, they're hunted by a group out for the $20K bounty on Scarfe's dead being. Luke holds the thugs off for Misty to arrive, but Scarfe succumbs to his injuries and dies of blood loss. With Scarfe's final act being the journal of Stoke's operations, Misty arrests Cottonmouth and Luke feels a sense of pride in helping the town.
7"Manifest"Andy GoddardAkela CooperSeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)
This episode's plot summary may be too long or excessively detailed. Please help improve it by removing unnecessary details and making it more concise. (October 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes is released due to evidence not withstanding as Det. Scarfe's book on all operations is made inadmissible. Internal Affairs begins to investigate Misty, while there is an apparent cover up of the facts of another Police precinct falling to corruption like in Hell's Kitchen. Claire tries to motivate Luke to work to personally remove Cottonmouth- similar to her friend's Hell's Kitchen. The news of Stoke's relation & release from jail hits Mariah hard as she's forced to resign. In a flashback, Stokes had musical talent that could have had him leave the hood, but Mama Mabel kept him close to run her streets. When mama Mabel learns from Young Cornell's time with Uncle Pete was dealings with the Puerto Rican gangs. Mabel has Cornell kill Pete for this betrayal which follows him to the present. Mariah meets with Cornell to discuss him quitting his fixation on Luke Cage, only to devolve into an argument, and later Mariah kills Cornell in a rage as he mocked her molestation at Uncle Pete's expense. Luke tracks down and takes the Hammer Tech guns from the start of the series, and leaves them in a van for the Police. As Misty finds out Luke's name is an alias with no further background, Luke later meets with her to express his understanding of her position. Later on as Luke explains his origin to Claire, Diamondback returns to sniper shot Luke with a special bullet called "The Judas" which successfully pierces his skin into his abdominal cavity.
The episode features a musical performance by d-Nice.
8"Blowin' Up the Spot"Magnus MartensAïda Mashaka CroalSeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)
After sniping Luke, Diamondback waits for the Paramedics to arrive to follow. Claire explains to Luke when he's conscious that her friend Manny is "discreet" with a Paramedics van, and won't ask questions. both wonder what sort of weapon could penetrate his skin and as Claire mentions a place, Diamondback attacks. As Diamondback chases Luke to a maternity clinic, Claire tries to find a way to remove the bullet shrapnel from his wounds, only to find Luke's healing factor & invulnerability make that impossible. Misty Knight is ordered to arrest Luke Cage, and upon finding him comes under fire. As Diamondback comes in for the kill, Luke scuffles with him close range to see it is Willis Stryker- his childhood friend. As Misty tries to grab Stryker, he takes her hostage, says he'll kill her later, and knocks her out as he takes her gun. Claire stays with Misty as Luke follows Stryker to an empty theater where they express their shame of the other. Back at the station, Misty asks questions which Claire deflects, and as Misty grows angrier Claire notes her inability which causes Misty to choke her. The IAB Inspector orders Misty to an evaluation following this. Back at the theater, after a fight, Luke struggles to get somewhere safe, but Diamondback finds him. Before shooting Luke with another round he reveals he is Luke's half brother.
9"DWYCK"Tom ShanklandChristian TaylorSeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)

After Luke escapes Diamondback in the back of a garbage truck, Diamondback orders all gangsters in harlem be on look out. Luke steals clothes from a public laundry-mat and soon after is found by two cops, who he renders unconscious as to escape in their police car. Mariah learns someone leaked footage of the dash-cam on the police car that encountered Luke, and uses it to bolster her new campaign of Luke as an enhanced killer and threat to the community. Misty is under psych eval following her choking Claire during an interview, where Misty reveals that she has always had control of her situation only to lose it to Diamondback, feeling helpless for the first time since youth. Mariah calls a meeting with all gang lords of Harlem to state her removal from the crime world in exchange for all of Stokes' contacts evenly shared, but Diamondback arrives kills all but Domingo Colon- as he has no beef with the Latin Gangs- and Mariah makes an idea of selling the Judas rounds to local PD so 'they have a chance' against new powered people, which in turn brings in more clients legitimate or not. Liking this idea, Diamondback agrees. Claire tracks down & takes Luke to Noah Burstein, who upon listening to their story & seeing the stuff on Reva's data drive, takes them to the barn/lab to put Luke in another tank to reenact the process to remove the shrapnel. Just after starting, Luke has a heart attack and flatlines.

The episode features a musical performance by The Delfonics ("Stop and Look (And You Have Found Love)").[48]
10"Take it Personal"Stephen SurjikJason HorwitchSeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)
Claire revives Luke, realizes Salt Water is needed, and boils the bath to make Luke's skin soft enough to get the shrapnel out. Back in Harlem, Stryker shows Mariah his making of Judas Bullets and how the public will react to Blacks with powers killing cops. Stryker in a hoodie & power glove kills a cop posing as Luke Cage. Misty finds it impossible for it to be Luke, while everyone says it was him. Mariah expresses rage over this course of action as Black Harlemites are getting pulled over, but Diamondback defends his plan as either Luke will defend his name or run away. As the police reel from a cop's death, tensions between the community & cops flares to dangerous levels. Misty gets a picture of the guy who killed the cop, but it's blurred. Lonnie is brought in for questioning for his connection to Luke Cage, despite his request for his mom/lawyer. Misty's new partner Det. Bailey has the footage enhanced, gets the name Willis Stryker, then later hears Lonnie screaming from another cop who beats him to find Luke Cage. Burstein explains his work was to help people heal faster so people there'd be less death. After he leaves, Luke & Claire pull up file "Tiara"- a video evaluation by Reva on Carl Lucas in which he hears Reva know about everything. Burstein explains Reva's role to find those in Seagate most mentally fit to survive, Luke in an emotional rage trashes the barn/lab. Burstein asks Claire to change his mind, but she sides with Luke. Misty finds, by way of Stryker's history, that Luke Cage is really Carl Lucas. Mariah takes photos of Lonnie to release to the press, as Lonnie's mom Patricia expresses rage over PD's harm of her boy. Mariah uses this to make a new arming of NYPD against super freaks and to better unite Harlem under her. As Luke doubts his whole being & what to do, Claire reassures him to trust her. Burstein finds the hard drive with all his files intact.
11"Now You're Mine"George Tillman Jr.Christian TaylorSeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)
12"Soliloquy of Chaos"Phil AbrahamAkela Cooper & Charles MurraySeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)
The episode features a musical performance by Method Man ("Bulletproof Love").[26]
13"You Know My Steez"Clark JohnsonAida Mashaka Croal & Cheo Hodari CokerSeptember 30, 2016 (2016-09-30)
The episode features a musical performance Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings ("100 Days, 100 Nights").[45]

Production

Development

In May 2013, Marvel Studios reacquired the rights to Luke Cage from Sony Pictures Entertainment / Columbia Pictures,[49] after a feature film had been in development at Columbia since 2003,[50] to no avail. By October 2013, Marvel Television was preparing four drama series and a miniseries, totaling 60 episodes, to present to video on demand services and cable providers, with Netflix, Amazon, and WGN America expressing interest.[51] A few weeks later, Marvel and Disney announced that Marvel Television and ABC Studios would provide Netflix with live action series centered around Luke Cage, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist, leading up to a miniseries based on the Defenders.[52]

Marvel began their search for a showrunner in 2014,[53] and in late March 2015, Netflix and Marvel announced Cheo Hodari Coker in that role and revealed the title of the series to be Marvel's Luke Cage.[54] Coker was inspired to become the series showrunner "when he realized the ramifications of a series about a black man with impenetrable skin and how that might empower him to take on both criminals and crooked authority figures";[53] he pitched the series to Netflix as an examination of Harlem, "like what The Wire did for Baltimore."[10] Charles Murray, Alison Engel, Allie Goss, Kris Henigman, Cindy Holland, Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Joe Queseda, Dan Buckley, and Jim Chory also serve as executive producers.[30] The series was originally intended to be the fourth of the announced series from Netflix, debuting after Iron Fist; however, it was fast-tracked to be the third series, after Jessica Jones, after the character became the breakout star of that series and Marvel wanting to "follow the momentum".[55]

In January 2015, Netflix COO Ted Sarandos stated the series was "eligible to go into multiple seasons for sure" and Netflix would look at "how well [they] are addressing both the Marvel fanbase but also the broader fanbase" in terms of determining if additional seasons would be appropriate.[56] In July 2015, Sarandos said some of the Defenders series would "selectively have multiple seasons as they come out of the gate."[57] Sarandos stated further a year later that a potential second season would not debut until 2018 at the earliest, after Marvel's The Defenders released in 2017.[58] Regarding a second season, Coker stated he had "a few ideas", including possibly exploring the "Hero for Hire" aspect of Cage, though noted he was not taking "any of this for granted" in terms of feeling a second season renewal from Netflix was guaranteed.[59] Colter also felt "Heroes for Hire" could be explored in future seasons, as well as further exploring Cage's lifestyle change regarding his relationship with Jessica Jones and introducing the couple's daughter.[60]

Writing

Charles Murray, Kayla Cooper, and Nathan Jackson served as writers on the series.[18] Coker noted that the majority of the series' writers are African-American, "a rarity on television".[10] Each episode is named after a Gang Starr song, with Coker explaining, "I wanted the 13 episodes to feel like an album. Like when Prince put out an album, you would shut things out and listen to the whole thing. But now, with TV, you binge watch. This show is made to binge. The music helps, but it is all about the pace."[15][61] Coker was inspired to do this by television producer Shonda Rhimes, who names each episode of Grey's Anatomy after a pop song. Coker chose the Gang Starr songs ahead of his first pitch meeting with Marvel Television head Jeph Loeb, to help organize his planned story arcs.[62]

Loeb described the series as "a fugitive story",[63] and "a story of redemption ... the hero's journey",[64] while Mike Colter described it as having "soul" and "intensity", compared to the "dark action" of Marvel's Daredevil and the "noir feel" of Jessica Jones.[9] Jason Tanz of Wired also likened the series to neo-blaxploitation.[53] Coker described Luke Cage as "a powerful fusion of dark drama, hip-hop, and classic superhero action" while being "The Wire of Marvel television, because we really deal with a lot of different issues."[65] The series picks up "a few months" after Jessica Jones and is set in Harlem rather than the Hell's Kitchen of the previous two series, which Colter described as "a completely different world".[66] Marvel Comics' editor-in-chief Joe Quesada stated that unlike the fictionalized version of Hell's Kitchen depicted in Daredevil and Jessica Jones, which was more inline with how it was when the comics were first written, the Harlem of Luke Cage represents the Harlem of "today", and is truer to the real-life modern New York.[67] Coker described Cottonmouth's club, Harlem's Paradise, as the series' Iron Throne, given "the way that it’s established, it just really sets up our version of this universe in a really compelling, really fun way,"[46] also adding that he "wanted to invoke the history of Harlem in terms of creating a club... So it’s crime, politics, music, really the whole cornucopia of the black creative existence in one place." Alfre Woodard described Harlem as its own character within the series, with Colter noting that "Harlem, the character that we’re trying to create, does resemble Harlem of maybe ten years ago."[68]

Talking about the series in relation to Jessica Jones, Colter stated, "We pride ourselves in all being unique shows, and Luke Cage is definitely not a sequel to Jessica Jones or a spinoff, because it was already originally was supposed to be a show ... Marvel's Luke Cage, as opposed to Marvel's Jessica Jones, is completely different. He goes off to uptown and he does his own thing...[but] the time lapse is not that long, and so it's not like Jessica Jones never happened." Colter added that in Jessica Jones he enjoyed not being "front and center" while Luke Cage "wasn’t trying to be a superhero", but in Luke Cage, the character would be "growing into that" role.[69][70] He explained that in Luke Cage, the character is "trying to make ends meet....he’s tending bar[s], 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."[66] An event in the series' second episode, described as "hard to watch", is what Colter described as "necessary to get this series into forward action mode ... There were events that needed to happen to make [Cage] see that he couldn’t just sit back and do nothing."[13]

On how the series develops the character, Colter said, "when I look at the scripts, I’m really pleased with it because it’s a slow-burn; there’s nothing happening really fast that gets ahead of itself. I’m really with where [the writers are] taking it and how they’re developing the characters, because it’s really cool and it’s geared towards an adult audience, which is something that will be different from the Marvel Cinematic Universe you’ve seen before on the big screen. We have a more gritty, focused story on our heroes and characters that live in New York City... and I think that’s the thing about the [Netflix] series that will be different."[5] Loeb said the series was about Luke Cage's "story and where he came from and, most importantly, where he’s going" after "catching him not quite in the middle, but in the early part of the middle" of his story on Jessica Jones.[71] On this, Colter noted that like the previous Marvel/Netflix series, Luke Cage uses flashbacks, though "in a different way [than the other series] to tell a different part of the story."[9]

When asked whether the series would feel as "adult" as Jessica Jones, Colter replied, "if you think Jessica is adult then we’re still keeping up with that pace ... we’ll continue along those lines of PG-16+".[72] On whether Luke Cage would address current race issues, including Black Lives Matter, given the character's past (a wrongfully imprisoned black man), Colter said, "this is not necessarily the platform to hit it head on" but "the things that he's going through will ring true for a lot of people in law enforcement" and on the street.[9] Loeb said on the issue, "Luke Cage, when he came on the scene in the early 70s was for all intents and purposes the first black superhero. Given what’s going on present day, it just resonates." Coker stated that Cage is "someone that the community can touch and go to", adding, "There’s never been a time in history where having a bulletproof black man, in terms of just looking at how that affects a neighborhood, in terms of looking at, for example, how it not only changes law enforcement but also changes the criminal world, and really in a sense, it’s like Luke’s entrance into this world changes the ecology of the entire neighborhood."[73] Throughout the series, Cage is seen wearing a black hoodie, which, beyond being practical for a character on the run trying to lie low, was a nod to Trayvon Martin and Black Lives Matter. Colter said it was meant to invoke "the idea that a black man in a hoodie isn’t necessarily a threat. He might just be a hero."[53] The series also features a political campaign with the slogan "Keep Harlem Black", "in the face of gentrification that threatens to homogenize Harlem’s cultural history."[10]

Luke Cage was also the first property to use the words "nigger" and "nigga", for which Coker had complete trust from Marvel regarding the use of the word in the show. The word is used casually in the series, while some characters, including Cage, prefer not to use it. Coker said the intent was never to use it "in a way where it's flippant. I used it from the standpoint of, if we were going to eavesdrop on a conversation with African American people, with nobody else around, when would this word be used and how would it get used." Coker also likened the use in the series to "the way music used to treat it," not having it be "every other word of every other chorus, because at that point, it just gets silly."[74]

Casting

By November 2014, Lance Gross, Colter, and Cleo Anthony were in contention for the role of Luke Cage, which was envisioned as a recurring role on Jessica Jones before headlining Luke Cage.[75] Colter was confirmed in the role the next month, as a series regular.[2] In August 2015, Alfre Woodard, who portrays Miriam Sharpe in the MCU film Captain America: Civil War,[76] was in talks to join the cast,[77] and the following month she was confirmed as a series regular as Mariah Dillard.[1][15] Also announced as cast in September was Theo Rossi as Shades,[22][25] Simone Missick as Misty Knight,[21][22] and Mahershala Ali as Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes.[11] In November, Rosario Dawson was confirmed to be reprising her role of Claire Temple from previous MCU Netflix series.[22][25] In March 2016, set photos revealed Erik LaRay Harvey had been cast as Willis Stryker / Diamondback.[27]

Also in September, Frank Whaley was cast in the recurring role of Rafael Scarfe,[22][29] followed shortly with the addition of Sônia Braga to the cast as Soledad Temple, the mother of Claire.[39]

Design

Stephanie Maslansky, the costume designer for Daredevil and Jessica Jones, serves as costume designer for Luke Cage as well. Luke Cage has his own wardrobe evolution throughout the series, as Matt Murdock and Jessica Jones did, after his initial look of T-shirts, jeans, leather jackets or an army jacket was introduced in Jessica Jones.[78] Coker instructed the series' prop master to carefully choose a selection of books to appear in Cage's bedroom, including Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man.[10] The series' title sequence, which uses yellow overtones, blends a silhouette of Luke Cage with images of Harlem.[79]

Filming

Marvel announced in February 2014 that the series would be filmed in New York City,[80] with Quesada stating in April that the show would be filming on location in addition to sound stage work.[81] In July 2015, Loeb stated that the series was prepping to begin filming,[82] and by September 2015, production had begun with the working title Tiara.[83][84] Filming locations included Lenox Avenue and areas of Harlem where American Gangster was shot, while the nightclub Harlem's Paradise was intended to invoke the real-life Harlem nightclubs the Cotton Club and the Lenox Lounge.[43][85] Filming concluded in March 2016.[31] It was important to Coker for the series to actually film in Harlem, which he said is "the only place in the city where you see those wide boulevards. We really wanted to capture the color, the rhythm of the streets".[85] For example, the production had the opportunity to film at a barbershop in Greenwich Village "that would’ve been a little easier for us to shoot in" but Coker chose to use one in Harlem since "the opportunity to film it in Harlem was irresistible. I didn’t want us to talk about Harlem and then not film in Harlem."[68]

Manuel Billeter served as director of photography for the series, after doing the same for Jessica Jones.[86] He worked with director Paul McGuigan to establish the look of the series in the first two episodes, with Coker hiring McGuigan based on his direction of the Sherlock episode "A Scandal in Belgravia". Coker was delighted to learn how little CGI McGuigan used to craft the visuals of that episode, and wanted the same approach for Luke Cage, "just old school camera stuff. He brought a very analogue perspective, analogue feel to the show." McGuigan, Coker explained, directed "every scene [as] long takes, from multiple takes over and over again. We would run an entire eight page scene almost like a play, so when it comes together it’s seamless."[85] McGuigan was inspired by the works of photographers Gordon Parks, Tony Ray-Jones, and Jack Garofalo.[87]

To film the effect of bullets bouncing off of Cage, remote controlled devices were attached to Colter, operated by "the push of a button by someone overlooking the stunt behind the cameras." The devices had the ability to "burn the skin if not attached properly to clothing, and [Colter] once almost lost hearing in one ear when he forgot to insert the required ear pieces."[74]

Music

In April 2016, Coker revealed that Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad were composing for the series, calling the music "a '90s hip-hop vibe" with "a lot of different musical appearances".[65] Younge and Muhammad utilized a full orchestra for the score, which was conducted by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson.[88] The duo envisioned the series as if they were creating 13 albums, one for each episode,[89] with the music inspired by Muhammad's group, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, and Ennio Morricone.[90] Muhammed felt that the music was "about getting that hip-hop foundation and making sure those drums were as big as day."[91] Coker stated that there are plans for a vinyl soundtrack album for the series, to be produced by Younge and Muhammad.[85] "Bulletproof Love", composed by Young and Muhammad and featuring Method Man, was released digitally on September 30, 2016 as a single,[92] while a full soundtrack album is set for release on October 7.[93]

Colter stated that the "musicality" of the series would differentiate it from past Marvel Netflix series, saying "It defines itself through sound that you can feel when you're watching the scenes, whether it's something that's actually a song that they're playing or actually just the pulse of the music that they choose thematically." He added that the audience would hear familiar songs in the series which, along with the "unique" original score, would create an "urban" and "soulful" feel throughout. He added: "We are in Harlem, so you want to feel like you are around that kind of culture. Harlem has a long, rich culture of music and we want to pay homage to that. We want to make sure that the artists that we use and the artists that we are emulating, the sound that we are using bring you into the feel that you're uptown".[9] Younge stated, "We all came together and said we wanted to make something great. Not just for black people or minorities, just something great that just happens to be based on our culture."[90] Coker added that the light and fun tone of the music balanced some of the darker dramatic elements and more serious thematic issues depicted in the show.[43] Coker and Colter referenced obscure songs from 1990s hip-hop groups to described the tone of certain scenes, while the showrunner hoped to avoid cliches by choosing "fewer loud anthems familiar to shoot-'em-up scenes and more hip-hop with the stirring sounds of jazz and blues at its core."[10]

The series features onscreen performances by various artists as the live performances in the Harlem's Paradise nightclub, for which Coker wanted to use to help capture the vibe of the neighborhood.[10] Songs from Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone,[46] John Lee Hooker ("It Serves You Right to Suffer" and "I'm Bad Like Jesse James"),[46][94][95] Dusty Springfield ("Son of a Preacher Man"),[96] and Wu-Tang Clan ("Bring da Ruckus") are also featured in the series.[53][47]

Marvel's Luke Cage: The Live Score

On October 6, 2016, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge will hold a concert at the Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles, with a 40-piece orchestra conducted by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson performing Muhammad and Younge's score for the series. Hosted by Russel Peters and Wayne Brady, the event also features an opening DJ set by No I.D.[93]

Marvel Cinematic Universe tie-ins

Luke Cage is the third of the ordered Netflix series after Daredevil and Jessica Jones, and will be followed by Marvel's Iron Fist, before leading into the miniseries, Marvel's The Defenders.[97][98] In November 2013, Disney CEO Bob Iger stated that if the characters prove popular on Netflix, “It’s quite possible that they could become feature films,"[99] which was echoed by Sarandos in July 2015.[57] In August 2014, Vincent D'Onofrio, Wilson Fisk in Daredevil, stated that after the "series stuff with Netflix", Marvel has "a bigger plan to branch out".[100] In March 2015, Loeb spoke on the ability for the series to crossover with the MCU films and the ABC television series, saying, "It all exists in the same universe. As it is now, in the same way that our films started out as self-contained and then by the time we got to The Avengers, it became more practical for Captain America to do a little crossover into Thor 2 and for Bruce Banner to appear at the end of Iron Man 3. We have to earn that. The audience needs to understand who all of these characters are and what the world is before you then start co-mingling in terms of where it's going."[101]

Part of the series takes place simultaneously with the events of the second season of Daredevil, as Cox noted after Claire Temple first appears in that season, she has "a cut in her eyebrow", which she receives due to events in Luke Cage, adding, "the timeline had been thought through and worked out so that whatever’s going on in Luke Cage ... somehow at some point during that show, the next day she’s in the hospital talking to me [in Daredevil]."[102] The series also references the events of The Avengers and members of the Avengers,[103][33] the events surrounding Madame Gao from Daredevil,[48] the events of the first season of Jessica Jones,[104] the events of the second season of Daredevil,[33] Matt Murdock, a flier for Colleen Wing's martial arts class,[45] and mentions Justin Hammer,[103][33] Wilson Fisk and Frank Castle.[33] Seagate Prison, where Carl Lucas was sent, first appeared in the Marvel One-Shot All Hail the King.[32]

Release

Luke Cage was released on September 30, 2016,[105] on the streaming service Netflix worldwide,[54] in Ultra HD 4K.[106] The 13 hour-long episodes were released simultaneously, as opposed to a serialized format, to encourage binge-watching, a format which has been successful for other Netflix series.[80][81]

Marketing

Disney Consumer Products created a small line of products to cater to a more adult audience, given the show’s edgier tone. Paul Gitter, senior VP of Marvel Licensing for Disney Consumer Products explained that the focus would be more on teens and adults than very young people, with products at outlets like Hot Topic. Additionally, a Marvel Knights merchandise program was created to support the series, which creates new opportunities for individual product lines and collector focused products. Licensing partners wanted to pair up with Marvel, despite this not being a film project, given its previous successes.[107]

On March 18, 2016, the first footage of the series debuted exclusively on Netflix. The trailer appeared at the end of the second season of Daredevil, autoplaying after viewers finished the final episode.[108] In July 2016, Colter, Woodard, Ali, Rossi, Missick, Whaley, and Coker appeared at the San Diego Comic-Con to promote the series and debut footage.[109][110] At the end of August 2016, Netflix released the first part of the "Street Level Hero" digital social video series. The series "look[ed] to blend fiction with history by taking audiences behind the curtain on the themes that give the show it’s street-level authenticity and cultural relevance." The first part was centered on the music of the series, with commentary from Coker, Colter, composers Younge and Muhammad, A$AP Ferg and Method Man.[111] At the end of September, the second part of the "Street Level Hero" series was released, focusing on Harlem, with commentary from Coker, Colter, A$AP Ferg, Method Man, and Harlem style icon Dapper Dan.[112] On September 28, 2016, the series premiered in Harlem.[113]

Critical response

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 95% approval rating with an average rating of 8.2/10 based on 38 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "An immersive, socially conscious narrative and a confident, charismatic lead performance make Marvel's Luke Cage a stellar sampling of the new Marvel/Netflix universe."[114] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 79 out of 100 based on 27 critics, indicating what the website considers to be "generally favorable".[115]

Reviewing the first seven episodes of the series, Allison Keene of Collider.com awarded it 5 stars out of 5, saying, the series is "an intimate portrait of street life, detailing not only the inner workings of the crime syndicates, but also the beleaguered police, sleazy politicians, and the young people in the community who see guns and drugs as an easy way to make money." She also noted the use of race in the series, as well as giving each cast member "distinct personalities and memorable moments that create immediate stakes" while specifically praising Colter.[35] Mike Cecchini of Den of Geek spoke positively of the series, saying "Luke Cage boasts an excellent cast, tremendous atmosphere, and a willingness to go places that other Marvel Studios productions can’t." He added that Simone Missick as Misty Knight was the series' standout performance, much like Colter was in Jessica Jones, and praised the music, feeling it had "the most active role in a superhero production since Guardians of the Galaxy" and called the original score by Younge and Muhammad "equally impressive" and "a perfect veneer of 70s style". However, Cecchini felt Luke Cage "hits the usual Marvel Netflix problems, though. There are some archetypes that get leaned on a little too heavily and characters have a tendency to monologue, sometimes aggressively."[116]

Deadline.com's Dominic Patten called Luke Cage "one of the most socially relevant and smartest shows on the small screen you will see this year... Linking to the Greater Marvel Universe with finesse, hip-hop’s alternating swagger and reserve, the zeitgeist, and the iconic legacy of Harlem, the series reaches both back and forward into the culture of heroes and an America looking for a true game-changer."[117] David Milner for Digital Spy also gave positive thoughts on the series, saying "When it's not fulfilling its duties as a Marvel-licensed product, Luke Cage is basically a précis of the last 100 years of African-American history – especially in relation to Harlem itself." Conversely, Milner felt Ali's Cottonmouth was not "as imposing a figure as Daredevil's Wilson Fisk and isn't nearly as darkly charismatic as David Tennant's Kilgrave from Jessica Jones."[118] Maureen Ryan of Variety felt Luke Cage "has a more than adequate supply of pleasures", with the cast strong enough to "power" the series "through its rough spots, which include a somewhat clunky pilot and a notable tendency to sprawl". She also felt that "Where the drama tends to stumble is in meandering expositional scenes, which quite often go on too long and drain the show of momentum... when [high caliber actors such as Mahershala Ali and Alfre Woodard] can’t make a long dialogue scene work, the problem is in the writing, not the performances."[30] Merrill Barr, writing for Forbes, called the series "another winner for Marvel and Netflix that shouldn’t be missed," saying, "Arcs are beautifully handled, often taking zigs when a zag is not only expected but often encouraged. Fans of the characters are going to rejoice at the level of quality they are getting with this one after waiting so long for Cage to be realized in live action, and fans of Marvel in general should really enjoy the 70s stylings that shake things up real well."[119]

Giving the series 4.5 stars out of 5, Cinema Blend's Eric Eisenberg felt Luke Cage "has a unique flavor that could very well lead it to being called the best Netflix/Marvel series so far by the time it's first season is over,"[36] a sentiment also shared by Helen O'Hara of The Daily Telegraph.[120] Eisenberg also praised the members of the supporting cast, including Misskick as Misty Knight, Frank Whaley as Rafael Scarfe, Frankie Faison as Pop, and Theo Rossi as Shades, and Ali and Woodard as the villains. Despite "weak exposition delivery in the pilot, repetitive narrative structures, and individual arcs that are cut short too soon," Eisenberg concluded that Luke Cage "presents a corner of the world unlike anything ever presented in comic book films or television - and built with a compelling vision and atmosphere, the first seven episodes suggest that it will ultimately come together as one of the best examples of the genre."[36] David Betancourt, for The Washington Post, concluded, "When it comes to Marvel’s movies and Netflix’s shows, they haven’t struck out yet. Luke Cage is no different, and it is Netflix’s best Marvel show to date. When given the chance to bring to life one of the most well-known heroes of color around, Marvel and Netflix produced something that is undeniably and unapologetically black and beautiful."[121] TV Guide's Alexander Zalban called the series one of 2016's "most vital, important" and "timely" television series, saying it had "incredibly layered and iconic performances" from the cast and felt that "just as Jessica Jones sucked fans in by being a superhero detective story set in the Marvel Universe, while actually being one of the most powerful and thorough explorations of sexual assault ever committed to film," so too would Luke Cage with the racial aspects it covered.[122]

Matt Webb Mitovich of TVLine, who gave the series a "B", felt Harlem was "a wonderfully utilized character, both a welcome departure from the well-explored Hell’s Kitchen and a distinct neighborhood unto itself," along with strong performances from Colter (bringing "a needed intensity") and Ali ("compelling and threatening as Cottonmouth"), though felt some of its "talkier moments" and its pacing were some of the series' weak spots.[123] Entertainment Weekly's Jeff Jensen awarded the series a "B-" saying "Luke Cage is a meaningful attempt at developing a new-model black hero. As entertaining drama, it’s trapped in a not-so-Marvelous trapped cage", though he criticized it as "one more piece of Marvel pop that expresses its ballyhooed shared-world premise so poorly, it’s jarring when it even happens," as well as some of the series' logic, "sluggish pace [and] thinly stretched plot".[124]

References

  1. ^ a b c Strom, Marc (September 15, 2015). "Alfre Woodard Joins 'Marvel's Luke Cage' for Netflix". Marvel.com. Archived from the original on September 16, 2015. Retrieved September 15, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b Strom, Marc (December 22, 2014). "Mike Colter to Star as Luke Cage in Marvel's A.K.A. Jessica Jones". Marvel.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 22, 2014. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ "Netflix Posts Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist & Defenders Info". Cosmic Book News. January 15, 2015. Archived from the original on January 16, 2015. Retrieved January 16, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b Northmore, Henry (March 6, 2015). "Interview: Mike Colter, 'Luke Cage is a darker, grittier, more tangible hero'". The List. Archived from the original on March 8, 2015. Retrieved March 8, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b c Krupa, Daniel (March 3, 2015). "Netflix's Luke Cage IS "Geard Towards An Adult Audience"". IGN. Archived from the original on March 4, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ a b Siegel, Lucas (October 12, 2015). "First Audio of Marvel's Luke Cage Actor Mike Colter Saying Sweet Christmas". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 2015. Retrieved October 13, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ White, Brett (October 10, 2015). "NYCC: "Jessica Jones" & "Daredevil" Collide at Marvel/Netflix Panel". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on October 11, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ Mike Colter on "Jessica Jones". AOL Build. November 20, 2015. Event occurs at 7:25. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  9. ^ a b c d e Woerner, Meredith (December 29, 2015). "Mike Colter, Marvel's new Luke Cage, talks about the soul of his new Netflix series". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on December 30, 2015. Retrieved December 30, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i Dockterman, Eliana. "The Maing of: Luke Cage – A Hero for this Moment". Time. Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ a b Dornbush, Jonathon (September 3, 2015). "Luke Cage casts House of Cards actor Mahershala Ali as Cottonmouth". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on September 3, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ Strom, Marc (September 3, 2015). "Mahershala Ali Joins the Cast of the Netflix Original Series 'Marvel's Luke Cage'". Marvel.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ a b Mason, Charlie (July 21, 2016). "Luke Cage Cast: A 'Necessary' Evil Pushes New Hero Into Action Mode". TVLine.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ [Mandell, Andrea (June 22, 2016). "Mahershala Ali talks Obama, slavery and fame". USA Today. Archived from the original on June 24, 2016. Retrieved June 24, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ a b c d e f g Marston, George (July 21, 2016). "SDCC 2016: Marvel & Netflix's LUKE CAGE Panel". Newsarama. Archived from the original on July 22, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Patten, Dominic (July 21, 2016). "Marvel Debuts "Relentless" 'Luke Cage', 'Daredevil' Gets Season 3 Pickup & 'Iron Fist' & 'Defenders' Teased – Comic- Con". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ a b c Meet Luke Cage's Crime Boss - SDCC 2016. IGN. July 21, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  18. ^ a b c d Damore, Meagan (July 21, 2016). "SDCC: "Luke Cage" Cast Makes First-Ever Live Appearance". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on July 22, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Li, Shirley (October 2, 2016). "Luke Cage postmortem: Mahershala Ali reflects on the scenes that were 'hard to shake off'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 2, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Viera, Bené (August 15, 2016). "Mahershala Ali Quit House of Cards and Became Marvel's New Villain". GQ. Archived from the original on August 16, 2016. Retrieved August 16, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (September 2, 2015). "Marvel's 'Luke Cage' Casts Simone Missick In Key Role". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on September 2, 2015. Retrieved September 2, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h "Netflix Original Series 'Marvel's Luke Cage' Adds to the Cast". Marvel.com. September 16, 2015. Archived from the original on September 16, 2015. Retrieved September 16, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ a b White, Brett (July 27, 2016). ""Luke Cage's" Simone Missick Walks A Mile In Misty Knight's Shoes". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on July 27, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ Simon Missick Interview - Home & Family. Hallmark Channel. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  25. ^ a b c d Andreeva, Nellie (September 2, 2015). "Marvel's 'Luke Cage': Theo Rossi Cast, Rosario Dawson To Reprise 'Daredevil' Role". Deadline.com. Retrieved September 2, 2015. ((cite web)): |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ a b Cecchini, Mike (October 1, 2016). "Luke Cage: Complete Marvel Comics Easter Eggs and Reference Guide - Luke Cage Episode 12: Soliloquy of Chaos". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on October 2, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ a b Damore, Meagan (May 25, 2016). "Look: New "Luke Cage" Photos Reveal Classic Marvel Comics Villain". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on May 25, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ Schwartz, Terri (January 19, 2016). "Marvel's Luke Cage: Claire Temple Plays a 'Very Significant' Role". IGN. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ a b Han, Angie (September 10, 2015). "'Luke Cage' Adds Frank Whaley as Rafael Scarfe". /Film. Archived from the original on September 12, 2015. Retrieved September 12, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ a b c Ryan, Maureen (September 23, 2016). "TV Review: 'Marvel's Luke Cage'". Variety. Archived from the original on September 24, 2016. Retrieved September 24, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ a b c d Kincaid, Rhiannon (March 14, 2016). "Luke Cage Cast And Crew Throw Wrap Party As Production Nears End On Season One". MCU Exchange. Archived from the original on March 14, 2016. Retrieved March 14, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ a b c Cecchini, Mike (October 1, 2016). "Luke Cage: Complete Marvel Comics Easter Eggs and Reference Guide". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on October 1, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h i Zalben, Alexander (September 30, 2016). "Marvel's Luke Cage: Every Easter Egg and Reference". TV Guide. Archived from the original on October 2, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  34. ^ Perry, Spencer (September 25, 2015). "Over 20 Luke Cage Set Photos, Plus Another Cast Member Confirmed!". ComingSoon.net. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved September 25, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ a b c Keene, Allison (September 7, 2016). "'Luke Cage' Review: Netflix Delivers the Hero We Need". Collider.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ a b c Eisenberg, Eric (September 22, 2016). "Luke Cage Review: Netflix's Latest Marvel Show Is Every Bit As Awesome And Exciting As We Wanted". Cinema Blend. Archived from the original on September 25, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ Morales, Wilson (October 22, 2015). "Daredevil's Rob Morgan Back As Turk Barrett On Marvel's Luke Cage". BlackFilm.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2016. Retrieved March 15, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  38. ^ Cecchini, Mike (October 1, 2016). "Luke Cage: Complete Marvel Comics Easter Eggs and Reference Guide - Luke Cage Episode 4: Step in the Arena". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on October 1, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  39. ^ a b Strom, Marc (November 24, 2015). "Sonia Braga Joins the Netflix Original Series 'Marvel's Luke Cage'". Marvel.com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2015. Retrieved November 25, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  40. ^ a b Agard, Chancellor (October 1, 2016). "Luke Cage recap: 'Just to Get a Rep'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 2, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  41. ^ Cecchini, Mike (October 1, 2016). "Luke Cage: Complete Marvel Comics Easter Eggs and Reference Guide - Luke Cage Episode 8: Blowin' up the Spot". Den of Geek. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  42. ^ Shepherd, Jack (September 26, 2016). "Luke Cage: Stan Lee cameo revealed in new trailer". The Independent. Archived from the original on September 26, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  43. ^ a b c d e Los Angeles Times (July 25, 2016). Comic Con: Luke Cage. YouTube. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  44. ^ Gaudette, Emily (September 26, 2016). "Method Man is in the MCU and He's Friends With Luke Cage". Inverse. Archived from the original on September 26, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  45. ^ a b c Cecchini, Mike (October 1, 2016). "Luke Cage: Complete Marvel Comics Easter Eggs and Reference Guide - Luke Cage Episode 13: You Know My Steez". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on October 2, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  46. ^ a b c d e Topei, Fred (July 29, 2016). "'Luke Cage' Showrunner Teases Big-Name Musical Guests for Season One [TCA 2016]". /Film. Archived from the original on July 31, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  47. ^ a b Cecchini, Mike (October 1, 2016). "Luke Cage: Complete Marvel Comics Easter Eggs and Reference Guide - Luke Cage Episode 3: Who's Gonna Take the Weight?". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on October 1, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  48. ^ a b Cecchini, Mike (October 1, 2016). "Luke Cage: Complete Marvel Comics Easter Eggs and Reference Guide - Luke Cage Episode 9: DWYCK". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on October 1, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  49. ^ Kit, Borys; Bond, Paul (May 7, 2013). "A Spago dinner sets the stage for Downey's epic contract talks that could lead to more "Avengers" and "Iron Man 4" -- or a new Tony Stark". Archived from the original on May 17, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2013. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  50. ^ Kit, Zorianna; Kit, Borys (June 5, 2003). "Col locks up 'Cage' rights: Marvel character screen-bound. (News).(Brief Article)". The Hollywood Reporter via Highbeam Business. Archived from the original on January 16, 2015. Retrieved January 16, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help); templatestyles stripmarker in |work= at position 28 (help)
  51. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 14, 2013). "Marvel Preps 60-Episode Package Of Four Series & A Mini For VOD & Cable Networks". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2014. Retrieved October 14, 2013. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  52. ^ Lieberman, David (November 7, 2013). "Disney To Provide Netflix With Four Series Based On Marvel Characters". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2014. Retrieved November 7, 2013. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  53. ^ a b c d e Tanz, Jason (August 16, 2016). "Modern Marvel: Why Netflix's Luke Cage Is The Superhero We Really Need Now". Wired. Archived from the original on August 28, 2016. Retrieved August 16, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  54. ^ a b Spangler, Todd (March 31, 2015). "Netflix, Marvel Pick 'Luke Cage' Showrunner, Cheo Hodari Coker". Variety. Archived from the original on March 31, 2015. Retrieved March 31, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  55. ^ Walzer, Graham (September 27, 2016). "Mike Colter, Luke Cage, and the "Wu-Tang-ification" of the Marvel Universe". Complex. Archived from the original on September 28, 2016. Retrieved September 28, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  56. ^ Schwartz, Terri (January 7, 2015). "Netflix announces 'Daredevil,' 'Bloodline,' 'Kimmy Schmidt' premiere dates". Zap2It. Archived from the original on January 10, 2015. Retrieved January 10, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  57. ^ a b Goldman, Eric (July 28, 2015). "Netflix On Marvel Series Release Plan And If Punisher Could Get A Spinoff". IGN. Archived from the original on July 28, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  58. ^ Fitzpatrick, Kevin (July 27, 2016). "New 'Jessica Jones,' 'Daredevil' and 'Punisher' No Earlier Than 2018?". ScreenCrush. Archived from the original on July 28, 2016. Retrieved July 28, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  59. ^ O'Keefe, Meghan (September 15, 2016). "'Luke Cage' Showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker On Mike Colter, "Heroes For Hire," And Making An "Inclusively Black" Superhero Show". Decider. Archived from the original on September 25, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  60. ^ Cite error: The named reference ColterFutureIdeas was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  61. ^ Viscardi, James (July 21, 2016). "Marvel's Luke Cage Liveblog From San Diego Comic Con 2016". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  62. ^ Sullivan, James (September 26, 2016). "In every episode of 'Luke Cage,' a tribute to Gang Starr". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on September 27, 2016. Retrieved September 27, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  63. ^ Schwartz, Terri (January 26, 2016). "Marvel TV Head Jeph Loeb Talks Agent Carter, SHIELD Spinoff, Luke Cage And X-Men On TV". IGN. Archived from the original on January 26, 2016. Retrieved January 26, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  64. ^ Boone, Josh (July 25, 2016). "EXCLUSIVE: Marvel's Head of TV Reveals How 'The Defenders' Will Be Different From 'The Avengers'". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on July 29, 2016. Retrieved July 29, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  65. ^ a b Nolfi, Joey (April 13, 2016). "Luke Cage producer compares Netflix's new Marvel series to The Wire". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  66. ^ a b Siegel, Lucas (October 12, 2015). "Mike Colter Reveals Where And When Marvel's Luke Cage Will Take Place". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 2015. Retrieved October 13, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  67. ^ Joe Quesada on Luke Cage Embracing NYC and Iron Fist's Villain Count - SDCC 2016. IGN. July 21, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  68. ^ a b White, Brett (August 3, 2016). ""Luke Cage" Cast, Showrunner Call Netflix Series A "Love Song" To Harlem". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on August 28, 2016. Retrieved August 28, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  69. ^ Schwartz, Terri (January 17, 2016). "Marvel's Luke Cage Won't Feel Like a Sequel to Jessica Jones". IGN. Archived from the original on January 18, 2016. Retrieved January 18, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  70. ^ Romano, Nick (April 3, 2016). "Luke Cage: Mike Colter teases what to expect from Netflix series". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved April 3, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  71. ^ Radish, Christina (July 29, 2015). "JESSICA JONES: Melissa Rosenberg and Jeph Loeb Talk Characters, Tone, Action and More". Collider. Archived from the original on July 30, 2015. Retrieved July 30, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  72. ^ Goldberg, Matt (October 14, 2015). "Carrie-Anne Moss and Mike Colter Talk 'Jessica Jones' and 'Luke Cage' at NYCC". Collider. Archived from the original on October 15, 2015. Retrieved October 15, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  73. ^ Lawrence, Derek (July 21, 2016). "Luke Cage producer on modern relevance of 'first black superhero'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 22, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  74. ^ a b Betancourt, David (September 27, 2016). "Inside the making of 'Luke Cage,' Marvel's first black superhero show". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 28, 2016. Retrieved September 28, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  75. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 19, 2014). "Marvel's 'Jessica Jones': Krysten Ritter, Alexandra Daddario, Teresa Palmer, Marin Ireland, Jessica De Gouw Testing For Lead". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on November 20, 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2014. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  76. ^ Sampson, Mike (April 5, 2016). "Here's Who Alfre Woodard Plays in 'Captain America: Civil War'". Screen Crush. Archived from the original on April 11, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  77. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (August 21, 2015). "Marvel's 'Luke Cage': Alfre Woodard Cast In Key Role On Netflix Series". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on August 25, 2015. Retrieved August 25, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  78. ^ Soo Hoo, Fawina (November 20, 2015). "There Are No Superhero Costumes To Be Found In 'Jessica Jones,' Netflix's Latest Marvel Adaptation". Fashionista. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  79. ^ Damore, Meagan (September 29, 2016). "Luke Cage Opening Credits Sequence Sings A Love Song To Harlem". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on September 29, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  80. ^ a b "Marvel's Netflix Series to Film in New York City". Marvel.com. February 26, 2014. Archived from the original on February 26, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2014. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  81. ^ a b Blackmon, Joe (April 27, 2014). "Marvel Netflix Series Part Of Marvel Cinematic Universe, Available For Binge Watching According To Joe Quesada". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on April 28, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2014. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  82. ^ Boone, John (July 15, 2015). "We Asked Marvel's Head of Television About Everything From 'Agent Carter' to 'Iron Fist' — And He Answered". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on July 16, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  83. ^ Siegel, Lucas (September 1, 2015). "Marvel's Luke Cage Production Title Is Tiara". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on September 2, 2015. Retrieved September 2, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  84. ^ Jayson, Jay (September 2, 2015). "Exclusive: Misty Knight To Appear In Neflix's Luke Cage". Comicbook.com. Archived from the original on September 3, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  85. ^ a b c d Lincoln, Ross A. (July 27, 2016). "'Luke Cage' Showrunner On Filming Netflix Show: "I Didn't Want To Speak Harlem And Say Harlem Without Seeing Harlem" – TCA". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on July 28, 2016. Retrieved July 28, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  86. ^ "10 Cinematographers to Watch 2016: Manuel Billeter". Variety. April 20, 2016. Archived from the original on April 30, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  87. ^ Paul McGuigan [@paul_mcguigan] (September 14, 2016). "#LukeCage I was greatly influenced by the street photography of Gordon Parks, Tony Ray-Jones and Jack Garofalo. Also check out Khalik Allah" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 27, 2016. Retrieved September 27, 2016 – via Twitter.
  88. ^ Minsker, Evan (April 14, 2016). "A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge Scoring Marvel's "Luke Cage"". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  89. ^ Matthews, Liam (August 31, 2016). "Go Inside the Music of Marvel's Luke Cage". TV Guide. Archived from the original on September 1, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  90. ^ a b Han, Angie (August 31, 2016). "'Luke Cage' Featurette Digs Into the Show's Hip-Hop Influences, With Help From Method Man and A$AP Ferg". /Film. Archived from the original on September 1, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  91. ^ Grosinger, Matt (August 31, 2016). "The Music In Luke Cage Is Going To Be Hip-Hop Perfection". Nerdist. Archived from the original on September 1, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  92. ^ "'Bulletproof Love' from Netflix's 'Luke Cage' Released". Film Music Reporter. September 30, 2016. Archived from the original on October 2, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  93. ^ a b "'Marvel's Luke Cage' Live Concert Announced". Marvel.com. September 23, 2016. Archived from the original on September 24, 2016. Retrieved September 24, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  94. ^ Cecchini, Mike (October 1, 2016). "Luke Cage: Complete Marvel Comics Easter Eggs and Reference Guide - Luke Cage Episode 5: Just to Get a Rep". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on October 1, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  95. ^ Cecchini, Mike (October 1, 2016). "Luke Cage: Complete Marvel Comics Easter Eggs and Reference Guide - Luke Cage Episode 7: Manifest". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on October 1, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  96. ^ Cecchini, Mike (October 1, 2016). "Luke Cage: Complete Marvel Comics Easter Eggs and Reference Guide - Luke Cage Episode 11: Now You're Mine". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on October 2, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  97. ^ "Marvel TV head: 'Daredevil' starts shooting in July, 'Jessica Jones' next up". HitFix. March 24, 2014. Archived from the original on March 25, 2014. Retrieved March 25, 2014. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  98. ^ White, Brett (March 31, 2015). "Marvel Names "Southland" Producer Hodari Coker as "Luke Cage" Showrunner". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on April 1, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  99. ^ Graser, Marc (November 7, 2013). "Why Disney Chose to Put Marvel's New TV Shows on Netflix". Variety. Archived from the original on February 20, 2014. Retrieved February 20, 2014. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  100. ^ Romano, Nick. "Exclusive: 'Daredevil' Star Vincent D'Onofrio Talks Kingpin, Marvel Fans and 'Defenders' Crossover". ScreenCrush. Archived from the original on August 25, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  101. ^ Tanswell, Adam (March 4, 2015). "Marvel's Head of TV talks Agents of SHIELD, Inhumans and Netflix". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on March 7, 2015. Retrieved March 7, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  102. ^ White, Brett (August 23, 2016). "Charlie Cox Reveals Where "Luke Cage" Falls in the Marvel/Netflix Timeline". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on August 24, 2016. Retrieved August 24, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  103. ^ a b Maldy, Alex (September 7, 2016). "TV Review: Marvel's Luke Cage - Season 1 Episode 1 "Moment of Truth"". JoBlo.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  104. ^ Cecchini, Mike (October 1, 2016). "Luke Cage: Complete Marvel Comics Easter Eggs and Reference Guide - Luke Cage Episode 10: Take it Personal". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on October 2, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  105. ^ Lovett, Jamie (March 11, 2016). "Marvel's Luke Cage To Debut On Netflix On September 30th". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  106. ^ "Marvel's Luke Cage". Netflix. Archived from the original on September 7, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  107. ^ Graser, Marc (March 11, 2015). "Marvel's Merchandise Plan for 'Avengers: Age of Ultron:' 'Make the Big Bigger'". Variety. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  108. ^ Dornbush, Jonathon (March 18, 2016). "A hero rises in Harlem in first Luke Cage teaser". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 20, 2016. Retrieved March 20, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  109. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony; Patten, Dominic (June 28, 2016). "Marvel's 'Luke Cage' Heading To Comic-Con For Sneak Peek". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on June 28, 2016. Retrieved June 28, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  110. ^ "Marvel Television Returns To San Diego Comic-Con". Marvel.com. June 30, 2016. Archived from the original on July 5, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  111. ^ Evry, Max (August 31, 2016). "Luke Cage Music Featurette Brings the Sound of the Streets". ComingSoon.net. Archived from the original on September 1, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  112. ^ Cummings, Moriba (September 27, 2016). "Watch Hip-Hop Legends Talk the 'Luke Cage' Netflix Series". BET. Archived from the original on September 28, 2016. Retrieved September 28, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  113. ^ Theo Rossi [@Theorossi] (September 9, 2016). "September 28th LIVE from the @LukeCage Red Carpet Premiere in Harlem! Who's coming? #Shades 🕶" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 9, 2016. Retrieved September 9, 2016 – via Twitter.
  114. ^ "Marvel's Luke Cage: Season 1 (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
  115. ^ "Marvel's Luke Cage : Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
  116. ^ Cecchini, Mike (September 7, 2016). "Marvel's Luke Cage spoiler-free review". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on September 7, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  117. ^ Patten, Dominic (September 7, 2016). "'Luke Cage' Review: Mike Colter-Led Marvel Series Flexes Serious Muscle". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  118. ^ Milner, David (September 16, 2016). "Marvel's Luke Cage review: an evolution for comic books on TV". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  119. ^ Barr, Merrill (September 22, 2016). "'Luke Cage' Review: Another Winner For Marvel And Netflix With A Dash Of 70s Nostalgia". Forbes. Archived from the original on September 25, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  120. ^ O'Hara, Helen (September 18, 2016). "Luke Cage, first look: this could be Netflix's best Marvel series yet". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on September 25, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  121. ^ Betancourt, David (September 21, 2016). "'Luke Cage' is the blackest thing Marvel has ever done". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 25, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  122. ^ Zalben, Alexander (September 26, 2016). "Marvel's Luke Cage Is the Most Important TV Show of 2016". TV Guide. Archived from the original on September 29, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  123. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (September 25, 2016). "Luke Cage Review: New Marvel Series Is Strong, But Not Without Weak Spots". TVLine. Archived from the original on September 26, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  124. ^ Jensen, Jeff (September 27, 2016). "Luke Cage: EW review". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on September 29, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

External links

Luke Cage
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Live-action TV series based on Marvel Comics publications
Netflix
More
Categories